Could I do it?

[CorianneCooks]

I've been toying with the idea of going vegetarian, but the fact that I'm allergic to soy and all it's derivatives is holding me back--I like breathing too much (soy closes down my airway. I'm not allergic enough that I can't eat foods that are prepared around soy, but soy milk, edamamie, tofu, etc are all right out). That, and I don't like salad. Is it possible to be a soy-free vegetarian?

[Lalaloula]

Hey there Corianne!

First of all: WELCOME to this forum, its lovely meeting you!

Secondly, in my opinion, definitely yes! I have been a soy-free vegetarian for most of my time as a vegetarian, because I was allergic to soy, too. Only mildly, but I didnt want to challenge my luck, so I avoided it.
If you were planning on becoming a vegan, I would say, that could be problematic as you would have a hard time finding subs, but even that should be possible seeing the new non-dairy milks made from rice, oat, spelt, etc.

All vegetables, fruits and grains and nearly all legumes are naturally soy free, so there are tons of exciting meal ideas just there. Of course you have to be careful with packaged foods, but that's nothing new to you, I presume, because it's the same being an omnivore with allergies.

As far as nutrition is concerned, Id advise to eat a balanced diet making sure to eat lots of dark green leafy vegetables, millet, legumes and such to provide your body with the nutrients it needs (and as of now gets from the meat youre eating). Make sure to have regular blood check-ups with your doc and then you should be fine. You can also take supplements if that should be necessary.

What are your favourite foods? What do you think you will miss most being a vegetarian? What do you think is most challenging for you about this? Maybe we can give you an idea of meat-free alternatives if we know what youre particularly interested in.

I hope this helps and I would love to hear how everything develops for you.

Loula

[magpie diner]

I agree with Loula, absolutely do-able!

I'm seeing more and more products labelled soy-free...just more choices in general when it comes to vegan milks, "cheeses" etc etc. I found it tricky when I cut out wheat, a lot of packaged veg foods contain it, especially the 'faux' meats....but over the course of a few months I found I just cut them out all together or found other options. I imagine it would be the same with soy.

You can transition one step at a time, doesn't have to be all at once.

Good luck on this new journey!

[Gingersnap in Midwest]

It's possible to be soy free and veg, too! There are faux products now that fulfill that "gotta have meat" need. There are rice burgers and I believe Quorn products do not have soy. Their meatballs are delicious. I don't eat them anymore because they have eggs in them, but they are really good in sauce. I agree with everyone else. Go the vegetable and greens way as well as legumes. There are some very satisfying dishes that use these. Our favorite dish is lentils that are cooked with different spices and mashed potatoes. The lentil dish makes a gravy. Sounds carby and we only have it once in a while but it's a real treat. Welcome to being a veg. It's a great lifestyle.

[KissKiss]

Absolutely, you can. I'm a vegan and almost never eat soy. Just lean more towards whole foods and stay away from the processed stuff as much as you can. Good luck!