DEAR DONKEY     FAQ tired of veggies     senior Vegetarian        new Vegetarian Frequently asked questions answered by our resident expert vegetarian Orlando Resume-Born in the wild California desert, lived off the land. Rounded up by the Bureau of Land Management. Adopted by two-legged Vegetarians. Lifetime vegetarian.

Dear Orlando-

As a Vegetarian don't you get tired of only eating vegetables?

Bored with Broccoli

Dear Bored-

Although I love a good carrot, contrary to popular belief, vegetarian meals are based around grains not vegetables. Oats (in hay form ) are my staple grain. A mix of barley and wheat is nice. For dessert I like a sweet feed sauteed in molasses with corn mixed in with rolled oats. MMM. So don't give up on vegetarian meals. There are a wonderful variety of grains available. Amaranth, spelt , kamut, and quinoa are "ancient"grains, with wonderful flavor and unique origins. Rice is always nice. Try japonica, wehini, and basmati rice for a change of pace. Keep exploring other grains and have fun experimenting.

Orlando

Dear Orlando & Godfrey:
I like your vegie page. I am also a vegetarian & have been for more than 25 years. I am 62 and don't feel a day over 35. I ride a bicycle 11 miles every morning in the foothills of the Selkirk Mts in Idaho, (USA) 6 days a week and work full time as a Realtor. I am almost never sick & have no intentions of dying as I am staying in good health till Jesus returns. I hope this letter will be an encouragement to others to eat properly.

Shirley

P.S. No, I don't have false teeth & my hair doesn't need to be dyed as it is still auburn just like some of my Irish ancestors.

Dear Shirley:

Thanks so much for your e-mail. You point out so well that a Vegetarian lifestyle is not only healthy, but a lot of fun. We like to exercise too, take laps (thundering hoofs) around the pasture and wrestle. A veggie and grain diet keeps us humming right along. We really enjoy hearing from folks out there. Thanks again for the inspiring words.

Orlando and Godfrey
Vegetarian Country

Orlando,

I've not eaten any meat (red meat, pork, poultry, seafood, flesh
of any kind) for well over a year. Yet I don't feel I'm gaining all
the benefits of the vegetarian diet. Are there any good books or
reference material you can recommend that would give me the basics of
nutrition without meat? I feel I'm missing out on grains I should be
eating. Currently my diet consists mostly of rice, beans, pasta,
vegetables, fruits and yes, dairy products. Thanks,

-David

Hi David,

I'm so glad you asked this question. In fact this is one of the most frequently asked questions from folks making a lifestyle change like eating vegetarian.

One very good source of pertinent nutritional information plus a bonus of great recipes is a magazine called Vegetarian Times. Vegetarian Times also has a Beginner's Guide with nutritional related questions and new foods and how to deal with social situations. Vegetarian Beginner's Guide (ISBN 0028603869) is published by Macmillan.  Another good beginner's book is The American Vegetarian Cookbook From the Fit For Life Kitchen   by Marilyn Diamond (ISBN 0446515612) It has extensive information on how to build a vegetarian pantry and nutritional facts.

Another good book which addresses many questions regarding vegetarian nutrition is The Vegetarian Way by Virginia and Mark Messina. This is a great resource book for vegetarians with clear explainations on how to have a healthier diet. (ISBN 0517882752) published by Crown Trade Paperbacks. These books can be purchased by following the link below.

Good luck on your path TO A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE. Your question is so pertinent to so many we will post it on my bulletin board.

HEE Haw,

Orlando

Orlando would love to hear from you, send questions and comments to:

orlando@vegcountry.com

Vegetarian Country home page.