Giving Up Meat

[chuckjaywalk]

After a decade of fighting gout, I am currently getting #REKT by the worst outbreak in memory. I can't even put weight on my right foot. Not wanting to take Allopurinol every day forever, I am taking a drastic step: going vegetarian. I would go vegan, but the calcium in milk is really good for my gout and I know I would end up eating cheese, anyways. Luckily, my girlfriend is a former vegetarian and she is going to help my with this transition. Any other vegetarians/vegans up in here? Any tips? My only dietary limitation is that I don't eat beans, though hummus and tofu are aces in my book.

[Jakezor]

I've had a few gout flare-ups in the past 5 years. After a big one I cut out pretty much all beer. On the big chart of things to lessen intake of or cut out all I really had was red meat, (plenty of) beer, and occasional wild game. Rough either way IMO. I understand the pain you're experiencing, but am not sure if I could go the way you are.

Good luck, hope you find some relief.

[WayToHip]

I thought this was for ethical/money reasons. Not that health reasons are less valid, my mind went to "giving up meat? Yeah, the industry is screwed up".

Anyway, giving up meat is not hard, you'll have to get your proteins from non traditional sources, which means legumes and maybe more cheese. Talk to your doctor and GF about it more, and yeah; being medicated forever is an awful way to live.

[alexa.]

HEMP PROTEIN lml

[fever606]

I've been vegetarian for nearly 20 years... it's not difficult, you'll adapt quickly. There are a lot more options now than there were two decades ago, in the variety of foods (meat replacement and otherwise) available...

One question, though... what's your beef (ha!) with beans?

[oldangelmidnight]

I stopped eating meat in 1998 (and resumed eating fish shortly thereafter.)
I like seitan a lot. It seems like the best meat substitute in many dishes.
Watch out for adding a lot of pastas and breads to fill yourself up. You can gain a lot of weight that way.
If you like to grill, all vegetables are delicious on the grill.

[snipelfritz]

I'll take your meat.

[fever606]

If you like to grill, all vegetables are delicious on the grill.

Grilled, and roasted, veggies are my shit...

[DADGBD]

Watch out for adding a lot of pastas and breads to fill yourself up. You can gain a lot of weight that way.
If you like to grill, all vegetables are delicious on the grill.

THIS ^^^
And you'll be just fine.

I gave up meat 25 years ago - the absolute most difficult thing as I recall, was breaking the habits that come along with convenience. Especially when eating out.
That said - these days - you can't really eat anywhere (out) that doesn't have at least one fairly decent veggie option. Good luck, I hope it makes a difference with your gout!

[chuckjaywalk]

I've been vegetarian for nearly 20 years... it's not difficult, you'll adapt quickly. There are a lot more options now than there were two decades ago, in the variety of foods (meat replacement and otherwise) available...

One question, though... what's your beef (ha!) with beans?

Basically, I have a barely functional nose, due to excessive breakage in my youth, so I tend to enjoy the texture of food more than the smell and taste. Beans make me gag.

[Blackened Soul]

My only dietary limitation is that I don't eat beans, though hummus and tofu are aces in my book.

tofu is made from beans you know..

[D.o.S.]

I like seitan a lot.

[Blackened Soul]

I like seitan a lot.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeZlih4DDNg[/youtube]

[chuckjaywalk]

My only dietary limitation is that I don't eat beans, though hummus and tofu are aces in my book.

tofu is made from beans you know..

As is hummus and peanut butter. It is the texture and smell of beans that puts me off of them.

[gnomethrone]

tempeh. tempeh kebabs. tempeh tacos. tempeh mac n cheese. tempeh pizza. tempeh.