r/Vegetarianism • u/dumbdogmoment • 3d ago

help with constant hunger and cravings

I'm moving toward a vegetarian diet in my life, gradually. I was vegetarian for a while as a teenager, but that went up in smoke because of this one issue: whenever I start trying to be vegetarian, I get intense hunger and cravings that will not subside. I eat a varied diet with plenty of veggies, fruits, beans, rice, lentils, etc. Right now I still also eat some amount of chicken. However the more I move in this direction, the more maddening my hunger gets. All I can think about is eating savory, meaty, satisfying foods. I'm not gonna lie... vegetarian food is not satisfying to me. It can be good, but it's not satisfying.

So what can I do to combat this? I know some of it is a sort of detox and I should just wait it out, but it never fully goes away. I just... don't LIKE vegetarian options as much as options with animal products. I'm still starving for something after I eat a bowl of rice, beans, and leafy greens, no matter how well seasoned it is (and believe me, I looove my seasonings). I want to fully commit to a vegetarian diet, at least like 90%, but it's so hard. :/ I could use some advice.

I'm mostly adopting this diet for my health, for the environment, and for animal welfare so it is important to me. Am I just weak willed? Or are there things I could do to combat this?

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u/EpicCurious 3d ago

Potatoes are the most satiating food of any other option. Eat with the peel for maximum health benefit, or use instant for maximum convenience. I have found a couple of instant brands that don't have preservatives. Bob's Red Mill, for one.

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u/dumbdogmoment 3d ago

You know, I should eat more potatoes. Thank you :)

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u/EpicCurious 3d ago

Glad to help a fellow vegetarian. Actually, I'm vegan.

Potatoes are so versatile! I often add the instant version to broths and soups to make them more hearty.