Thinking about going ovo-lacto vegetarian

I should post this on the main board too, but I am very seriously considering going ovo-lacto vegetarian (still eat dairy and eggs - organic and cruelty-free).  I was actually raised this way and didn't eat meat until my teens.  At the time it was more because that's how I was raised, but now its more about animal farming conditions.  It grosses me out.  I already try to only get organic and cruelty-free cage-free meat, but its pricey and sometimes still gives me pause.  What can I say, I'm a bleeding heart.  I'd save a bit of money this way and not feel bad about eating it.  My concern is getting enough protein and also how much carbs would increase.  I am not crazy about tofu so protein would mainly be from lentils, beans, milk, vegetarian rennin cheese, yogurt, soymilk, edamame, etc.  Its certainly doable, but a challenge.  I know my family, especially my very picky mother, is often protein-deficient and I think I was for quite a while as a child.  Are there any vegetarians/vegans around here?  What do you do to get your protein in?

Hi, Jen.  I can't offer any advice about how WLS vegetarians meet their protein needs and balance out carb intake, but I wanted to suggest that you may want to cross-post this in the diet and nutrition forum.  I've seen questions and comments there from vegetarians, so perhaps someone there can offer some guidance and insight as well.  From what I recall, vegetarians can certainly meet the protein requirements w/out any problems, but I don't know about the carb issue.  Good luck finding the information you're seeking -  Kellie

I was asking about this on the DS board yesterday, trying to get information.  Right now I don't eat any red meat, fish or seafood.  I'll eat egg salad.  Most of the time I eat vegetarian meats, like Morningstar or Worthington products.   I hope that is sufficient protein because I'm not going to become a meat eater after my WLS.    What is edamame?   Linda

fresh green soybeans - you can either find them frozen or sometimes in the produce area.  You can also find them still in their pods or out of their pods.  They have a fresh green flavor and are a little crunchy.  I prefer them out of the pods, and they are good to throw in with other veggies and beans in salads, soups, stews, chilis.  I am not crazy about them by themselves, but some people like them that way.

From what I've read from DSers, vegetarian is a tough way to go with the DS.  Not that it can't be done, but you have to eat soooo much protein because of the extra malabsorption.  Most DSers seem to go extremely low carb (much lower than I am comfortable with) and rather high fat.   Egg salad and nuts would probably be components of your diet. 

As youknow my daughteris a vegetarian and cooking for her is sooooooooooooooooooooo hard.  I have some recipes if you need them but I do use tofu alot.  Good Luck  Estelle

No I didn't know that.  It depends on how tofu is used on whether I can tolerate it.  Its a texture thing.  If I decide to go for it, I'll ask for some recipes.