How many of you out there have ever tried, or considered vegetarianism? What are your thoughts on the matter.  I was one for a short while after college.  While in college, my brother was my roommate and he is every inch a meat-man and I didn't want to cook two meals, so I just went with the flow.  After college and we went our separate ways, I decided to give it a shot.  I liked it a lot.  I felt good while on it.  A few months later, I was with Prince Charming and he is every inch a carnivore, so once again, I put it away because I didn't want to cook two meals.  But last night it struck me . . . . I do that now anyway.  He doesn't tend to like my diet food, so every night I cook two meals.  It wouldn't take that much for me to try this again.  But this time with a better look to being healthy, making sure I am getting the nutrition I need.  I am kind of excited to be trying this again.  It is something I have always thought I could do.  For no ethical reason just a desire to do it.

So what are your thoughts?

Hey there...I've been a vegetarian for about 6 years now. I decided after college that it is something I wanted to do. For me, it was initially about diet, but quickly became about animal/political issues. I really enjoy being a vegetarian...and can find really healthy ways to do it...I can find unhealthy ones as well (pizza, mac n' cheese, etc). It's interesting...I can't see the quell a pizza or candy craving, but I haven't eaten a piece of meat in over 6 years...even when it smells great and looks fab...but I never seem to cross that line. If you have any questions or want any veggie girl advice...feel free to jet me an email.

One of my goals for this year was to give vegetarianism a try for at least a month, to see if I could do it, so I did in January. Did fine the first 11 days, and I have no doubts I could have lasted a month or more, but it did horrible things to my weight loss (I'm on WW -- have lost 58.4 lbs since 1/1/06). I *gained* weight, even though I was eating very carefully and not going the pizza, mac & cheese route Shelley mentions. Desperate to stop it, I went back to eating meat and in three days managed to lose what I'd gained in 11 days, plus .2 lbs. I've continued to lose since then. As long as I'm trying to lose weight, I'll never attempt that again.

Personally, I like meat WAY to mut to go the veggie route. But I think it is great for people who like it and be sure to stay healthy as well. Good luck with this. I'm excited for you!

I have, at random times in my life, been a vegetarian, vegan, and carnivore. I've been healthier (felt better) as a vegan but I don't lose any weight as a vegan or a vegetarian.

Having said that, if you want to incorporate more yummy vegetarian foods into your life, try Crescent Dragonwagon's Passionate Vegetarian. Too, too good! Even my carnivores like what I've made out of there. :)