Any vegetarians?

Tanderson0201

I haven't eaten meat in about a year. I've had several phases of vegetarianism throughout my life. I was actually vegan for the last 6 months of last year, but Christmas cookies broke me down. I still don't like milk and the thought of eating meat makes me feel sick (I read/watched videos about the industry and blech!) 

 Lately though I've been having cravings for turkey. It's really weird. I don't actually want to eat it, but it sounds so good! It reminds me of that Friends episode where Phoebe is pregnant and craving meat and Joey decides to not eat meat for her so she feels better about it. 

 I was just wondering if anyone else is vegetarian and having these crazy cravings? Also, if you are vegetarian what kind of stuff are you eating in general to make sure you get all the nutrients you need?  

BzeetyD

I am not a full vegetarian but I do not eat beef or pork products and I haven't since I was 14.

Since my BFP I think I've been having similar cravings but for things like bacon, pepperoni and other stuff. It's crazy! I've gone 20+ years without it and now, WHAM! - I keep wanting to eat it.

Since my diet is pretty well rounded (I eat turkey, chicken, fish and dairy) I've been keeping things the same, just being a little more conscious perhaps to get some good protein in. I'm trying to include lentils and beans more often,  as well as high protein (greek) yogurt. Other than that, I eat a ton of spinach (high in iron and folate) because I like it and it's got good stuff in it.

I do plan on asking my Dr. about it, and see if I need any supplements, on Monday when we have our first appt. Have you asked yours? You may need a calcium supplement, if you're not having any dairy - but I'm no doctor.

catch2010

I was vegetarian throughout high school and college (I had some nasty fried chicken that turned me against all meat for a very long time).  Definitely make sure you get your iron checked.  It's very easy for vegetarians to become anemic.  Seconding the lentils/beans, I hated beans when I was vegetarian and that was probably a big reason why I became anemic.

As for the craving turkey, can you stomach the soy-based fake meat products?  I forget the brand, but someone makes fake lunchmeat that can pass for turkey if you cover it in pepper and condiments and use good bread.  IIRC, the local supermarkets had it in the produce section with the flavored tofus, so I don't even think you need to go to the health food or organic store to get it.  If it's full-on thanksgiving turkey that you're craving, some people like tofurky, but I find it gross.  The stuffing, however, is great.  Good luck to you!

jb2rn

I don't call myself veg, but I don't eat meat very often (few times a month, and no pork).

The other night, I craved a steak. It was weird. And then a hamburger after I saw a commercial.

I eat dairy, so I get lots of protein from milk, yogurt, cheese. And I eat beans and nuts. Tofu, which I normally like, is turning me off right now.

I do like Morningstar Farms's veggie crumbles that look like ground beef, though. I make tacos with that.

co2wamom

I'm actually a pescatarian, so I eat fish, but it's made me sick since I've been pregnant so so much for that.. My dh and I made a similar deal to that friends episode actually.. He eats less meat now because I've been craving chicken. I do my best to eat free range natural unaltered when I can as well...

Lindsaylovesdogs

Me!  I was so worried about getting the right nutrients I saw a prenantal nutritionist...she has me on extra B6 and B12 supplements, a liquid iron supplement called Florodix (great because it doesn't taste bad or make me nauseaus) and 2 protein shakes a day (she has me use hemp protein because of the omega 3s) to get at least the 75 g of protein a day you need during preganancy.

 Some good foods she told me to eat were nuts, greek yogurt, and quinoa.  I haven't been craving meat but maybe thats because Im getting lots of iron? 

Tanderson0201

I normally love tofu, but now just looking at it in its little container is enough to make me want to throw up!