Re: lacto-ovo vegetarianism

Hello,
Without sounding like I am lecturing you, I would say that having a family with children to be responsible for is even more of a reason to make sure your family's diet is clean and nutritional. I would have to say that being vegan will take a little more work than being a lacto-ovo vegetarian and I would have concerns if you do not have the time or are unwilling to commit the time to learning what they need for proper nutrition as a vegan.

I have been a lacto-ovo vegetarian for over 15 years (it was my second attempt as well, I finally got serious enough to research how to do it right) and have not had any issues with my health due to being a lacto-ovo veggie. My advise is eat organic, do not take what ANY ONE says as the only answer as facts change with knowlege, keep an open mind and RESEARCH it BEFORE you try it! A common behavior pattern among all of the healthy vegetarians I have ever known is that they do not mind the work it takes to learn how to get proper nutrition and they like to make decisions for themselves. A pretty smart guy (a veggie) once said:

"The IMPORTANT thing is to NEVER stop questioning...
-Albert Einstein


I have always had my blood checked each year during my annual physical to assure I had no deficiencies. I NEVER had ANY deficiencies due to my diet. I have never been charged any more for this because the bloodwork is part of a annual physical and my doc just adds a few more tests to it for me. Talk to your doc and let them know your concerns and ask if checking for vitamin and mineral deficiencies can become a standard part of you physical exam. If they will not act as a partner in you health care, move on until you find one that will. Always ask that a copy be mailed to you so you can monitor what you need to be concerned about if any deficiencies exit. It is a good way to determine if any changes are going on as well. The report gives you the normal ranges so you will understand it.

As far as getting protein, before you run to soy as your MAIN source, I would further research using unfermented soy as there is some recent controversy about using it. I cannot find any info that will verify one way or the other and the only thing that both sides agree on is that the historical use of soy was that of fermented soy only. It was not until recently (last hundred years or so) that the use of unfermented soy was consumed by people. Something to do with toxins in unfermented soy that the fermentation process gets rid of it. (ANY input on that subject is welcome) Also, there is a lot of soy "junk food" out there, avoid it.

I use tempeh and miso along with low glycemic veggies and a modest amount of grains (I have to watch my grains due to insulin response, a herditary hypotyroid related problem. Nothing to do with being a veggie). I take the Super RX shake for now until I get a juicer. I hated swallowing the vitamins as I had for the last decade so I moved to the shakes and soon to juicing. juicing is good source for being able to get mega nutrition without having to totally stuff yourself, just do not over do it with the high glycemic veggies and fruits. You can also use whey or rice protein, nutrional yeast, chia or hemp seeds or a better quality shake (not soy) such as Super RX Super Berry or Super Greens (uses pea protein & whey along with berries and greens and other micronutrients). (a little expensive, but so is vitamin supplements and juicing)and you are not buying expensive meat.

You said that you are milk intolerant, have you ever considered looking into organic grass fed RAW dairy products. All of what I have read states that those who are lactose intolerant can use raw dairy products because the lactase enzymes are not destroyed by high temperatures because raw dairy is not pasturized. The pasturization process brings the milk to a high temp which denatures proteins and destroys the good things like lactase and CLA, etc... You will also find that most of the smaller artisian dairy farmers that make it take better care of their cows and their processing facility which mean healthier cows with less chances for bacterial infections so less need for all the drugs and the pasturization to kill bacteria. Not only do they take their craft seriously, I imagine they have a point to prove due to the lobbists trying to keep them out of business nationwide so I think that would also make them are very careful.
The reputable websites for raw dairy products even post their state testing for bacteria levels and most tend to be way below what is required counts. They seem to take a lot of pride in that. Probably due to the fact that their products are made from cows that are grass fed, no anti-biotics or steriods and a well treated, unlike the larger industrial farms. There are a few websites that can help you locate them. Just put "organic raw milk" or "organic raw milk products" into the search or check Dr Mercola's website. While he is not real big on vegetarianism, his site is a good resource for some items and his website provides a couple of links to raw dairy websites and I have since researched it further. I usually research anything I read first before trying it.

I have tried the raw milk chedder cheese made by Organic Valley (sold at Whole Foods and on the net) and the taste surpasses any gourmet cheese I have ever eaten and I have not become ill from the lack of pasturization. I am looking into trying raw butter, milk and other products as well by another source called Organic Pastures and Meadow Maid. (Not sold at Whole Foods in Michigan where I am from although I have seen other states where they can get it at Whole Foods and in their local health food stores and co-ops, it varies by state).

Usage of raw milk is very controversial and there is a movement to make it more accessable to all states. Many states will not allow the dairies to ship to other states, but there are a few in California, Texas, Wisconsin and the east coast via the websites. There may be a local source such as a cow share program or a local farm, you will have to investigate around your area. Ask your local health food stores and food co-ops. Dairy can be a decent source as well as nuts, especially walnuts and seeds such as chia or hemp seeds. Don't fall into the trap on using too much of any one of your sources of protein. They all have their own attributes so mix it up. You will get what you need if you use all available sources in moderation. Find out which veggies (try new ones) pack the biggest wallop of the good things and experiment to find out what you like. While this input was lengthy, I hope this has helped a little.

To Your Good Health,
Carol
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