Welcome to the Group

Welcome! We would love get to know you, so please tell us a little bit about yourself. You can choose any format you'd like, but most of us here share some or all of the following details:

1. History with weight loss:
2. History with Calorie Count:
3. Reason for joining this group:
4. Some interesting details about yourself, such as your job, your family, your pets and your interests:

And now just go ahead and make that first post!

well I am new here (to the cite and the group)...though the group only has 12 members it seems like we/they are slow to introduce...so I will start

I am an ovo-lacto vegetarian...and have been so for almost four years (nearly 21 years old).  Many picture vegetarians as little stick figures...but rest assured, abstaining from meat does not keep one away from the ice cream or carbs.

I have been chubby (or down right fat) for the majority of my life...and have half-heartedly worked to change that for many years.  Now seems like the time to put my foot down and get healthy...afterall, I want to be able to enjoy my youth (when my body should be at its best).

Calorie counting...well never really done that in a systematic way...I have never had access to an electronic method of calorie counting (and hopefully this group will work).

I joined this group to meat (haha) fellow vegetarians who are looking to lose that weight....fairly plain and simple (especially since this appears to be the only group for vegetarians).

Well...I broke that ice...lets get the ball rolling :D

Hello everyone,

I have been lacto- vegetarian for a little over 2 years now and I LOVE IT!. The first year I tried to go vegan, but dairy crept back in. I try to avoid if I can, but I am addicted to cheese.

The first year I lost 30 lbs and everyone noticed and I was proud. But then I started planning a stressfull wedding and it all came tight back. A year later I am just at about where I started.

I love Calorie count. It really puts things into perspective when you look back at your reports.

I joined this group for support that vegetarians on a diet usauly never get. I hope we can swap strategies and resources.

Thanks,

Angela

Oct 12 will be 2nd year anniversary of becoming a vegetarian.  I am feeling so much better and healthier.  Especially after losing over 100 lbs due to changing my eating habit and exercising.  My diet before 12 Oct was basically meat and I think my body was telling me that this has got stop since almost every time I had meat I was not enjoying it any more and the guilt of eating a animal that was killed to feed my bad habit.  

I am having trouble maintaining what I had lost. I have gained back some weight.  I am hoping that with a support group will help me get the lbs I gained back and take off the remaining to get to my final goal.   I am hoping by my next anniversary in 2009 that I will have reached that goal.  

With working and having to get up early and coming home late each day I need to get a more better eating routine with support and better vegetarian recipes since I have no time during the week days due to working.  My eating is basically using already prepared fast items and they are not really classified as healthy since they are loaded with tons of sodium which my body does not need because I seem to hold in water and swell up.

 

I've been a vegetarian since 2002. Still eat dairy, eggs and anything the Vegetarian Society approves though I'm leaning towards the idea of giving up more dairy at some point.

I've fallen off the wagon this last year or so with my weight, after a series of things in my life have stressed me out. I do tend to be quite an emotional eater.

I joined this group hoping to find some new low-calorie vegetarian recipes and perhaps find out a little more about how other vegetarians' diets differ from mine.

I have been a vegetarian for the last 3 years and am borderline vegan but can't completely give up cheese.  I am definitely an emotional eater and since I lost my father last March have fallen off the wagon with lots of dairy.  

I'm looking for some low-calorie recipes and any advice on getting a handle on emotional eating.  

Hi Eveyone, 

I have only been a vegetarian for 3 months now.  I have wanted to be a vegetarian since I was 18, though new it would be hard living at home with my Italian father and his delicious meatballs.  But now I am 29, living with my fiance, and decided to finally do it.  I try to only purchase eggs that are organic and cage free.  And my milk is always Stonyfield organic.  It's so yummy. 

I have always struggled with losing weight eversince puberty.  Now that I am planning a wedding, I need to lose at least 15lb. before June 2009.  I am getting married in July. 

I have tried every diet in the book from the Atkins Diet to Weight Watchers.  I exercise regularly though I have a herniated disc in my loer back (lumbar/sacral region).  It flares up every few months.  The latest flare up was when I bent over to put body wash on my loofah.  No lie!  I started to incorporate more yoga into my exercise plan.  I do hatha yoga, yin/yang, and a form of tai chi and pilates. 

I live in South east Pennsylvania, and found a wonderful vegan restaurnat in Emmaus.  If anyone is interested, the name is Balasia.  The food was absolutely amazing. 

 

Hi all,

I am a very new Vegetarian and am happy I have changed my life style. I just completed two weeks of going meat free and I can say I love it.. as does my body..

For the past 25 years I have been a semi veggie .. if there is such a thing.. I am now 40 and feeling it.. That is enough I said.. I have had Cancer, Gallstones, heartburn, and a bit of sleep apnea.. Not fun.. My weight is way up.. 35k to much.. lots of work to do!

I am a Canadian that lives in Germany with my handsome husband , beautiful 3 1/2 year old daughter and cutie pie dog, Jasper.. named after Jasper National Park..

Any support is much appreciated and welcome.. new beginnings are hard, but well worth the effort!

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This recipe I just had yesterday was supper yummy.. I did tweek it a bit to my flavors but.. you can do the same . I picked this one from the Whole foods Market web site... I also have their cookbook... yummo

Just add a tomato salad and enjoy

Broccoli, Rice and Cheese Casserole

Serves 6

Lots of readers have asked us for a natural version of this popular casserole. We decided to make our healthful take on the classic with fresh broccoli and real cheese. Look in your pantry and get creative with our version, if you like, by substituting other soups or favorite vegetables.

Ingredients

Olive oil cooking spray
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 cup uncooked jasmine rice
Salt to taste
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 1/2 cups small broccoli florets
1 (15-ounce) can regular or gluten-free ready-to-eat (not condensed) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method

Grease a 7- x 11-inch baking dish with olive oil cooking spray; set aside.

Heat 1/2 tablespoon of the oil in a small pot over medium-high heat. Add rice and cook, stirring often, until translucent and toasted, 1 to 2 minutes. Add 1 1/2 cups water and salt and bring to a boil. Cover pot, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until water is absorbed and rice is almost tender, about 15 minutes. Set pot aside off of the heat for 5 minutes, then uncover, fluff with a fork and set aside.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Heat remaining 1/2 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add broccoli and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. Add cooked rice, then stir in soup, 1/2 cup of the cheese, salt and pepper.

Transfer rice mixture to prepared baking dish and sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheese evenly over the top. Bake until golden brown and bubbly, about 30 minutes.

Nutrition

Per serving (155g-wt.): 230 calories (120 from fat), 13g total fat, 5g saturated fat, 8g protein, 20g total carbohydrate (1g dietary fiber, 2g sugar), 20mg cholesterol, 680mg sodium

I added a bit of paprika to my rice/broc/soup mixture to zing it up a bit.. I also used a pepperling mushroom soup.. a bit tastier...

Enjoy!

Debbie

Hey there!  I am a newly minted vegetarian, and happy to be so.  I have never eaten a lot of meat, and finally decided to go in the direction my body (and intestines ;)) have been telling me to go.

I consume very little dairy, but not quite ready to give up eggs and the small bit of cheese I use.

Getting ideas for dinner can be challenging, especiallly when you are trying to lose weight, so if anyone has any good ideas, let me know!  Made a killer vegetable soup, but you can eat that only so many days in a row.  It's better than Olive Garden. 

Finding eating out can be a challenge - - - went to lunch today, and they put bits of bacon throughout their baked potatoe soup.  Good thing they told me prior to ordering.

So, how does everyone combine eating vegetarian with losing weight? 

Carrie

Hi Everyone!

I have grown to love pita pockets.  Just cute them in half and open them up.  I usually stuff them with some hummus, little bit of cheese, plenty of veggies (tomatoe, carrots, sprouts, etc ) oh...the best is some avocado!  add a drop or two of your favorite salad dressing.  This is quick. 

If you have an extra couple of minutes, place cheese in the pocket and place in oven to heat and melt before adding other goodies.

Hope you enjoy this.

 

Hey Everyone!

I am failry new to Calorie Count (a few months), and was a vegetarian for three years, until my mother convinced me to go back to meat.  I never felt comfortable with it, and after reading and hearing much about the benefits of vegetarianism, I have gone back for a few months now, and I feel GREAT!  I never really liked meat anyway.

I love to cook and have lots of good vegetarian recipes to share.  As an athlete, I am always looking for ways to incorporate more protein into my diet, so and ideas are helpful.  I have been on diets all my life and did the best on weigth watchers, lost 40 pounds and kept it off for several years, but have recenlty creeped up 15 pounds so I'm doing this since its free!  I have already lost 4 pounds.

I'm excited to meet you all!

 

Johanna

Hi My name is Michelle and I am 52 years of age, I just today joined calorie count. I have been a vegetarian for 16 years. I joined because I have a thyroid problem, and have thyroid eye disease, my DR put me on a steroid for almost 2 months, needless to say I do look like the Pillsbury's dough boy, even though I am a female! LOL He said I would lose it but it will take a long time, I feel  like without a calorie plan I will get worse, actually I should have been doing this all along. I have 2 dogs and a pet Rat named Pinkie, I love crafts and do lots of them, paper craft is my most recent passion. Well that's a bit about me. Thanks for letting me join, Michelle

Hello Everyone!

I joined CC about 6 weeks ago. I've been doing yoga for several months and somewhere along the line, as a mindful way of life became more a part of me, eating meat started sounding unappealing. I am not totally lacto vege yet, but am heading that way and am looking forward to learning what your favorite recipes are.

I am 53 and quite overweight. Have lost 10 pounds in 6 weeks though! 40 more to go. I work for a non-profit organization and have two great kids in college, an aged arthritic cat, and a perfectly nice carnivore husband. I love yoga, music (and music history!), book collecting, and I read almost constantly.

I am very glad to find this group!

I just joined CC today I was looking up the nutritional content of Morning star buffalo wings and found this site and thought it was great! I'm actually more Pescetarian then Vegetarian.. I know!! :( I'm currently trying to transition to no meat whatsoever in a house full of meat eaters. I stopped eating meat the day after Christmas this past year.

I'm 22 I don't have any weight issues really I've just been losing my baby weight (my daughter was born Feb 7 2008) I'm currently back to my Pre Preg weight and just trying to get more fit and comfortable size not so much weight.

That's about it! I'm happy to have found this group I need someone to push me to go Veg all the way!

Hello, I just joined CC a few weeks ago, and I am beginning to feel my way around the site.  I have been an ovo-lacto veggie for 16 years now, (since I was 13-you do the math!) and have never had a problem with getting enough nutrition, protein or calories.  I feel I have a truly unhealthy relationship with food, and use it to comfort, punish and reward myself all the time.  This comes from my mother... but I am almost 30 and haven't ever found a way to change the fact that I LOVE FOOD.

As far as my body, I have always struggled with an extra 20-50 lbs at any given time in my life.  I have tried every diet known to woman, with little to no success, and have found that trying to modify them for an ovo/lacto vegetarian diet is difficult.

 The most successful diet I have ever been on was after an awful breakup a couple years ago, when I basically stopped eating completely, was constantly stressed, didnt work out, and smoked cigarettes all day.  I lost 35 pounds on that one!  But, it seems that whenever I allow myself to eat, even healthy foods, I gain weight.  I think my problem is carbs. (But how do you eliminate them on a veggie diet?  I don't think I can handle full out vegan.)

But I am determined to get on top of this!  So I quit smoking about 8 months ago, and started running every other day.  I got my breath back, and now I can move so much easier- its like I'm in high school again!  I wasn't watching my calories while I was in my first part of my transformation (doh!) so I gained a few pounds.  But I got on calorie count, and am watching everything that is going in my mouth, logging my activity, and hoping that this time it will work.

Thank you for reading, I am happy to be here!   ~Em

Hi, I've been a vegetarian for over 30 years.  I was diagnosed with diabetes 8 years ago, and a few months ago, I had a stroke.  So losing weight is my major job now.  I'm struggling with how to change my diet.  My HMO's diabetic nurse has put me on a diet that counts all vegetables as carbs, and ignores proteins (like beans).  So I'm looking for a diet with whole grains and legumes and fruits.  Any support would be welcome.

Hi gailflig!

hope you can find the nutrition help you need here at CC.

I strongly suggest that you email CC's nutritionist and ask her how to approach your HMO's nurse as you are required to work with the nurse. At the top of the page and often to the right you'll see Ask Mary. Ask her for advice soon.

If it were me I'd have asked the HMO coordinator for a nurse that does not consider vegetables to be bad for you, but then I'm mouthy. You could phrase it nicely by asking for one that is learned about eating vegetarian.

Good luck.

Hello! I am pretty new to CC - I just joined 2 days ago but I am so happy for it! I found this website actually looking up calories through google because I was trying to not eat at all. The reason for that rash decision deals with an overwhelming surge of discouragement from getting on the scale and realizing that I weighed more than I ever have before (After I was already trying to lose the weight I had). After this site popping up several times in my searches I finally decided to see what it was about!! I was instantly hooked and very thankful to find a free and supportive resource to help me lose weight in a healthy way - and help me to connect to lots of other vegetarians!

A little about myself: I have been a vegetarian for 5 years, or since I was thirteen. I am a lacto-ovo vegetarian, however I try to use very little egg/milk products. I am an upcoming sophomore in college majoring in communications and minoring in theatre. I love swimming and ultimate frisbee and being creative. I am here because I am slightly overweight and I want to accustom myself to a more healthy lifestyle, especially since I am a vegetarian and college student.

Finally, I am really happy to be a part of this group and excited to get to know other vegetarians because frankly, we rock!

with love - keb

Hello!  My name is Wendy.

I've never REALLY tried to lose weight before.  I'm very healthy, but I'm not happy with my body.  And I want to live a long and healthy life and think I should start now. 

I have a medium body frame, weigh 155 lbs, and I'm 5'8.  I would like to be 130 to 135 and be really fit.

I've also never counted calories before, but I think this website works incredibly well with my personality type.. I love how easy everything is (especially the recipe creators) and I hope it helps me to be successful.

I am a writer, filmmaker, and teacher (mostly elementary-aged children and preschool).  I've been a passionate vegetarian for 5 1/2 years (last year I was vegan for 10 months, but wasn't happy).  I still wish I could be vegan (for ethical reasons) but I'm incredibly happy with my eating life as a vegetarian right now :)

Looking forward to hearing great recipes from fellow vegetarians!

Hi everyone! My name is Caroline, but I go by Carrie. I am brand new to calorie count and am excited. I have tried another website before but it was jut TOO much.

I have been a vegetarian for 2 years now and I love it. I recently slipped up with my ways and went from eating fruits and vegetables to straight carbs. It balloned my body from 113 pound to 163. This has been very hard on me and I want so badly to get to a healthy weight of 115-120.

I just recently started college and really want to get the ball rolling on a healthy and fit life. I am majoring in biology and want to work with stem cell research.

I mainly joined the group to possibly find new recipes so I stay away from becoming a carb queen again =).

 

Well, I look foward to reading everyones posts! BYE

Hi, I am Kim. I have just start a vegetarian diet. Both my husban and daughter eat meat (Even though my daughter is eating more veg. meals with me)

I have been overweight since I was about 15 year old - with very bad eating habits. Since I am now 41 that is a very long time.

I joined cc a couple years ago but have not been active until this week.

I joined this group for help with make meals that taste good and still are healthy.