I have no real desire to go completely vegetarian or vegan, however, I would like to greatly reduce how much animal products I consume.  The problem is that whenever I try to limit it, I end up feeling weak, unsatisfied, and flat out hungry no matter how much I eat.  I try to make sure I hit all my nutritional bases, but maybe I'm not doing a very good job at it.  I don't know.  Does anybody have any suggestions for me?  Thanks!

Well, first off Jessie, what are you eating....what's a typical day of eating look like for you?

That would probably be helpful, wouldn't it :)

I work full time and just had a baby, so right now my diet is a whole lot of "whatever i can grab", which, admittedly, needs some work.  For breakfast, usually something like toast with peanut butter or a bagel with vegan cream cheese.  Sometimes a cereal with almond milk.  For lunch, a veggie burger with crackers of some sort (I usually end up snacking on the crackers through the afternoon).  Lately for dinner I've been having a lot of pasta with sauce just because that's the quickest, most filling thing I can come up with.  I try to throw some sort of protein (tofu or something) in there.  We've been eating a lot of leafy greens with dinner lately, which is nice and nutritious, though not particularly substantial.

Beans are filling and satisfying.  Maybe try putting hummus on your bagel and then for dinner either vegetarian bean soup or vegetarian chili.  I use the boca crumbles along with the beans in the chili and it is very filling.

The first month of vegan I was always hungry. But after that month everything clicked and I never feel suddenly starving anymore. I always felt hungry even when I was a meat eater and I thought I was destined to always feel that way but after being vegan I no longer shake with starvation. 

Definitely add more beans and don't eat pasta so much.  Many vegans and vegetarians do it the wrong way by relying on processed veggie burgers and pasta, mac and cheese, etc and then come out feeling bad.  Try making some soups and stews full of beans and greens.  Eat with brown rice, barley, or quinoa. These can be made ahead and frozen for later use too. 

I'm going to say the same thing as everyone else - beans, beans and beans! Always have some hummus on the go for snackage. Soups are great for lunch. I like brown rice, bulgar wheat, and couscous too and wholewheat pasta a couple of times a week does no harm. I allow myself soba noodles and white rice once a week and I'm not afraid of bread either as long it ain't the white processed stuff. I definitely have to mix it up food wise - variety is spice of life and all that. I find I become hungry if I'm eating similar things all the time. If you're need of any meal ideas pop over to my blog:

http://peasoupeats.wordpress.com/

Also, try a whole grain like rice instead of pasta. That really helps you feel satisfied. Maybe you're not eating enough too. Try adding some more veggies in somewhere. I like to dip snow peas or carrots into hummus instead of crackers and I like to sneak veggies like spinach, carots, and celery into my pasta sauce. Every little bit counts! :D I was like Terra. I felt kind of weak and shaky my first month and then my body got used to using clean fuel for energy. :D

Thanks, everybody!  I knew this would be the place to ask!

Anie, the recipes on your blog look and sound amazing!  Thanks for sharing :)

Thanks Susan:)

nursing makes you VERY hungry regardless of your diet choices

I agree with everyone here but would add, It is uncomfortable but very healthy to be a little bit hungry every day.

Raw, organic nuts and dried fruit are great filler-uppers. Almonds and walnuts are very nutritious. We always keep those around (along with cashews and pistachios) to snack on. Another option for your meals are sweet potatoes and winter squash. 

It looks like you like easy foods. Buy some no-salt added or low sodium cans of beans and throw this over brown rice and add veggies. Simple, fast and filling.