Thread: Ask me about vegetarianism

How much protein does a person generally need each day.

I've been trying to stay on a mostly vegetarian diet lately and want to make sure I get the required amount. I must be doing ok so far but it would be nice to know how much is needed.

Do you take any supplements?

Why are you a vegetarian?

good questions
I'm sorry, I've got to run, but I'll answer when I come back.

An average persons needs about 50-60g of protein per day. Since you don´t eat meat t´s alot harder to obtain protein, but if you eat food such as soybeans, eggs, milk, nuts, beans it´s actually not that difficult. How ever, If you´r trying to build muscle, a protein supplement is very helpfull since you´ll need alot more protein.

Remember to eat with good variety. Most vegetable food needs to bee combined with something else in order for your body to be able to use the protein. For example peas and beans should be combined with some type of grain.

Originally Posted by Gabriel S

An average persons needs about 50-60g of protein per day. Since you don´t eat meat t´s alot harder to obtain protein, but if you eat food such as soybeans, eggs, milk, nuts, beans it´s actually not that difficult. How ever, If you´r trying to build muscle, a protein supplement is very helpfull since you´ll need alot more protein.

Remember to eat with good variety. Most vegetable food needs to bee combined with something else in order for your body to be able to use the protein. For example peas and beans should be combined with some type of grain.

Ok thanks, that helps. That sounds like a lot though, makes me wonder if I've been getting enough. I do eat the things you say, along with peanut butter sandwiches. I slack on the variety though, I tend to eat the same things a lot, out of convenience. I'll try to start eating more whole grain bread. Just got some today, actually.

Originally Posted by Caradon

How much protein does a person generally need each day.

I've been trying to stay on a mostly vegetarian diet lately and want to make sure I get the required amount. I must be doing ok so far but it would be nice to know how much is needed.

HTML Code:

According to Western nutritional information, we should consume 1/3 of our body weight or .36 grams of protein per lb of body weight. That doesn’t hold up on close examination. Theoretically, a 6’2” 250 lb man would need 80 grams of protein a day – unless he’s overweight and sedentary. An active rapidly growing seven year old could need more protein than a full size sedentary adult. And contrary to what we’ve been told, athletes don’t need a lot more protein than regular people. They do need more complex carbohydrates for energy to support all that physical activity.

There are lots of myths regarding vegetarianism, especially with the protein thing. I get my protein from leafy greens, which I consume in green smoothies. Green smoothies are drinks made of fruit and leafy greens: they taste good and are packed with nutrients. (I sound like a TV ad)
I consume dairy and eggs only occasionally. And I went to a trip to the doctor and had a blood test: the doctor was impressed of my results.

So, drink a green smoothie daily and you'll be really healthy and radiant

Originally Posted by Xox

Do you take any supplements?

Only probiotics.

Originally Posted by mindwanderer

Why are you a vegetarian?

First I made that choice because I was made aware of the slaughter and torture of animals. I couldn't take that, so I decided to be a vegetarian. I could never be happier with any other decision.
Then I chose to go vegan for my health.

Originally Posted by undeadjellybean

First I made that choice because I was made aware of the slaughter and torture of animals. I couldn't take that, so I decided to be a vegetarian. I could never be happier with any other decision.
Then I chose to go vegan for my health.

congrats. I did too and couldn't have been happier with it.

How long have you been vegetarian/vegan?


To just very lightly outline my reasons:

1. The horrors of animal slaughter that have been increasingly getting
worse after the meat production has become five times as high over the
last 50 years and since it is more important to produce meat cheaply.
2. The ecological implications - most of what has been cleared of the
rainforest was either directly or indirectly caused by meat production.
3. Wasting of ressources, food and water, the amount of valuable nutritions
are being fed by the thousands to millions of hungry cows. What is wasted
here could feed twice the population we have now, instead of letting
1 billion starve. The amount of water that is wasted in the process is
mindblowing as well. Per 1 Kilogram (2.2lbs) there are 16 kg of crop needed
and 10.000 liters (2600gallons) of water.
4. Health. It is not neccessary to eat meat, or drink milk. There is no
good reason for all this consumption, especially not in the amount that
it is being done (fast food, etc) - adding to this, meat consumption had
been linked with various form of cardiac diseases and cancers.
5. The concept of meat doesn't really fit in my general philosophy of life.

After I had been reading a lot about it, it just made too much sense to me.

Originally Posted by undeadjellybean

So, drink a green smoothie daily and you'll be really healthy and radiant

Do you have a recipe for that?

The horrors of animal slaughter that have been increasingly getting
worse after the meat production has become five times as high over the
last 50 years and since it is more important to produce meat cheaply.

Think of all the terribly painful long drawn-out deaths that millions of animals go through everyday... thanks to the food chain. Think of wolves ripping the living s**t out of a live moose.

There is no good reason for all this consumption, especially not in the amount that it is being done (fast food, etc)

I agree the amount some people eat today is way off... but it's a myth that there is no need. Some people are thick skulled enough to say we aren't even meant to eat meat. Evolution isn't wrong, pain and death is inevitable... part of life even.

adding to this, meat consumption had been linked with various form of cardiac diseases and cancers.

We won't cure hunger by extending lives. We aren't meant to live long, but thanks to medicine we're over-populating the earth an catalyzing our own complete destruction. Figure out how much longer you'll live not eating meat, and then consider the amount of fuel used (both fossil and food) as well as what waste you'll emit (including fuel emissions).

IMO a lot of vegetarians' motives expose their backwardness. Not to say any of you (on this forum) specifically. But really... you aren't considering everything.

p.s. These are my observations, and this tread doesn't have to turn into an argument over this.

I'll keep it short

Originally Posted by mindwanderer

Think of all the terribly painful long drawn-out deaths that millions of animals go through everyday... thanks to the food chain. Think of wolves ripping the living s**t out of a live moose.

Just two different things.

I agree the amount some people eat today is way off... but it's a myth that there is no need. Some people are thick skulled enough to say we aren't even meant to eat meat. Evolution isn't wrong, pain and death is inevitable... part of life even.

a myth? It's a myth that we need meat.

We won't cure hunger by extending lives. We aren't meant to live long, but thanks to medicine we're over-populating the earth an catalyzing our own complete destruction. Figure out how much longer you'll live not eating meat, and then consider the amount of fuel used (both fossil and food) as well as what waste you'll emit (including fuel emissions).

That's kind of funny. Should I kill myself?

Also - We could cure hunger. It's just a question of distribution.

IMO a lot of vegetarians' motives expose their backwardness. Not to say any of you (on this forum) specifically. But really... you aren't considering everything.

backwards, where? your arguments are a little weak...

a myth? It's a myth that we need meat.

Wow, your argument is about as good as mine. I'd say prove it, but I'll start. We have enzymes in our stomachs specific to proteins in meat, we have canines, we've been eating meat for as long as we've been here. We're omnivores... that is to say, we eat meat. A proper diet can have meat and not kill you at a young age. You ignore other variables to make it seem like meat consumption causes these diseases. You don't consider that people that eat lots of meat likely have a less active life style... there may be a cause and effect... but you fail to outline the 'why'. I'm not against vegetarians, as long as they do their studying and don't sound like fools.

That's kind of funny. Should I kill myself?

Wow, great counter-point. You know I'm right and as such try to out me by putting words in my mouth. You could be a politician with the way you carry yourself in arguments. Unfortunately that's not a good thing.

Also - We could cure hunger. It's just a question of distribution.

Notice the bolded "just". You make it seems like all it takes is distribution. If it were that simple we would've done it by now. And you can't without being a goddamn liar say that the longer an individual in western society lives, the worst off the entire planet is. Even if you're a high and mighty vegan hybrid driving tree hugger. Some vegetarians act like they're the cure to everything wrong in the world. There's waaaay more to it than that... and if people took the time to understand it then I wouldn't have a problem.

backwards, where? your arguments are a little weak...

Clearly you have subpar reading comprehension.

Since you aren't taking the times to flesh out your responses and have a legitimate argument I won't either.

How much does a vegan diet typically cost you a month?

Originally Posted by mindwanderer

We won't cure hunger by extending lives. We aren't meant to live long, but thanks to medicine we're over-populating the earth an catalyzing our own complete destruction. Figure out how much longer you'll live not eating meat, and then consider the amount of fuel used (both fossil and food) as well as what waste you'll emit (including fuel emissions).

IMO a lot of vegetarians' motives expose their backwardness. Not to say any of you (on this forum) specifically. But really... you aren't considering everything.

Actually, you aren't considering everything. How much production output is wasted on taking care of people who become disabled from strokes, heart attacks, and various diseases/illnesses? A shit load.

A healthy population is a productive population.

How much production output is wasted on taking care of people who become disabled from strokes, heart attacks, and various diseases/illnesses? A shit load.

It's fair for me to assume you aren't a specialist in this area, and that you've done research. Could you please show me the research you've done? Tell me how much energy a single person uses in 10 years, and then how much energy a person being 'kept alive' spends in the same ten years. What's that? You can't? You're just making bold assumptions? My half brother's father lived with a stroke for 15 years before dying of colon cancer, and all he had was a single machine monitering him during the night... which uses about as much electricity as a cellular phone. A lot of machines used in hospitals use very little electricity, as they're used largely for monitering and observe, as opposed to moving loads or anything. Just some lights and speakers.

A healthy population is a productive population.

Yet a productive population is a destructive population. Think to what extent we've damaged this earth since the industrial revolution. Since the age of efficiency (last 100 years).

@mindwanderer:

I didn't plan to make a big argument out of it. As I've stated, I wanted to keep it short
and light from the beginning. It's not my thread, also... I don't want to hijack.

It's really late here, I'll come back to it tomorrow, with more explaining.
I did not realize your passion about the topic.

Ok, lets see...

You first posted this:

Originally Posted by mindwanderer

I agree the amount some people eat today is way off... but it's a myth that there is no need. Some people are thick skulled enough to say we aren't even meant to eat meat. Evolution isn't wrong, pain and death is inevitable... part of life even.

I assume you agree with me that the amount of produced and consumed
meat is off, but you think it is a myth that people don't need meat for a
healthy life, am I correct? That's what you're trying to say, right?

Lets just start with the biggest and most official study ever conducted
about vegetarianism and veganism by the American Dietic Association.

Originally Posted by wikipedia

The American Dietetic Association (ADA) is the United States' largest organization of food and nutrition professionals, with nearly 67,000 members. Approximately 75 % of ADA's members are registered dietitians and about 4 % are dietetic technicians, registered. The remainder of ADA's members include researchers, educators, students, clinical and community dietetics professionals, consultants and food service managers.

American Dietetic Association Endorses Vegetarian Diets

July 6, 2009 — Vegetarian diets, if well-planned, are healthful and nutritious for all age groups and can help prevent and treat chronic diseases, according to an updated position paper released by the American Dietetic Association. The revised recommendations are published in the July issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. The position was adopted by the House of Delegates Leadership Team in 1987 and was reaffirmed in 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2006; the updated position paper is to remain in effect until December 31, 2013.

A well-planned vegetarian diet can meet current recommendations for all vital nutrients, including protein, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, iodine, calcium, and vitamins D and B-12. However, use of supplements or fortified foods may be helpful to boost intake of important nutrients in certain cases.

The American Dietetic Association contends that carefully planned vegetarian diets, including vegan diets, are healthful and nutritionally sufficient for individuals of all ages, including pregnant or lactating women, infants, children, adolescents, and athletes. During pregnancy, adherence to a nutritionally adequate vegetarian diet can lead to positive health outcomes for both the mother and infant.

full article

And an excerpt of another article that also features where you can get
the nutritional values your body needs from plant based products:

Who says that a vegetarian diet cannot be as nutritious as a non-veg diet? As long as you eat a healthy and well-balanced meal, your body would definitely receive the right amount of nutrition. Moreover, being low on calorie, the vegetarian diet won’t make you fat; if anything, it would help you maintain a slim and flat stomach throughout your entire life.

full article

Then here is another article:

Beyond Milk and Honey: The Vegan Controversy

This article outlines the benefits and what you have to watch out for, too:
http://www.americanheart.org/present...dentifier=4777

Excerpts:

Are vegetarian diets healthful?

Most vegetarian diets are low in or devoid of animal products. They’re also usually lower than nonvegetarian diets in total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol. Many studies have shown that vegetarians seem to have a lower risk of obesity, coronary heart disease (which causes heart attack), high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus and some forms of cancer.

Vegetarian diets can be healthful and nutritionally sound if they’re carefully planned to include essential nutrients. However, a vegetarian diet can be unhealthy if it contains too many calories and/or saturated fat and not enough important nutrients.

full article

also:

Vegetarian dietary practices and endurance performance

DC Nieman
Department of Nutrition, School of Health, Loma Linda University, CA 92350.

Confounding influences of varying fat, protein, and carbohydrate (CHO) levels, training habits, and lifestyle patterns make the interpretation of specific influences of the diet on endurance performance unclear. In general, exhaustion during prolonged, hard endurance exercise is tied to low muscle glycogen stores. Athletes in heavy training are urged to consume 70% of calories as CHO to maximize body CHO stores. A deemphasis in animal products with an emphasis in high-CHO plant foods would facilitate athletes in conforming to nutritional recommendations. Some female athletes may increase their risk of iron deficiency and/or amenorrhea if a restrictive vegetarian diet is adopted. In general, the high-CHO nature of the vegetarian diet can help the endurance athlete in heavy training maximize body glycogen stores and thus the ability to perform. The balanced vegetarian diet provides the athlete with added reduction in coronary risk factors while meeting all known nutritional needs.

Another one:

U.S. Physicians Say Meat Not Necessary, Actually Harmful

==============================================

Originally Posted by mindwanderer

Wow, your argument is about as good as mine. I'd say prove it, but I'll start. We have enzymes in our stomachs specific to proteins in meat, we have canines, we've been eating meat for as long as we've been here. We're omnivores... that is to say, we eat meat. A proper diet can have meat and not kill you at a young age. You ignore other variables to make it seem like meat consumption causes these diseases. You don't consider that people that eat lots of meat likely have a less active life style... there may be a cause and effect... but you fail to outline the 'why'. I'm not against vegetarians, as long as they do their studying and don't sound like fools

If you would have asked me for a source, I would have provided.

We are omnivores, which means our bodies can substract nutrition
from animal-products and plants. It turns out that all the nutrition we need
to be healthy can be found in vegetarian products as well.

I have never said that if you ate meat as a child, you will die. Obviously
there is enough living proof to counter this argument, on the other hand
there is plenty of living proof of healthy vegetarians/vegans. I could be
considered one for both cases. Also note that I have never said that it is
impossible to be healthy and eat meat.

As for the connection to cancer and heart diseases, it is not I, who said
this, but there are plenty of studies I can back my claim up with. You
decide if they have been conducted to your satisfaction, all I can do is
provide you with scientific studies. I have stated this to be a reason for
me to be a vegan, wether you believe it or not is up to you.

Scientific Papers:

Meat consumption and fatal ischemic heart disease.

Abstract: The relationship between meat consumption and ischemic heart disease (IHD) mortality was measured in a group of over 25,000 Seventh Day Adventists, beginning in 1960 and continuing through 1980. A postive association was found between meat consumption and IHD mortality for both men and women, and was strongest in younger men. The data indicated that meat-eating men of ages 45-64 had a 3-fold higher IHD mortality risk than non-meat-eating men. This association did not appear to be influenced by marital status, dairy product consumption, or the traditional risk factors of egg consumption, cigarette smoking, or obesity.

Prospective study of major dietary patterns and risk of coronary heart disease in men

During 8 y of follow-up, we documented 1089 cases of CHD (nonfatal myocardial infarction and fatal CHD). Using factor analysis, we identified 2 major dietary patterns using dietary data collected through a 131-item FFQ. The first factor, which we labeled the "prudent pattern," was characterized by higher intake of vegetables, fruit, legumes, whole grains, fish, and poultry, whereas the second factor, the "Western pattern," was characterized by higher intake of red meat, processed meat, refined grains, sweets and dessert, French fries, and high-fat dairy products. After adjustment for age and CHD risk factors, the relative risks from the lowest to highest quintiles of the prudent pattern score were 1.0, 0.87, 0.79, 0.75, and 0.70 (95% CI: 0.56, 0.86; P for trend = 0.0009). In contrast, the relative risks across increasing quintiles of the Western pattern score were 1.0, 1.21, 1.36, 1.40, and 1.64 (95% CI: 1.24, 2.17; P for trend < 0.0001). These associations persisted in subgroup analyses according to cigarette smoking, body mass index, and parental history of myocardial infarction.

Conclusions: These data suggest that major dietary patterns derived from the FFQ predict risk of CHD, independent of other lifestyle variables.

DIET, OBESITY, AND RISK OF FATAL PROSTATE CANCER

Findings described in this report are for 6,763 white male Seventh-day Adventists who completed a dietary questionnaire in 1960. Between 1960 and 1980 mortality data were collected on cohort members. Overweight men had a significantly higher risk of fatal prostate cancer than men near their desirable weight. The predicted relative risk of fatal prostate cancer was 2.5 for overweight men. Suggestive positive associations were also seen between fatal prostate cancer and the consumption of milk, cheese, eggs, and meat. There was an orderly dose-response between each of the four animal products and risk. The predicted relative risk of fatal prostate cancer was 3.6 for those who heavily consumed all four animal products. The results of this study and others suggest that animal product consumption and obesity may be risk factors for fatal prostate cancer.

Prevalence of obesity is low in people who do not eat meat.

download the full study here

Diet and Cancer

The large differences in cancer rates among countries, striking changes in these rates among migrating populations, and rapid changes over time within countries indicate that some aspect of lifestyle or environment is largely responsible for the common cancers in Western countries. Dietary fat has been hypothesized to be the key factor because national consumption is correlated with the international differences. However, detailed analyses in large prospective studies have not supported an important role of dietary fat. Instead, positive energy balance, reflected in early age at menarche and weight gain as an adult, is an important determinant of breast and colon cancers, consistent with numerous studies in animals. As a contributor to positive energy balance, and possibly by other mechanisms, physical inactivity has also been shown to be a risk factor for these diseases and in part accounts for the international differences. Although the percentage of calories from fat in the diet does not appear related to risk of colon cancer, greater risks have been seen with higher consumption of red meat, suggesting that factors other than fat per se are important.

In many case-control studies, a high consumption of fruits and vegetables has been associated with reduced risks of numerous cancers, but recent prospective studies suggest these associations may have been overstated. Among the factors in fruits and vegetables that have been examined in relation to cancer risk, present data most strongly support a benefit of higher folic acid consumption in reducing risks of colon and breast cancers. These findings have been bolstered by an association between incidence of colon cancer and a polymorphism in the gene for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, an enzyme involved in folic acid metabolism. The benefits of folic acid appear strongest among persons who regularly consume alcohol, which itself is associated with risk of these cancers. Numerous other aspects of diet are hypothesized to influence the risks of cancers in Western countries, but for the moment the evidence is unclear.

Low body mass index in non-meat eaters: the possible roles of animal fat, dietary fibre and alcohol.

but you fail to outline the 'why'. I'm not against vegetarians, as
long as they do their studying and don't sound like fools

I have stated the reasons why I chose to be vegetarian and then vegan.
I am not trying to convert and I didn't want to start a big discussion in
a thread someone else wanted to use, to get asked questions about her
diet. Also I don't agree with you that I haven't outlined the 'why'. I did,
lightly (as I have said), but I did. If you want more detail, just ask.

Would you be this agressive if we were talking about belief? What many
people don't realize is that in contrast to missionary vegetarians that I
know exist and find annoying, a vegetarian in the western society has to
constantly justify himself, as if we were a dangerous crowd. Believe it or
not, it is getting tiresome over the years to constantly repeat yourself.

Originally Posted by mindwanderer

We won't cure hunger by extending lives. We aren't meant to live long, but thanks to medicine we're over-populating the earth an catalyzing our own complete destruction. Figure out how much longer you'll live not eating meat, and then consider the amount of fuel used (both fossil and food) as well as what waste you'll emit (including fuel emissions).

Wow, great counter-point. You know I'm right and as such try to out me by putting words in my mouth. You could be a politician with the way you carry yourself in arguments. Unfortunately that's not a good thing.

You have to pick a stand here.

Either you think a vegetarian diet being healthy is a myth or you don't.
If you think that it is and that we are actually living unhealthy, then the
argument stops there, because I am going to die sooner and I am helping
the environment in my time alive.

Many people underestimate the positive effect and the incredible amount
of water and energy saved through a plant-based diet. Before you get all
pissy again, just tell me if you want evidence for this, I can provide as well.
But I must tell you now, it would again be a pretty long post.

I am not going to live twice as long for sure, but I am saving already a
high amount of fuel, water, food, energy, far more than I would if I would
just live a 'normal', but shorter life. I really don't think your math will work
out. If you decide to call me on it, I hope you are prepared to sit down and
research as well.

Furthermore, it doesn't stop there, in my opinion. Also included are buying
only products that are locally available during the season, buying fair trade
and supporting local trades. Veganism is an entire life style, beyond diet.

Can you really not see, where the argument that a vegetarian diet is
unethical, because as a positive side effect it prolongs ones life, is flawed?
Are you going to use western medicine once you get really sick? Do you
think doing sport is unethical? Are people, who eat healthy to blame for
overpopulation, even though the highest concentration of people often
times occur in populaces with lack of proper nutritional diversity?

I am not going to prolong my life through chemical or mechanical means,
I will gladly die when my time comes. But even if I live a longer life than I
would have, I am not going to feel guilty for it, just by avoiding unhealthy
products. This is my opinion, you are free to have yours, although I would
find it hard to believe that you will not expose your own hypocrisy, if you'd
actually say that in the face of death, you'd waive medicinal care.

Originally Posted by mindwanderer

Notice the bolded "just". You make it seems like all it takes is distribution. If it were that simple we would've done it by now. And you can't without being a goddamn liar say that the longer an individual in western society lives, the worst off the entire planet is. Even if you're a high and mighty vegan hybrid driving tree hugger. Some vegetarians act like they're the cure to everything wrong in the world. There's waaaay more to it than that... and if people took the time to understand it then I wouldn't have a problem.

There is enough food, if it were distributed fairly, hypothetically speaking,
there is no need for hunger.

The world produces enough food to feed everyone. World agriculture produces 17 percent more calories per person today than it did 30 years ago, despite a 70 percent population increase. This is enough to provide everyone in the world with at least 2,720 kilocalories (kcal) per person per day (FAO 2002, p.9). The principal problem is that many people in the world do not have sufficient land to grow, or income to purchase, enough food.

http://www.worldhunger.org/articles/...cts%202002.htm

I know how complicated these issues are, I know some stuff about economy.
I did not say that it would be that simple, but there are many reasons that
could be at cause here, I mean, why do we not erase the debt of Third World
countries? Right, we benefit off of cheap labor, cheap land and cheap ressources.
(This is an entirely and huge debate in itself, start a new thread if you want
to pick me up on this, please)

Originally Posted by mindwanderer

Clearly you have subpar reading comprehension.

Since you aren't taking the times to flesh out your responses and have a legitimate argument I won't either.

Right back at ya

===============================================

Originally Posted by ArcanumNoctis

How much does a vegan diet typically cost you a month?

It depends. I try to buy ecological as much as I can, which is a little more
expensive. But you only pay marginally more for soy-,rice- and oat-milk,
if you buy tofu and soy products unprepared, you will pay less, if you buy
them already done (there is so much nice stuff already) you sometimes
pay for a 'steak' 6-7$, for tofu-sausages (5pcs) 5$ and so on.

You have to know where to get what, though, because you can easily spend
a small fortune on healthy food. At the beginning your food budget probably
goes up, but after a while it would adjust to a normal level of costs.

I am not paying much more for food than before, also because I don't eat
out as much anymore (for obvious reasons). I can't say exactly, but 200 €,
which would be 270$ a month for food and drinks altogether sounds about
right. But this is Europe, the US is more expensive, as far as I remember.

@undeadjellybean: Sorry, really not trying to take over your thread.

Sorry, I don't have time to read your whole post... but I skimmed over it. It seems this all stems from misunderstanding... that is, you putting words in my mouth.

I assume you agree with me that the amount of produced and consumed meat is off, but you think it is a myth that people don't need meat for a healthy life, am I correct? That's what you're trying to say, right?

Here's what I'm saying:
Meat in diet =/= unhealthy

I said it's a myth that meat is unhealthy. I never said you can't be vegan and healthy. You made is sound like meat is the worst thing you can do for your body. I agreed that nowadays people go way over board and it shows in their health. You said straight out that meat is not necessary... and I simply said our body is made to eat almsot anything the world throws at us.

I never said vegan or a omnivore diet is healthy or unhealthy. My grandmother is a lifelong vegan, and she is well into her 70's and perfectly healthy. But many other people in my family, and friends, have eaten a pound of meat or more a week since they were old enough to chew and they're old but still healthy.

Don't go trough all this trouble just 'cause you were putting words in my mouth. Now you made a big ol' post all for nothing.

edit: As you can now see, this all stems from your misunderstandings. Not by any deficit of mine, like lack of reading comprehension.

/edit:

nevermind.. it's alright.

I did cover other points in my post as well.

I, too, have provided evidence for indication of meat being not so healthy.

btw, I disagree that I have been putting words in your mouth. I have tried to
analyse your posts and answer as best and as thoroughly as I could and really
tried to cover everything that you have (or might have) implied.

If you read (the beginning of) my post in regards of what else you have posted,
you would see that it was not only appropriate to provide sources for my claim
that meat is not needed in a diet, but that you actually have requested me to do so.

I disagree with your last statements as well. I can not now see that all stems
from my misunderstandings. And you have misread me, right at the start, as well.

But this would be too much nitpicking. No fun, no use.

How much does a vegan diet typically cost you a month?

Originally Posted by dajo

It depends. I try to buy ecological as much as I can, which is a little more
expensive. But you only pay marginally more for soy-,rice- and oat-milk,
if you buy tofu and soy products unprepared, you will pay less, if you buy
them already done (there is so much nice stuff already) you sometimes
pay for a 'steak' 6-7$, for tofu-sausages (5pcs) 5$ and so on.

You have to know where to get what, though, because you can easily spend
a small fortune on healthy food. At the beginning your food budget probably
goes up, but after a while it would adjust to a normal level of costs.

I am not paying much more for food than before, also because I don't eat
out as much anymore (for obvious reasons). I can't say exactly, but 200 €,
which would be 270$ a month for food and drinks altogether sounds about
right. But this is Europe, the US is more expensive, as far as I remember.

I'm thinking just in terms of raw ingredients. Should be cheaper in that case, especially if things like rice/beans etc. are bought in bulk. Thanks!

Can I have the smoothie recipe?

Do any vegetarians enjoy the taste of meat?