Thoughts on becoming vegetarian again

A couple years ago I became a vegetarian for nine months. I was into saving animals and all that stuff. I was also a full time dancer. The absence of meat in my diet led to anemia. The anemia led to shortages of breathe and me passing out after dances. By doctors orders I had to eat meat again to ensure I get my iron.

I've thought about going vegetarian again, though. Not for any particular reason but to exercise self control and will power to refuse certain foods. It would also prevent me from eating any greasy burgers or fried chicken or anything. Then if someone offers me it for dinner I could politely refuse it saying I'm vegetarian versus faking an illness or trying to say I'm not hungry (which they give me food anyways.)

What are some thoughts on this? How about some great ways to get iron without eating meat? What certain foods are good substitutes for others? Any brands you enjoy?

I'm just looking for some feedback-- anything really. Thanks much. =D

it sounds a lot like me. i was vegetarian for years. i got sick and my nutritionist told me to eat meat. the thing is, i didn't really get any more iron than before. i had to learn to eat healthily regardless of whether i was eating meat or not. now im vegan. i do it for health reasons, also to have self control and discipline myself. but if you're doing it solely for that, it could lead to bad behaviors...like those you mentioned in your profile.

iron is found in tons of stuff: cereals are fortified, veggies (research on google which ones are the best for you that you like) like kale is really good, beans i believe have some amount of iron.

Nuts and Beans Soybeans:  dried beans, hazelnuts, almonds, lentils, peanuts

Vegetables:  Broccoli, chard, spinach, greens, asparagus, turnips, parsley, kale, watercress, brussel sprouts

Beans:  Green, lima, peas, chick peas, garbanzo

Fruits/Sweets:  Dates, prunes, figs, apricots, apples, raisins, chocolate, coconut

Fruits/Vegetables (if eaten at the same meal as iron source):  Citrus fruits, tomatoes, oranges, cabbage, lemons, green peppers, limes, grapefruits, tangerines, cantaloupes, tangelos

Bread and Cereals:  Enriched, fortfied and whole grain breads and cereals are often high in iron (check label)

Grains:  Wild rice, corn meal, oats, soybean, wheat, bran, rye, buckwheat, popcorn, barley, wheat germ, millet

Cereals:  Farina, cream of wheat, shredded wheat

Milk and Dairy:  Poor sources of iron: milk, cheeses (all types, cottage cheese, ice cream, yogurt). These hinder the absorption of iron.  Do not use these foods one hour before or one hour after the ingestion of the high iron foods and iron supplements.

from this site

here's another site i use. in addition to this, i take an iron supplement, but if you are no longer anemic you probably don't need to take one. HERE'S THE SITE

During the first year of going Vegetarian I was suspected of having an allergy to glutten.  So the doctor ordered a battery of tests for... well you name it.  They drew 6 blood samples. ::chuckles:: I was fine with that, needles do not bug me.  But I didnt expect so much done.

The result that surprised me the most is that my iron intake sky rocketed upwards.  The doctor reasked me if I really was eating vegetarian.  I have a wider range of eating habits now then I did then.  At the time what pumped up my iron the fastest...?  I simply dumped all lettuce off my sandwiches and went fully baby spinach instead.  ::chuckles:: and I worked at a sub shop chain and ate sandwiches about 4 to 5 times a week.  Good luck.

And thank you for the link Sea. ~ Lost Artist
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I think you should take 500mg of Vitamin C 4 times a day to maximize your iron absorbtion. You can also cook with a cast iron skillet.