Tried being vegan & failed!

JaydedMiss

-nevermind-

dannosaur

@kmariev213 Also freeze ripe bananas, they add bulk and thickness to a smoothie and much-needed calories. You can also freeze avocados and add those!

dannosaur

@kmariev213 Also in terms of legumes, 1 cup of beans is about 250 calories, serve that over some rice and veggies and/or some sort of fat like avocado and you've got a 500 plus calorie meal right there! Sometimes I like to slow cook or bake a few cans of whatever beans I have on hand, tossed in a sauce, you can find recipes for vegan sauces.

Which brings me to my next point, I would also look into vegan prep meals, so you know that you have something hearty for a good few days. I often like to make chili (non-vegan), but it yields 8, 2 cup portions at 398 cals each! You can load up a vegan chili with tons of veggies, maybe 3 cans of beans, sweet potatoes, tofu, quinoa and even eat that over rice or with toast or avocado. I saw a vegetarian chili on the Domestic Geek that looked yummy.

jgnatca

Your body is telling you what you need. This is the first animal you must take care of so that you can care for many more.

First of all, the weight loss, being hungry all the time and the irresistible runs to the fast food joint tell me you aren’t eating nearly enough. Please carry energy bars with you at all times when you are tempted.

Second of all, your running performance is telling you that you aren’t getting enough protein, iron, and B12. You need more than the daily RDA to top yourself up. I suggest supplements and MFP tracking.

Make a list of fat and protein sources that don’t make your stomach hurt and eat them daily.

Might you consider a daily free range egg?

gessmer

I was vegetarian for 5 years and recently started eating meat again last November. to me it wasn't worth it, I lost a lot of weight when I cut meat off, but it mostly muscle mass and not actual fat. in order for you to eat enough, you really need to find good sources of protein and fire etc. not just veggies. especially if your looking to gain weight.

kmariev213

@janejellyroll you hit the nail on the head. Thanks to everyone’s reply on this post I have definitely realized I need to incorporate more fats and different types of legumes and lentils. I just screen shot your message! It was extremely helpful and informative! THANK YOU!

kmariev213

@cwolfman13 That is very interesting that you are able to balance yourself and try other dishes! I am part Thai , Italian, and Puerto Rican. I was raised by my grandmother who has a ton of vegan dishes that I love to eat. The transition to veganism isn’t that hard in terms of trying and eating food. It’s definitely learning to make more foods and incorporate the right foods in my diet. But you just made a great point that turned a light bulb in my head! My grandmother uses tons of ingredients that are filling, healthy, and have a balance of all the nutrients I need in one meal. I think it’s time to visit grandma

janejellyroll

kmariev213 wrote: »

@janejellyroll you hit the nail on the head. Thanks to everyone’s reply on this post I have definitely realized I need to incorporate more fats and different types of legumes and lentils. I just screen shot your message! It was extremely helpful and informative! THANK YOU!

If you're interested, I've found "Vegan for Life" by Jack Norris and Virginia Messina to be the best book for understanding vegan nutrition. It provides a great overview of special areas of focus for vegan nutrition and even has different sample menu plans for different lifestyles.

kmariev213

@dannosaur You are on fire!! All this information you have given me truly is helpful and I appreciate it! I definitely screenshot your message as well! I will definitely look up how to successfully meal prep as I am terrible at it!

kmariev213

@jgnatca I see what you are saying! It’s not just about reaching my calorie intake.. it’s about giving what my body needs!!! I really like the idea of energy bars! Why did I not think of this? I appreciate your honesty.

kmariev213

@gessmer So have you given up your vegetarian diet completely? Or are you/will you consider it again in the future?

kmariev213

@janejellyroll Yes thank you! I have been reading a lot more lately compared to audiobooks and ebooks. Something about having a book in my hand makes me feel connected and more eager to finish it! If you know what I mean. I’ll definitely go to my local library or book store to see I can find this. Any other sources of information I should look for?

kmariev213

I just want to thank everyone for their reply! I have learned a lot and definitely am more motivated than ever! It’s quite hard to find people around me (my family & even in the gym) that are trying to learn, transition, &/or merge into this lifestyle. I wish everyone luck and blessing in your lives! Thank you for time and patience !!

janejellyroll

kmariev213 wrote: »

@janejellyroll Yes thank you! I have been reading a lot more lately compared to audiobooks and ebooks. Something about having a book in my hand makes me feel connected and more eager to finish it! If you know what I mean. I’ll definitely go to my local library or book store to see I can find this. Any other sources of information I should look for?

Veganhealth.org is a website I've found really useful too.

Good luck! Your energy and outlook is really positive and that's a big part of getting over the initial struggles of going vegan. It does get easier!

kmariev213

@janejellyroll Thank you so much! I hope you have a great week

gessmer

kmariev213 wrote: »

@gessmer So have you given up your vegetarian diet completely? Or are you/will you consider it again in the future?

I've given up completely for now. idk if I'll ever go back, I doubt it, Especially now cause I am trying to get some gains lol

kmariev213

@gessmer Well I completely understand where you are coming from! I definitely miss my weight. I wish you luck in gaining your target weight love If I have any luck gaining weight with this new diet I’ll be sure to share them with you!

gessmer

kmariev213 wrote: »

@gessmer Well I completely understand where you are coming from! I definitely miss my weight. I wish you luck in gaining your target weight love If I have any luck gaining weight with this new diet I’ll be sure to share them with you!

I wish you luck too!! Thank you ♥️

ruffalicious

i was vegan for 4 months but i guess its tougher being the only vegan in the family, i am trying to just be a pescatarian. im not a big fan of beef eversince anyway, i eat turkey, chicken and pork occasionally. i eat a lot of carbs, potatoes, sweet potatoes, a lot of fruits, nuts,bread, pasta, tofu