# Do I really have to eat tofu? (On becoming a vegetarian) **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [April 26, 2010, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-really-have-to-eat-tofu-on-becoming-a-vegetarian/537395 "2010-04-26T13:49:43Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 15\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Stealth\_Potato](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Stealth\_Potato](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stealth_Potato)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2010, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-really-have-to-eat-tofu-on-becoming-a-vegetarian/537395/21 "2010-04-27T00:50:54Z")
> [@vivalostwages](#): > > Agreed–tofu is tasteless if you don’t do something with it. Mostly tasteless. Even raw, uncooked and unadorned, your typical supermarket firm tofu has a light flavor that I just love. I make a point of buying several packages at a time: whenever I cook with tofu, I invariably start to snack on its juicy soy meatses straight from the package, and unless I have plenty, I am in danger of running out before any of it hits the frying pan. I can’t be the only one who does this, can I? 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Peremensoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@Peremensoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peremensoe)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2010, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-really-have-to-eat-tofu-on-becoming-a-vegetarian/537395/22 "2010-04-27T00:55:31Z")
You don’t have to eat tofu to be vegetarian. You also don’t have to be vegetarian to eat tofu. With or without tofu, you don’t have to be 100% veg unless you want to be. The [protein concern](http://www.vegsoc.org/info/protein.html) is way overblown; most _vegetarians_ get more protein than they need. If you eat _enough food_–real food, not junk–and a good variety, you’re probably getting enough protein [without further thought](http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0820/is_n211/ai_17010257/). You also don’t need to get “complete proteins” in every meal–beans and rice together is great, but beans at one meal and rice at another is just fine. ---
**Author:** ![GilaB](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/8e7dd6/32.png) [@GilaB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GilaB)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2010, 4:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-really-have-to-eat-tofu-on-becoming-a-vegetarian/537395/23 "2010-04-27T04:19:40Z")
A friend with serious lactose issues finds that she can eat yogurt that she makes herself, but not the commercial stuff. When she makes her own, she lets it ‘cook’ for longer than the supermarket version, which breaks down almost all of the lactose that would otherwise be present. She bought a yogurt maker, which you can get for $25-30, but you can also find plenty of info online about making the stuff without any special equipment. . ---
**Author:** ![Quercus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/7ab992/32.png) [@Quercus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quercus)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2010, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-really-have-to-eat-tofu-on-becoming-a-vegetarian/537395/24 "2010-04-27T16:01:16Z")
> [@olivesmarch4th](#): > > So I have made the decision not to be a consumer of meat. I’ve got no problem with eating meat at a guest’s house, or consuming whatever meat is left in my house, because it has already been consumed–the vote has already been cast, so to speak. Even Buddhist monks will eat meat if it is offered to them. > > But I think when I have a direct influence over decisions of consumption, choosing not to purchase meat is more in line with the spiritual framework I have chosen to live by. > > And no, lest anyone feel themselves bristle, that’s not a judgment against anyone else. I don’t push my beliefs on others. I just think this is best for me. Makes perfect sense to me. > [@spark240](#): > > The [protein concern](http://www.vegsoc.org/info/protein.html) is way overblown; most _vegetarians_ get more protein than they need. If you eat _enough food_–real food, not junk–and a good variety, you’re probably getting enough protein [without further thought](http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0820/is_n211/ai_17010257/). You also don’t need to get “complete proteins” in every meal–beans and rice together is great, but beans at one meal and rice at another is just fine. When I was still on the wagon (all vegetarian), I found I did have to work at getting enough protein to feel satisfied. But the “complete protein” thing is pretty much a myth. As long as you’re not living exclusively on, say, boiled lentils and nothing else, you’ll be OK. And one bonus tip: for soups, I found that a tomato base really gave them a nice body that eliminated the need for chicken or beef stock (but that may be my personal distaste for watery soups). Miso soup is also ridiculously quick and easy. ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2010, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-really-have-to-eat-tofu-on-becoming-a-vegetarian/537395/25 "2010-04-27T17:58:47Z")
Ok, just got back from the grocery store… plenty of fresh veggies, fruit, leafy greens, legumes, and I’m going to give oat milk a shot. I even got some falafel mix to try out! I got protein powder and nutritional yeast, as well as some protein supplement bars (Cliff Builder)… I know usually the protein thing is overblown, but keep in mind, I track my food daily and every day it’s a struggle for me to squeeze in all that protein. I just don’t have the appetite to eat much at a time. I am trying some of those Morning Star frozen veggie patties just to see how I like them. Eventually I want to be eating clean, but I figure I’d better ease into this. I got greek yogurt, eggs, spinach, a million kinds of cheese… TOTALLY forgot the tofu, I was so overwhelmed with food. I think I’m going to have to go back tomorrow and get all the stuff I forgot. But I DID remember to get a rice cooker! I’m really excited to try it out! Now if you don’t mind I’m off to make my first GREEN MONSTER smoothie! ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2010, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-really-have-to-eat-tofu-on-becoming-a-vegetarian/537395/26 "2010-04-27T18:45:40Z")
> [@](#): > > Peter Singer, one of the most influential animal rights activists of all time, who made an off-the-cuff remark that I haven’t been able to get out of my head. Please share this remark with us. And good luck! MMM ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2010, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-really-have-to-eat-tofu-on-becoming-a-vegetarian/537395/27 "2010-04-27T22:26:33Z")
> [@Quercus](#): > > But the “complete protein” thing is pretty much a myth. As long as you’re not living exclusively on, say, boiled lentils and nothing else, you’ll be OK. No, the idea that legumes + grain = complete protein is NOT a myth! What IS a myth is the notion that everything has to be carefully balanced to the gram, or that you much eat this combination at every meal. Just eat both over the course of a day and you’re good. ---
**Author:** ![GilaB](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/8e7dd6/32.png) [@GilaB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GilaB)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2010, 5:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-really-have-to-eat-tofu-on-becoming-a-vegetarian/537395/28 "2010-04-28T05:35:21Z")
For what it’s worth, I find nut milks much more milk-like than oat or rice milk. And [MimicCreme](http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_0_4?url=search-alias%3Dgrocery&field-keywords=mimiccreme&x=0&y=0&sprefix=mimi) is the first decent nondairy cream replacement ever. I’ve only ever used it in savory cooking, but I know people who’ve had very good results in ice creams and such. ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2010, 12:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-really-have-to-eat-tofu-on-becoming-a-vegetarian/537395/29 "2010-04-28T12:42:42Z")
> [@GilaB](#): > > For what it’s worth, I find nut milks much more milk-like than oat or rice milk. And [MimicCreme](http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_0_4?url=search-alias%3Dgrocery&field-keywords=mimiccreme&x=0&y=0&sprefix=mimi) is the first decent nondairy cream replacement ever. I’ve only ever used it in savory cooking, but I know people who’ve had very good results in ice creams and such. **Sr. Olives** and I both tried the oat milk last night, and it was pretty tasty. I much prefer it to rice milk. My vote’s still out on the Greek Yogurt. I expected it to be sweet; it was actually a little sour. ---
**Author:** ![Ferret\_Herder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e47774/32.png) [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2010, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-really-have-to-eat-tofu-on-becoming-a-vegetarian/537395/30 "2010-04-28T14:22:37Z")
> [@olivesmarch4th](#): > > **Sr. Olives** and I both tried the oat milk last night, and it was pretty tasty. I much prefer it to rice milk. > > My vote’s still out on the Greek Yogurt. I expected it to be sweet; it was actually a little sour. Yeah, you’ll find it comes with honey at times (or fruit like regular yogurts) which is how you’ll get it sweet. Greek yogurt is just plain yogurt that’s thicker and typically with a slightly different lactobacillus blend. ---
**Author:** ![Ferret\_Herder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e47774/32.png) [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2010, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-really-have-to-eat-tofu-on-becoming-a-vegetarian/537395/31 "2010-04-28T14:27:24Z")
> [@GilaB](#): > > A friend with serious lactose issues finds that she can eat yogurt that she makes herself, but not the commercial stuff. When she makes her own, she lets it ‘cook’ for longer than the supermarket version, which breaks down almost all of the lactose that would otherwise be present. She bought a yogurt maker, which you can get for $25-30, but you can also find plenty of info online about making the stuff without any special equipment. I make homemade yogurt, but that’s because of the lack of additives in it. Check the label of almost any storebought yogurt and there are all kinds of sweeteners, stabilizers, thickeners, etc., in it. If I want fruit yogurt, I know my yogurt is made from regular milk and a plain live-culture yogurt starter, and then I add fruit - typically frozen pitted cherries or something like that. Plus a lot of flavored yogurts have gelatin in them, which is not vegetarian. ---
**Author:** ![carlb](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carlb/32/5930_2.png) [@carlb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carlb)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2010, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-really-have-to-eat-tofu-on-becoming-a-vegetarian/537395/32 "2010-04-28T15:58:45Z")
I’ve got nothing much to add to this discussion (I’m quite carnivorous), but I have been trying to vary our diet a lot recently. I really just popped in to put a good word in for farro among your whole grains. Man, I love this stuff. It’s a bit like brown rice on steroids to me - larger grain, a lot of that nutty kind of flavor that brown rice has. It works hot by itself or in pilaf sorts of things, goes well in soups (I subbed it for barley in a soup I made Sunday), and it is also excellent in cold salads. Some farro, diced tomatoes, scallions, maybe some diced zucchini and a simple olive oil dressing and you’ve got a simple tasty dish. Although, now that I think about it, I know nothing about how it would impact IBS. But boy is it yummy stuff. ---
**Author:** ![Athena](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/35a633/32.png) [@Athena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Athena)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2010, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-really-have-to-eat-tofu-on-becoming-a-vegetarian/537395/33 "2010-04-28T16:06:47Z")
> [@olivesmarch4th](#): > > My vote’s still out on the Greek Yogurt. I expected it to be sweet; it was actually a little sour. Cut up some fruit - bananas, mangos, and grapes are good, but you can use just about anything - top with Greek yogurt and some crunchy granola. Put some honey on top, you don’t need a lot, just enough to satisfy your sweet tooth. I got turned on to this for breakfast in Greece 20 years ago, and I waited fooorrrreeevvver for Greek style yogurt to make it to the US so I could have it again. ---
**Author:** ![CrazyCatLady](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/dfb087/32.png) [@CrazyCatLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CrazyCatLady)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2010, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-really-have-to-eat-tofu-on-becoming-a-vegetarian/537395/34 "2010-04-28T16:46:40Z")
You might also try making yogurt with lactose-free milk–it’s massively less expensive than buying soy yogurt (and if the soy yogurt is anything like the soy cheese I tried, massively better-tasting.) It’s dead simple, too. Heat up some milk to just below a boil (I usually do a half-gallon container at a time), then let it cool down to about skin temp or a bit warmer. Dip out a little bit and mix a spoonful of yogurt into it, then stir it all back in. Cover and put it somewhere where it will be between 70 and 120 for 8-12 hours, undisturbed (I tend to use a warm, turned-off crockpot with a blanket around it in winter, or just the kitchen counter if it’s summer). Eat. I use it for breakfasts, snacks, dips, frozen yogurt in the summer, all sorts of stuff. Being lactose intolerant, I was used to making yogurt an occasional thing, or else suffering the consequences (and being very unpopular.) This whole non-lactose yogurt thing is _great_. I wish I’d known how easy it was to make years ago. ---
**Author:** ![Peremensoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@Peremensoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peremensoe)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2010, 9:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-really-have-to-eat-tofu-on-becoming-a-vegetarian/537395/35 "2010-05-12T09:29:33Z")
**olives** and other (would-be/semi) vegetarians who are interested in making meat-like dishes might appreciate some of the recipes on [this site](http://thriftyliving.net/). [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-really-have-to-eat-tofu-on-becoming-a-vegetarian/537395.md?page=1)