I have been a vegetarian for about 20 years. To be perfectly honest, I began my vegetarianism because I thought it would be “cool.” Over the years, I found that I didn’t miss eating meat – I guess I never really ate too much to begin with and at this point, the thought of eating animal flesh just doesn’t appeal to me at all. Dinner parties can be awkward – I mean do you tell the host you don’t eat meat? Or do you show up and politely eat some side dishes… or do you bring something? I have done all of the above.
I am amused by the various responses I’ve received over the years when people find out about my diet. More than one person has told me that they only vegetarian they know weighs 300 lbs. Perhaps there is a popular 300 pound vegetarian running around Colorado Springs – who knows? I mean if you replace your morning breakfast bacon with a 6-pack of powered donuts, then you’re not really reaping the benefits of the meatless diet – you know?
Others will wonder out loud – how in the world do you get enough protein? Really it is not that hard. I think the average American eats way more protein than we really need. Individual protein needs vary based on activity etc… but here’s one general calculation for a ballpark figure on your protein needs:
1. Weight in pounds divided by 2.2 = weight in kg
2. Weight in kg x 0.8-1.8 gm/kg = protein gm.
So if you’re pretty sedentary, .8 should suffice and if you’re an Olympian, 1.8? I mean clearly this is not an exact formula. .. but an estimate. (Remember – I am not a pro)
I’ve figured I need about 70-80 grams of protein in any given day. A protein shake has 20 g, an egg white about 14 g, a handful of almonds 8 g… not to mention lentils, soy, whey – you get the picture 
Still others will marvel that I am a vegetarian… saying things like “well that is why you are thin.” These folks haven’t met the 300 lb vegetarian in town I guess. Seriously though, it is about choices whether you are a vegetarian or not. I am like most girls who’ve struggled with weight and love of food. Feast and a five lb increase on the scale followed by famine. I’ve gone through the ups and downs of 3 pregnancies and the aftermath. And finally, I think I’ve found a balance. I just happen to be a vegetarian.
PS. A lot of ladies ask me for recipes, so I’ll be posting them on the recipes tab.
