I'm not sure exactly what I'm posting this for; I suppose I just need to rant for awhile, but comments are definitely appreciated.

So, from the time I was a teenager, I would go through phases of trying to become vegetarian. They would never work, because I didn't know how to do it correctly, and I would simply stop eating meat without replacing the protein, etc. (which I know is a common problem, esepcially among younger veggies). This past year, I've been living with HARDCORE vegans; these kids know their shit. They approach it like a science; they really take it seriously. I became inspired, and decided to make my New Years Resolution to become vegetarian. I cut out all meat/fish, but not diary or eggs, but the only thing I added to my diet was chick peas and more nut butter. It was going fine, although I felt a bit run down. A week and a half ago, though, I got really sick. I was worried my immune system was down from not enough protein, so I began eating a bit of chicken and turkey. It's a week later, and i'm having major second thoughts about going vegetarian.

Let me explain one thing- I have the palette (sp?) of a 12 year old. I am the pickiest eater on the planet, which is why going vegetarian never worked before. I thought I was going to be able to eat new things now that I'm older, but it's hard to change 22 years of specific eating habits. I hate tofu, TVP, tempeh, and soymilk. I don't mind veggie burgers/chik patties, but I definitely don't love them. Beans are not a favorite, and I really can't eat that many nuts/nut butters. I don't know what to do.

Animal rights were the primary reason I wanted to go vegetarian (the environment was also a big issue). I don't want to support factory farms; I really don't. I want to do my part. But I just can't see myself realistically sticking to a vegetarian diet for the rest of my life. It's seems like such a overwhelming life change, and to be honest, I feel like I can't do it. Has anyone else had these problems? What are your thoughts?

Take your time. Some people find it harder than others. I'm sure tons of people have gone down that road and failed (I'm one of them - vegetarian of four years that gave in and went back to the dark side).

Don't be too hard on yourself. Clearly you mean well, and that's the most important thing. Even if you were to cut down your meat consumption to the point where only half of your meals involved meat, you're still making an effort, and you're definitely making a difference to your health. No single vegetarian ever made the big difference, it matters more on a grand scale. Even by cutting down you can feel good that you've reduced harm a little. That's what matters.

It is a shame that it has to be seen as such a black and white thing: either you're a vegetarian and therefore a good person, or you're not a vegetarian and therefore a bad person. With some (not all) vegetarians and vegans being pretty hardcore and very judgmental, it's easy to look at it like you have to be one thing or the other. It doesn't have to be that way, and if you try to completely force yourself into something that doesn't work for you, you're more likely to fail and end up where you started.

Do the best you feel you can do (this pretty much goes for everything in life) and you never ought to feel like you didn't try hard enough.

I couldn't have said it better
Being vegetarian was only ever hard for me during my first month. I'm not a picky eater though, actually I'll eat pretty much anything besides meat and fish. Maybe you just need some more creative recipes? Some vegetarian food can be very bland.

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So I'm watching as his wings spread as wide as could be
Come on now and wrap them around me

Thanks for the replies.

Yeah, I may try and do a 85% Vegetarian diet type of deal, or perhaps i'll go the "freegan" route lol.

I want to be a freegan! I don't live in an area with enough dumpsters though. I'm kind of in butt fuck no where.
Hold on, I'll upload something for you. I'm not sure if you'll find it interesting but it's freegan related

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So I'm watching as his wings spread as wide as could be
Come on now and wrap them around me