Thinking about being a vegetarian, need some advice

I am pretty skinny but right now I feel a little bit depressed, always tired/sleepy, have horrible constipation on and off for the past few years(right now it's bad), etc.  I heard going on vegan diet makes you feel a lot better mentally and physically and at the same time I wanna gain weight/muscle cause like I said I'm skinny as a stick right now.  Anyone got advice to help me get started?

I would talk to a nutritionist/doctor knowning that you are feeling depressed and tired. A vegetarian diet, (Do you want to be on a vegetarian or vegan diet because the two are very different?), is not for everyone. That being said, gaining muscle mass is entirely possible on a vegetarian diet if you get enough protein. 

have you considered seeing a doctor

Why? :|

You're a human... not a cow! Never forget your roots and stay true.

I can't imagine the number of vegetables and supplements you have to take on a regular basis to build muscle as a vegetarian, but I've heard of the mental/physical benefits I think you're talking about. TacticaI

not a whole lot.  

[QUOTE="TacticaI"]I can't imagine the number of vegetables and supplements you have to take on a regular basis to build muscle as a vegetarian, but I've heard of the mental/physical benefits I think you're talking about. lostrib

not a whole lot.  

Anyone got advice to help me get started?

SolidSnake2011-

Stop eating meat. 

Eat lots of peanus.

well, it's definitely possible to gain muscle while a vegetarian, but you have to really be sure you're getting your proteins from other sources.

will it stop your depression? i don't know. i can say that it would be one more hassle in my life if i chose to give up meat. i mean, i love meat so that would be a problem itself. on top of that, it would be a pain looking for a good vegetarian option in restaurants in my area and it would be one less food group in choosing my own meals at home. then if i were trying to gain muscle, that's another bother in trying to find non-meat proteins.

as for constipation, i don't know whether meat is that cause of it. you're better off asking your doctor. if you are depressed, you're also better off seeking professional help.

well, it's definitely possible to gain muscle while a vegetarian, but you have to really be sure you're getting your proteins from other sources.

will it stop your depression? i don't know. i can say that it would be one more hassle in my life if i chose to give up meat. i mean, i love meat so that would be a problem itself. on top of that, it would be a pain looking for a good vegetarian option in restaurants in my area and it would be one less food group in choosing my own meals at home. then if i were trying to gain muscle, that's another bother in trying to find non-meat proteins.

as for constipation, i don't know whether meat is that cause of it. you're better off asking your doctor. if you are depressed, you're also better off seeking professional help.

LoG-Sacrament

yes complementary proteins are important

Bad idea, vegans are often deficient in b12... and the symptoms of b12 deficiency are depression and fatigue.

There is nothing inherently beneficial about a vegan or vegetarian diet... the reason people report increased mood is because they are usually slamming big macs and other crappy food and it sort of forces you to you eat healthier. But its actually much healthier to consume lean animal proteins like chicken and fish as part of your diet, physically and mentally.

Do you really wanna limit the foods you can eat? If you wanna grow muscles then meats are the best source of protein. Also maybe you could just become a pescetarian ? Basically vegan but you can eat fish and shell fish. If you wanna get rid of the constipation eat a lot more veggies, beans, etc and drink a lot of water.

i think protein is whats needed not just vegies

Don't stop eating meat for starters. The lack of protein and iron will make you feel more tiered.

i think protein is whats needed not just vegies

 

 

 

ThaneKrios28

you can get protein from sources other than meat

[QUOTE="ThaneKrios28"]

i think protein is whats needed not just vegies

 

 

 

lostrib

you can get protein from sources other than meat

Clearly they're not getting enough of something.

I wouldn't count on the switch solving all of your problems, should probably see a professional about those.  If you're really serious about it, though, I'd say make sure to have a diverse diet.  You don't want to deprive yourself of some of the vitamins you get from meat and if you just start eating salads that's probably what you'll do.  Try to eat a lot of different foods, especially for dinner, and find some new recipes. 

[QUOTE="lostrib"]

[QUOTE="ThaneKrios28"]

i think protein is whats needed not just vegies

 

 

 

MakeMeaSammitch

you can get protein from sources other than meat

Clearly they're not getting enough of something.

[QUOTE="lostrib"]

[QUOTE="ThaneKrios28"]

i think protein is whats needed not just vegies

 

 

 

MakeMeaSammitch

you can get protein from sources other than meat

Clearly they're not getting enough of something.

And all those obese people eating at McDonalds are getting too much of something.  Poor diet is unhealthy in any form

Depending if your ok with cheese, fry up goats cheese and add some pickle and side salad.

Find goats cheese to be a good base for satisfying, filling vegetarian food. Stay away from cauliflower burgers they make you fart like a prick.

I don't think I've ever met a vegitarian who didn't look sickly.

MakeMeaSammitch

Mille Petrozza from Kreator:

Geezer Butler from Black Sabbath:

The guys from Napalm Death:

Samuel L. Jackson:

Pierce Brosnan:

Seal:

And, of course:

I've been a vegetarian for 12 years now. When I first started I lost a lot of weight as my body adjusted to the change. But then things smoothed out. I would recommend trying the fake meat products because they are a good source of protein. Also, make sure you talk to a doctor just to make sure it wont cause you any health problems. I already had issues with low iron and had to take a supplement when I first switched. 

Seal:

LordQuorthon

[QUOTE="MakeMeaSammitch"]

I don't think I've ever met a vegitarian who didn't look sickly.

LordQuorthon

Mille Petrozza from Kreator:

Geezer Butler from Black Sabbath:

The guys from Napalm Death:

Samuel L. Jackson:

Pierce Brosnan:

Seal:

And, of course:

Muthafvckers act like they forgot about Dre. 48 years old, and a vegetarian.
 

I don't know what it is about the instant attack on people who are vegetarians. I think some may bring it upon themselves with a "holier then thou" attitude towards ass eaters. It always seem to spark this debate. I'm sure if your suddenly going vegi you may feel like there is something missing in you, you might not feel satisfied with what you eat, like your not getting enough nutrition out of it or something (protein or whatever).

Can't say, I devour fish and eggs just can't touch that red stuff. I suppose if your talking Vegans that's another story, but I knew a fat chick who was a vegan once, think she was comfort eating a lot of crisps.

[QUOTE="ThaneKrios28"]

i think protein is whats needed not just vegies

 

 

 

lostrib

you can get protein from sources other than meat

I have problems eating 3500+ calories with weight gainers - I can't imagine a vegetarian even coming close.

Dr. dre does steroids you can't compare him - and Hitler was probably on the juice too because he used it for his soldiers. .

Eat lots of peanus.

THE_DRUGGIE

nuts are a great source of protein. Almond milk is pretty good too, if you want some of that nut juice.

[QUOTE="THE_DRUGGIE"]

Eat lots of peanus.

SirWander

nuts are a great source of protein. Almond milk is pretty good too, if you want some of that nut juice.

[QUOTE="lostrib"]

[QUOTE="ThaneKrios28"]

i think protein is whats needed not just vegies

 

 

 

Fightingfan

you can get protein from sources other than meat

I have problems eating 3500+ calories with weight gainers - I can't imagine a vegetarian even coming close.

They can still eat most of the same food just without the meat.

Almonds aren't nuts :P Fightingfan

WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IT ISN'T? IT'S ACTUALLY A DRUPE, A TYPE OF FRUIT

I've never heard of becoming a vegetarian to relieve depression. I'd talk to a doctor to be honest.

[QUOTE="LordQuorthon"]

[QUOTE="MakeMeaSammitch"]

I don't think I've ever met a vegitarian who didn't look sickly.

DarkGamer007

Mille Petrozza from Kreator:

Geezer Butler from Black Sabbath:

The guys from Napalm Death:

Samuel L. Jackson:

Pierce Brosnan:

Seal:

And, of course:

Muthafvckers act like they forgot about Dre. 48 years old, and a vegetarian.
 

How about this dude:

Arian Foster, beast of a running back for the Texans, and a vegan.

[QUOTE="Fightingfan"]

[QUOTE="lostrib"]

you can get protein from sources other than meat

lostrib

I have problems eating 3500+ calories with weight gainers - I can't imagine a vegetarian even coming close.

They can still eat most of the same food just without the meat.

[QUOTE="lostrib"]

[QUOTE="ThaneKrios28"]

i think protein is whats needed not just vegies

 

 

 

MakeMeaSammitch

you can get protein from sources other than meat

Clearly they're not getting enough of something.