Navy Boot Camp for Vegetarians

[Malarkey]

Heh, not to sound like a jerk, but the Navy could care less if you're a vegetarian or not, ESPECIALLY at boot camp. From a medical perspective, and in my opinion, I wouldn't if you don't want to lag behind.


That, and be thankful this isn't the Marines. Hahahaha.

[llamayamaa]

Originally Posted by Malarkey

Heh, not to sound like a jerk, but the Navy could care less if you're a vegetarian or not, ESPECIALLY at boot camp. From a medical perspective, and in my opinion, I wouldn't if you don't want to lag behind.


That, and be thankful this isn't the Marines. Hahahaha.

I graduated 2/1 and am a vegetarian. I can vouch that while it IS difficult, it is NOT impossible. A well-informed vegetarian can do just as well as a non vegetarian in bootcamp. Don't let anyone tell you that your performance will lag behind others or that the RDCs or the Navy will not be tolerant of your dietary choices. Yes, you will have less options as a vegetarian, but it is ENTIRELY possible to get the necessary amount of protein in the food they serve. We live in a society that over-eats meat to begin with, and most people don't have a clue as to how much protein one really needs per day.

If you're a vegetarian and have questions or concerns, please feel free to message me. I wish I had someone offering guidance to me before I went to RTC that was more than just "start eating meat if you want to make it."

[sweetmtn]

Originally Posted by llamayamaa

If you're a vegetarian and have questions or concerns, please feel free to message me. I wish I had someone offering guidance to me before I went to RTC that was more than just "start eating meat if you want to make it."

Why dont you post the menu items you were offered there at boot to help here....

[Malarkey]

Originally Posted by llamayamaa

...or that the RDCs or the Navy will not be tolerant of your dietary choices. Yes, you will have less options as a vegetarian, but it is ENTIRELY possible to get the necessary amount of protein in the food they serve.

I didn't say or mean that they won't be tolerant, I just meant don't expect to walk up to an RDC and ask for anything special because of your dietary opinion.

[alex.martinez]

Originally Posted by Malarkey

I didn't say or mean that they won't be tolerant, I just meant don't expect to walk up to an RDC and ask for anything special because of your dietary opinion.

I would never expect that. I do however refuse to accept that my preformace will lag because of my non meatdiet. I am a very active person and a well informed vegetarian. I know it wont be easy but if i can make it easier on ther vegetarian future sailors then ill try.

[McHolySOul]

From a body-building perspective, meat provides a generous supply of essential amino acids, creatine and traces of zinc, which is required for insulin, growth hormone, and testosterone metabolism. Creatine helps muscle gains, which makes meats like beef with high content of it stand out vs other sources. Then again, those who abstain could just supplement it directly, since it isn't meat derived... but basically meat = muscle , muscle = strength/endurance.

[alex.martinez]

Originally Posted by McHolySOul

From a body-building perspective, meat provides a generous supply of essential amino acids, creatine and traces of zinc, which is required for insulin, growth hormone, and testosterone metabolism. Creatine helps muscle gains, which makes meats like beef with high content of it stand out vs other sources. Then again, those who abstain could just supplement it directly, since it isn't meat derived... but basically meat = muscle , muscle = strength/endurance.

I have seceral friends that are body builders and dont eat meat. How they do it i am not sure. I dont know the science but i do know they are big and ripped. Im sure they supplement. But i have been a vegetarian for 4 years now and have nver seen any lack of improvement in my rock climbing. Both diets have their pros and cons. Either way, meat or no meat as long as you are getting proper nutrients and avoid garbage food you should see gains in athletic preformance.

[alex.martinez]

But honestly i dont want this thread to turn into a debate. Most vegetarians have heard by most every one they know that what they are doing is wrong. It usually doesnt change thier mind. Id rather this thread be a resource to help out fellow deppers