New Vegetarian, Fish and Photography

Question For Savvy Vegetarian:

Hey! I just became a vegetarian because I saw the 'Meet Your Meat' video. When I told my mom I wanted to be a vegetarian, she asked me if I was still going to eat chicken and fish or not. At first I said no, but then I started thinking that if they're not being treated as bad as the pigs, cows, and chickens, then maybe I should start out eating fish then work my way off it. If I do end up eating fish, it will just be for a little while because I still think it's wrong to take them away from their homes and natural habitat. What do you think I should do as a starting vegetarian?

Savvy Veg Advice: I think you should take it easy, and gradually learn about vegetarian nutrition and how to cook vegetarian food. It takes a long time to become vegetarian, at least to do it right so you don't starve. So yes, it would be okay if you ate fish and eggs for a while, and gradually introduce new foods to replace them. The free reports I sent should be helpful.

I also had another question: Before I decided to be a vegetarian, I wanted to get into photography and developing pictures at home. But then I heard that the film contains gelatin (gross!) so now I'm having second thoughts about it. I was really interested in photography, and still am, but I don't know if those poor animals' lives would be worth the time and money. What do you think?

Savvy Veg Answer: Yes, film contains gelatin, but fortunately, there's digital photography. You can do all the same things with a digital camera, but - no film, no developing to pay for, you can edit your pictures on Photoshop and make them better, take 10 times more pictures at a time, and print your pictures. There's a big range of quality in digital cameras, from simple point and shoot to professional level - pick the one that works best for your budget and needs.

Good luck with your diet and your photography career! Let me know if you have more questions.

All the best,
Judy Kingsbury

Indian Lacto-Veg Wants To Lose Weight

Question For Savvy Vegetarian:

I want to reduce about 10kg (22 lb). At present I am 85kg (195 lb) and aged 62 years having high blood pressure controlled with med. Sugar near border but ok generally.

Savvy Veg Advice:

Dear R.S.,

I hope you are under a doctor's care, regarding your diet. I can only give you the following general tips, as I am not a medical or nutritional advisor.

These are some widely accepted principles for weight loss: Reduce saturated fat, as in butter, ghee, coconut oil, milk and cheese. Use high quality cold-pressed, unprocessed vegetable oils in moderation. Reduce high fat foods such as tofu, panir, ghee, nuts, fried foods. Eat more fresh fruit, vegetables, salads, whole grains,and legumes. Drink herbal teas, fresh juices, or water, rather than carbonated, sweet or caffeinated drinks. Avoid sugar in general, and reduce salt. Follow an exercise program appropriate for your age and health, approved by your doctor.

All of the above may help you to lower your calorie intake, and gradually reduce weight, and may also have a good effect on blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Consult your doctor before modifying your diet.

I hope this helps - I've attached the SV Vegetarian Nutrition Report for you. Please let me know if you have more questions.

All the best,
Judy Kingsbury
Savvy Vegetarian

Do Yoga Teachers Have To Be Veg?

Question For Savvy Vegetarian:

I am going veggie, because I am going to become a yoga teacher. Part of the yogic lifestyle is vegetarianism.

When I eat a vegetarian meal, I am not usually satisfied. I feel like I'm eating side dishes with no entree. I try to include protein like cheese and nuts in my meals, but I'm still left unsatisfied. Any suggestions?

P.S. Going veggie is especially difficult for me because I'm pickey. I don't usually like vegetables after they've been cooked or heated. Can I live on cold salad? - M.P.

Savvy Veg Advice:

Dear M.P.,

It doesn't sound like you really want to go veg, M., but more that you think you should go veg, which isn't the best reason. I know many people who practice yoga and aren't complete vegetarians. Since you practice yoga, you should know that forcing your body to do something doesn't work.

If your conscience is stronger than your inclinations, then give yourself lots of time to make the transition - years maybe - while you explore all the veggie food possibilities and find a diet that works for you. You can live on cold salad if you want, but you don't have to! There's such a huge variety of delicious things to eat in a vegetarian diet.

All the best,
Judy Kingsbury
Savvy Vegetarian