I'm a Vegetarian (well.. "pescatarian" or fish-eating "vegetarian") deciding to take the plunge and eliminate all animal products from my diet. I stopped eating chicken, beef, steak, etc.. 3 years ago and have started to do some more research on my diet. The more I learn, the more I question the products I am putting into my shopping cart and to my body. Cutting out milk is pretty easy for me as I've fallen in love with almond milk. I am OK cutting out cheese and yogurt as I've found some pretty yummy substitues as well. The hardest part for me, I know, is going to be cutting out fish. I love love love eating fish. I am starting to introduce myself to new foods but fish has been a major part of my diet for the last 3 years and I'm a little nervous giving it up. Any one been through a similar experience? Any advice? Although nervous, I am definitely ready to give this a go :)

I am in the same exact boat! I may have only become a vegetarian "Pescatarian" six months ago but I am preparing myself to go full out Vegan. I love fish but something tells me if I remember why my body needs this change and why I want this change I feel better. I recommend taking veganaise and mix it with relish to make a fake tartar and eating it with tofu on a roll when you crave fish. (:

Asian foodstores sell small packets of salted nori sheets for snacking. These help satisfy my cravings for fish. Its really the umami flavour that I'm looking for. I also like to grind up some dried hijiki or cut some roasted nori sheets to add to a vegan Caesar salad. Also, be sure you are getting the omega-3's that the fish might have previously provided in your diet--ground flax seeds, flax oil, walnuts and hemp seeds are good.

But I would also say that if you are really needing fish, you can have it once and a while, committing to eating a plant-based diet the vast majority of the time. In my opinion, t's not about personal purity, but about trying to reduce the amount of harm we inflict upon the animals, the environment and ourselves. Over time you might just find that you don't miss fish any more and can do without it.

Be kind to yourself.

I don't know if I'm in the right place being on this website. I do have Alicias book so I came here.

I gave up meat and poultry but did not give up fish or dairy. It's been a few years now.  I don't know if I will go completely Vegan.  I thought giving up meat and poultry was a good step.  My friends always say "she's a vegetarian" when we go out to eat or if someone offers me meaty dishes. I always say, no, I still eat fish and dairy.

It was actually harder than I thought, not the giving up part, but my friends reactions. One friends reaction was actually hurtful. I choose to order meatless meals when we go out and she said that people who don't eat meat "throw it in her face". She had a few drinks at the time but it was hurtful. I never throw it in her face. she actually told me it was stupid that I gave up meat. Again she was drinking, and never said anything about it ever again.

Trying to do the right thing isn't always easy.  Im not judging others because they do eat meat, I'm often tempted myself when I smell the meat cooking on the BBQ.  Somehow just by not eating it, I make them feel guilt. Most people do not give me a bad time though. Just a few.it's always great when I meet someone else who is eating like I am:)  One of our favorite happy hour places is a steak house. I have some wine and the tuna tartar. One day the bartender, trying to be nice gave me little beef shish kabobs, They looked delicious, I felt bad that I had to tell him I dont eat meat. He felt bad giving it to me, and we all felt bad. My firends ate them.

Another story.. I collect recyclables for my coworker to cash in. He doesn't know me well, he comes around during lunch and cleans the rooms, empties the garbage. As a thank you gesture, his wife made me spaghetti that had little pieces of meat in it. Just to be nice to him,  I had a lttle portion, trying to eat around the meat, and gave the rest to my coworkers.