Any Vegetarian Bodybuilders Out There?

[supernaturalinc]

I have been looking into the Vegetarian Lifestyle, but I love bodybuilding too much to let the meat go cold turkey (for the protein of course). Anybody making it happen who can offer advice?

[mr.perffect]

i'm not vegetarian but, my parents are. there are plenty of non-meat sources of protein. nuts, beans, chick peas, dairy or eggs depending on what you exclude as a vegetarian. beans and rice together forms a complete protein. some vegetarians even eat fish and only cut out red meat and chicken.

[5Six]

http://www.myspace.com/veganbodybuilding

www.veganbodybuilding.com

[Utopia06]

A little off subject but would you be able to take creatine as a vegetarian? (jw, certainly not bashing...my gf is a veg.)

[Avirex]

Hello Supernaturalinc,

I am a vegetarian bodybuilder ( Not Vegen ) I have been a vegetarian for almost 11 years.
I stand 5'6 and currently weigh 180 pounds ( Am dieting at the moment). My stats are:

I dont eat any chicken, beef, or pork and very vary rarely eat eggs twice a year if that. I dont drink milk either but occassionally enjoy a vegetarian pizza and put in a protein shake...Urdu's Omega 3,6,9 oil a tablespoon.

I consume lots of Whey Protein ( which comes from cows milk if that counts as drinking milk? ) vegetables and salads and there are some great vegetarian entree's, just watch because they can have lots of sodium like Veggie Burgers.

It is very easy lifestyle with so many restaurants that have vegetarian meals on the menu and foods to choose from.

I do miss the taste of T-bone steak topped with Onions and Cheese.....

Give it a try and you will see your energy level go up, stay looking young as well as other health benefits.

All the best!!

[Alakazoodble]

Bill Pearl is a well known vegetarian bb from the 60s. Didnt become one until 1968ish, but he looked great in his 50s, at least.

http://www.shelterpub.com/_fitness/_...rl_photos.html

[Kebab]

Are you guys allergic to flesh like poultry, steak and fish and dairy ?

[GrassAndRocks]

I'm in the same boat as you, man.

I'd really love to kick the habit, and switch over. If it's any consolation, soy sausage is freeeeaking awesome, haha. Like the other guy mentioned, it has a tad more sodium then I like but, still. Oh and some people might jump on the "SOY WILL MAKE YOU GROW TITTIES" band wagon, I don't really buy it, but, eh, I can't know for sure I guess. Soy hot dogs are alright as well.

I've cut down my meat a lot, especially recently. I havn't had a hamburger in forever. And last night was my first night having a chicken breast in probably a month (I went out to eat). I think it's easier to just gradually cut down, and eventually get to the point where you can quit all together.

I havn't noticed any detrimental side effects on my body by consuming less meat, either. I still drink milk and eat eggs and cheese. I never liked fish so I don't eat that at all, haha. I drink a decent amount of whey protein supplements. Again though, I havn't made the full switch over, so I do enjoy some turkey once in awhile, and things like that.

Good luck man.

[supernaturalinc]

How does your stomach treat you when you go back to meat? When I eat clean and eat the slightest thing off the routine. I tend to pay for it

RHH

Originally Posted by GrassAndRocks

I'm in the same boat as you, man.

I'd really love to kick the habit, and switch over. If it's any consolation, soy sausage is freeeeaking awesome, haha. Like the other guy mentioned, it has a tad more sodium then I like but, still. Oh and some people might jump on the "SOY WILL MAKE YOU GROW TITTIES" band wagon, I don't really buy it, but, eh, I can't know for sure I guess. Soy hot dogs are alright as well.

I've cut down my meat a lot, especially recently. I havn't had a hamburger in forever. And last night was my first night having a chicken breast in probably a month (I went out to eat). I think it's easier to just gradually cut down, and eventually get to the point where you can quit all together.

I havn't noticed any detrimental side effects on my body by consuming less meat, either. I still drink milk and eat eggs and cheese. I never liked fish so I don't eat that at all, haha. I drink a decent amount of whey protein supplements. Again though, I havn't made the full switch over, so I do enjoy some turkey once in awhile, and things like that.

Good luck man.

[supernaturalinc]

I'm not allergic... Just trying something different.

RHH

Originally Posted by Kebab

Are you guys allergic to flesh like poultry, steak and fish and dairy ?

[supernaturalinc]

Thanks for the info Avirex

[supernaturalinc]

Thanks for all of the feedback and the info. Keep it coming!!!

[rampagefc77]

it was already kinda mentioned but animals contain all essential amino acids, while plants only contain a few. The combination of beans and rice will provide all essential amino acids, but will likely have plenty of carbs to accompany it. If you do make the swtich, make sure u eat a variety of foods and get all the amino acids your body needs to function.

[bigdan]

I have yet to see a single jacked vegetarian... to each his own but I will continue to enjoy large quantities of red meat, chicken, pork and anything else that flies swims or crawls.

Protien shakes and a chickpeas are all well and good but you cant expect to build a large and muscular physique on them.

[WickedMindstate]

I'm practically vegan. I eat fish here and there, but very rarely.

I'd suggest looking around on www.veganfitness.net. Very friendly and helpful community.. you'll get a better response to any questions you have on vegetarianism there.

Originally Posted by bigdan

I have yet to see a single jacked vegetarian... to each his own but I will continue to enjoy large quantities of red meat, chicken, pork and anything else that flies swims or crawls.

Protien shakes and a chickpeas are all well and good but you cant expect to build a large and muscular physique on them.

x2. To each his own, but you guys have fun with your soy and legumes as your main protein sources. I'll eat enough meat and animal products for all of us, k?

[paycheck]

well those guys in that link looked pretty good for being vegetarians. I've tried it but I just couldnt adequatley get in the protein. Its a lot of work planning and the controversy over soy. I have however made steps to making my diet more veg/fruit based and eat meat 2-3 times a day and I do feel better.

One name that I should mention here is Eric Carlson aka Erock
www.fitnessatlantic.com/galleries/Eric.jpg

[aeons]

Originally Posted by GrassAndRocks

I'm in the same boat as you, man.

I'd really love to kick the habit, and switch over. If it's any consolation, soy sausage is freeeeaking awesome, haha. Like the other guy mentioned, it has a tad more sodium then I like but, still. Oh and some people might jump on the "SOY WILL MAKE YOU GROW TITTIES" band wagon, I don't really buy it, but, eh, I can't know for sure I guess. Soy hot dogs are alright as well.

I've cut down my meat a lot, especially recently. I havn't had a hamburger in forever. And last night was my first night having a chicken breast in probably a month (I went out to eat). I think it's easier to just gradually cut down, and eventually get to the point where you can quit all together.

I havn't noticed any detrimental side effects on my body by consuming less meat, either. I still drink milk and eat eggs and cheese. I never liked fish so I don't eat that at all, haha. I drink a decent amount of whey protein supplements. Again though, I havn't made the full switch over, so I do enjoy some turkey once in awhile, and things like that.

Good luck man.

Soy sausage tastes like dog food (no vegetarian)

[aeons]

Originally Posted by paycheck

well those guys in that link looked pretty good for being vegetarians. I've tried it but I just couldnt adequatley get in the protein. Its a lot of work planning and the controversy over soy. I have however made steps to making my diet more veg/fruit based and eat meat 2-3 times a day and I do feel better.

One name that I should mention here is Eric Carlson aka Erock
www.fitnessatlantic.com/galleries/Eric.jpg

i noticed vegetarians tend to look more yellow.

[Veggeep]

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...1#post34566751

I'm also a frequent contributor over at www.discussbodybuilding.com with the same screen name.

Yes. It is possible to build significant muscle mass without meat. Of course, I do still use whey protein along with all the legumes and soy, but I've also learned that a lot of the common "wisdom" regarding bodybuilding and protein is just plain blown waaaay out of proportion.

There are so many other factors that can make or break your bodybuilding experience, and protein type/quantity is not the most significant, in my opinion. Like all things in life, success in physique improvement comes most easily to those who keep the *whole* picture in mind.

Moderation, balance, strength.

[Kebab]

So you choose not to eat meat, try something different ? I really don't understand. Why go to the trouble to NOT eat meat when meat is a cheap source of food not to mention amino acids, calories and deliciousness. I eat both plants and meats so why stick to just plants.

[Veggeep]

Originally Posted by Kebab

So you choose not to eat meat, try something different ? I really don't understand. Why go to the trouble to NOT eat meat when meat is a cheap source of food not to mention amino acids, calories and deliciousness. I eat both plants and meats so why stick to just plants.

There are about as many reasons to be a vegetarian as there are to drive hybrid cars when gasoline is so easily available and works just fine.

Some people object to the commodification of living things. Maybe they're discouraged by the cruelty that is a seemingly inextricable part of modern factory farming and animal agriculture.

Most vegetarians don't like the hormones and antibiotics that are a part of meat production and invariably end up in the product.

Many vegetarians -and other conscientious consumers, for that matter (people who choose organic and free-range meat sources) know that animal derived proteins typically come with a host of other undesireable features, like saturated fats and pathogens like e-coli and salmonella.

Some choose a vegetarian lifestyle out of a desire to have less of an impact on the environment. And, while both sides could debate for hours over the respective ecological impacts of farming vs. animal husbandry, the fact is, meat is pretty inefficient when it comes to net caloric yield compared to what it takes to produce it. Animal agriculture is extremely resource-intensive, and many vegetarians consider their lifestyle a step in the right direction, ecologically.

Personally, I guess I subrscribe to a little bit of each of these motives, but my decision was originally a selfish one: I felt I was copping out by subsisting on hotdogs, hamburgers, and fried chicken. I forced myself to give it up in order to force a little variety into my diet.

It's not everyone's cup of tea, for sure -and yes, it does require more effort than just plopping down in front of a nice juicy steak, but then, so does choosing to haul your butt into the gym to workout on a consistent basis when sitting on the sofa playing X-Box for hours is so much easier.

[roguehorsemen]

Veggeep could you post your diet? Ive thought about making the switch or atleast decreasing my amount of meat that I eat. I would love to see your diet to get some ideas.

[Salti]

For lent, i didnt eat any meat or dairy whatsoever. I did eat those soy burgers with 18g of protein per serving. There are some types of peanut butter with extremely high amounts of protein in them too.

[yahyo]

im a vegetarian...but not a bodybuilder...jus tryin to get/keep in shape...but there are plenty of options when it comes to eating....the myth of eatin two foods together to make a complete protein is off....every food has a complete protein source, but whats makes it "incomplete" is the lack of one of the amino acids. As long as you are eating different types of proteins throughout the day, itll all be fine.

In terms of food options

cheese
milk
whey
cottage cheese
eggs...if u want
morning star type products.
tofu
beans
nuts


if you dont want soy there is also the other option of quorn, hard to find in general...unless you head out to the UK, where its more popular, but ive been able to find it at stop and shop.

quorn is a mycoprotein which is not soy based, but fungi based...from mushrooms.

here is a great site to get started...steve has been a vegetarian bb'er for many years...and he actually competes also..

http://vegetarianbodybuilder.ipbhost...ex.php?act=idx

[goddessamazon]

I'm a vegetarian but I eat eggs. Some hardcore veg heads shun on people who eat eggs calling themselves vegetarian but I live in America so I can call myself whatever I want. Nah!

Anywho, it's nice to see other vegetarian bodybuilders on this forum.

**waves hello**

[fastdraw]

Meat wouldn't be called meat, if it wasn't meant to eat.

Just my personal opinion I would consider going on just vegi's for a short period, but not long term. You got to have that fish in your diet.

[MrSinister]

im a vege not a vegan and i eat loads of dairy.

[MrSinister]

Originally Posted by fastdraw

Meat wouldn't be called meat, if it wasn't meant to eat.

Just my personal opinion I would consider going on just vegi's for a short period, but not long term. You got to have that fish in your diet.

wouldn't all your teeth be pointy and sharp if you were meant to eat meat

[Kretschmer]

E-coli and Salmonella are blown waaayyyy out of proportion...remember eating raw/undercooked meat doesn't mean you're going to get one of these, it has to be infected first...

Anyways E-coli comes from crap, and the only feasible way to get E-coli is to eat crap, or undercooked meat that for some reason has crap in it. So. Cook your meat. You won't get sick. Enjoy. If anything, worry more about undercooked fresh water fish, they carry some of the nastiest worms I've ever seen..