Before I was diagnosed with a heart problem I was a lacto-ovo vegetarian. Once released from the hospital they sent me to a dietician. After consulting them they HIGHLY advised me to start eating meat again, at least chicken. The problem and reason why… I don’t really like eggs… not much at all. Due to being on anticoagulants I have to regulate my intake of Vitamin K, meaning green leafy veggies. Increase in Vitamin K means increase in coagulation… So although its healthy food and good for my heart, it makes your blood thicker, making my heart work harder. I really was my healthiest and felt my best when I was a lacto-ovo vegetarian.

I know that I should really consult my doctors more… but honestly after my experiences, I trust my own research and discussions than what the doctors and cardiologists try to spoon feed me.

That being said, I wondered what all of your thoughts and opinions on the matter would be. Do you think I would be able to be a lacto-ovo vegetarian again? Is there other ways besides meats and eggs that I can get some good protein from? Obviously I could do protein shakes and vitamins. I’m just wondering if there are other options as well. I do plan on contacting my nutritionist again as well regarding the subject.

Thanks in advanced for any advice, ideas, thoughts, and/or comments.

- Michelle -

What is the main motivation for being a lacto-ovo vegetarian?

Simply put...

Overall dislike of meat and partial personal beliefs on how they raise, butcher, etc...

I don't eat meat, either. In fact, I've recently read a book about how animal protein actually is a factor in heart disease, rather than a preventative measure. "The China Study" by T. Colin Campbell. Check it out.

That said, I eat beans and peanut butter every day, on top of tons of veggies and fruits. You can definitely reach your necessary protein requirement without eating meat.

Good luck!

I just wondered, because it could go either way. Some people fight against what is best for them for no good reason, while others are simply being in tune with themselves and know intuitively what is best.

So if you believed that animals were handled humanely and killed in an appropriate manner, would you eat meat then?

probably not still... because I still don't like the taste of meat. I would take a veggie sandwich or a nice steamed brocoli over steak any day. I can't handle seeing or touching the blood. Things just don't feel right when I eat it. I just try to have lemon chicken to stick with what my docs have told me. That and I will eat meat when at my parents or at someones house so as not to insult them.

I think one of the biggest reasons is that over all i remember truely feeling best when I didn't eat meat. I felt "cleaner" inside if that makes sense. Any time now when I eat it I have to eat fruit or veggies afterwards otherwards it makes my stomach feel ill. I have been eating meat for 5 years now... wow.. didn't even realize its been that long.. I was a Lacto-Ova Veg for about 8 years before that... I'm still young.. so I made the decision to be a vegetarian when I was just 9 years old. Then started eating meat at 17... So maybe its just hard still to get used to the change since I grew up not eating meat...

I keep going back and forth... I'm not a big peanut butter eater either.. feels like "heavy" food to me... I guess in general I am a pretty picky eater at times.

I'd love to hear more of your thoughts on the matter...

Thanks! I will definatly look into it. Thank you so much for your input!

Out of interest, what would be a rough overview of your normal day diet wise? And what foods form the basis of your choices?

I also believe that some conditions can be reversed by proper eating habits and exercise, but I go to my doctors and have them monitor my progress anyway.

I would be up front with my doctors and tell them what I want to accomplish and how. Use books like Ornish's Reversing Heart Disease, Dr Fuhrman's Reversing Heart Disease article (and books), or books by Oz and Roizen to get an idea of what's possible.

Fat loss, lowering blood pressure to about 115/74, lowering cholesterol to a healthy count, and regular cardio are the best things you can do for your heart and can all be done via changing your food habits and exercise.

If your doctors are unsympathetic, try looking for a doctor who will work with you. Work with your doctor to set measurable goals and know when to give in (temporarily) if you're not getting where you need to be fast enough.

Althought it can vary... usually its the following....

Morning
Plain oatmeal

Mid Morning
Kosher yogurt with a little granola

Lunch
Salad with a little ceasar dressing
Sandwich (varies on kind)

Mid-Afternoon
Piece of fruit (banana, apple or an orange

Dinner
Boneless, Skinless chicken breast cooked with a little no-salt butter, garlic and lemon.
small portion of potatoes
some other veggie, usually green beans or brocoli.

I love my fruits and veggies. I add the chicken in as per my doctor. I guess I just try to go for things that seem healthy but still are things I enjoy eating.

Great advice only thing is my blood pressure (which is about 105/70) and cholesterol isn't a problem for me. I have heart disease but its Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Congestive Heart Failure. So most books don't address my issues. They aren't sure how i got the heart problem but when they checked my choleserol is well within its healthy limits.

I was a vegetarian and inshape tennis player when diagnosed.. My weight gain came later. I am still trying to find other doctors to approach. But it seems most wont even discuss diet, they just send me to a nutritionist which all seem to go by the same text-book recommendations...

I will look into more books regarding the heart issue though. Thank you for your advice!