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Nutrition advice for vegetarians
  • WearyWeary
    I'm vegetarian (and I suspect I'm not the only one at the gym who is).

    I acknowledge that eating meat is better for my health and fitness, but I've chosen to be vegetarian for ethical reasons. I'm not asking - or expecting - anyone to share this viewpoint, but I am looking for some pragmatic, practical diet advice that extends beyond the 'eat more meat' variety.

    Besides counselling me to eat meat, what advice would you give me (and other vegetarian crossfitters)? Assuming that meat-eating paleo is the gold standard, what would be the best compromises? In particular, is it best to stick as close as possible to meat-free paleo and source my protein exclusively from eggs, nuts etc? Or would it be better to incorporate some procesed soy-based proteins and/or legumes?

    Thanks

    Andy Wear
  • ScottWaughScottWaugh
    Hey Andy,  

    It all depends on what your goals are.

    If you are looking to lean out and improve general health I would stick to paleo sources and have a lot of eggs and some nuts. 

    If you are looking to add size and improve performance I would look at getting a grass fed natural Whey protein.  http://professionalwhey.com.au/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=26&products_id=108

    It would be best to avoid too much soy and legumes due to the gut irritation and inflammation effects they can have on your body.
  • ChrisLilleyChrisLilley
    Andy,

    totally agree with Scott - get some whey protein from professional whey, it is the business!

    As a former ethical vegetarian (vego for 8 years) and crossfitter, I can tell it is going to be harder for you to keep up with people who are eating meat, but as long as you understand that and don't get frustrated by it then you will be fine.
    I would also like to recommend a book to you, it is called the Vegetarian Myth. It is written by a former vegan and it looks at the ethical argument of vegetarian vs omnivore. It is an interesting read and will provide some sound arguments for and against being vego that you might not have thought about before. Follow this link if you are interested:  

    http://lierrekeith.com/vegmyth.htm

    Good luck with the new diet -  please share your progress.
    See you in the gym!

    Chris
  • WearyWeary

    Thanks Scott and Chris - that's really helpful advice.


    I've basically been focussing on paleo proteins (nuts, eggs) supplemented by a soy-based protein powder. But I'll definitely check out the Whey protein.


    And thanks for the book reference Chris. I'm always open to be challenged on ethics, and from reading the reviews it looks like it's right up my alley. In theory, ethics and paleo should go hand in hand (wild game meats for example), but it generally doesn't get much of a mention in the paleo literature. I've justed ordered it, and look forward to reading it.


    Andy

  • ChrisLilleyChrisLilley
    Nice one Andy!

    Can't wait to hear what you think of the new book. Good on you for giving it a go!!

  • ZMHZMH
    Andy, I got the book for the specific reason of finding arguments against Moral vegetarians. The main thing I got out of the book was that in all situations, something has to die for something else to eat. A perfect example is during the harvesting of crops. The number of small animals (mice, snakes, lizards etc) that are killed is huge. There is also the huge number of bugs and insects and worms that are killed. Where do you draw the line?

    I am very much in agreeance that animals should be treated as humanely as possible before they become my food. That is one of the reasons I only eat grasses meat.

    Look deeply into the topic and you will be surprised with what you find.

    Please do not use soy based products (especially of you like being a man!) Do a google search and you will be very surprised at the dangers of soy.

    Hit me up in the gym if you want more advice.
  • AdamAdam
    Andy,

    Do some research on gut irritating foods.
    Often the vegetarian diet increases the intake of these.
    Steer clear of irritating and inflaming foods.

    As for protein, you will be best placed to eat animal proteins.
    If that fits your ethical viewpoint, then eggs and whey protein are the go.

    Is fish out?
    Might be an option if it fits with you.

    Remember, we're all outcasts!
    Celebrate your differences. 
    :)
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