Whole Foods. Plant Based Lifestyle

CarlosHarch
CarlosHarch Posts: 8 Member
edited November 2024 in Food and Nutrition
Hello everyone.

So. As a student of nutrition and the science behind exercise and health I’ve read dozens of books and seen plenty of documentaries. Everything from blogs to medical journals and Netflix to lectures.

I’ve tried paleo in the past and had great results. I did Keto for a while and it didn’t really suit me.

I’ve recently read a lot on Whole Foods plant based diets. I’m extremely active. Endurance stuff mostly but I enjoy HIIT and regular weight training as well.

I just had a few questions maybe y’all could help with:
1) how long before you felt any changes?
2) how long before you saw and changes?
3) any foods that don’t help? Like any foods that seem like they’re part of the diet but aren’t?
4) and foods that you really enjoyed more that others?
5) intermittent fasting and WFPBD? How did it work for you?
6) and endurance athletes out there that can recommend during activity nutrition?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Replies

  • concordancia
    concordancia Posts: 5,320 Member
    What changes are you expecting to feel or see?
  • kimny72
    kimny72 Posts: 16,011 Member
    OP, what are your goals? What "changes" are you looking to see? Are you counting calories?
  • amberellen12
    amberellen12 Posts: 248 Member
    So. As a student of nutrition and the science behind exercise and health I’ve read dozens of books and seen plenty of documentaries. Everything from blogs to medical journals and Netflix to lectures.

    His post
  • amberellen12
    amberellen12 Posts: 248 Member
    I give up!
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    I am having trouble relating to your post as my training and reading led me in a different direction.

    I pay attention that I get enough protein and I plate according to the diabetic plan (old habits die hard). I do a lot of scratch cooking but I make no effort to stick to whole foods.

    1) how long before you felt any changes?
    At three months and first ten pounds gone.

    2) how long before you saw and changes?
    A few months later I’d dropped a dress size. About the same time I had gained enough mobility to recover from a slip.

    3) any foods that don’t help? Like any foods that seem like they’re part of the diet but aren’t?
    No. Measure the peanut butter.

    4) and foods that you really enjoyed more that others?
    Highly personal and it kept changing. At different times I’ve gushed over parsnip, sparkling water, Greek Yogurt, chocolate, chocolate, and watermelon.

    5) intermittent fasting and WFPBD? How did it work for you?
    Never restricted my diet that way.

    6) and endurance athletes out there that can recommend during activity nutrition?
    My endurance never got past 5K but my running buddies said not a lot is required; if running more than a half marathon, pack a few gummy bears.

    If you are shooting for a WFPBD, try these:
    https://www.google.ca/amp/s/www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/maple-syrup-candies/amp

    Or these:
    https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-research-shows-california-raisins-positively-impact-diabetic-nutrition-300122072.html
  • MikePfirrman
    MikePfirrman Posts: 3,307 Member
    I'm not vegan completely but I do think my diet qualifies as mostly WFPB. We eat meat twice a week (not two days, just twice) -- mostly just chicken and fish. The rest of the week, I'm pretty much vegan (no dairy or gluten either).

    I don't know if I'd qualify as an "endurance athlete" by your definition, but I'm a pretty competitive indoor rower. I row around 60K meters a week or more. I also lift too (mostly heavy KB work and pushups/military presses). I do protein drinks or vegan meals around my workouts, especially if it's a heavier workout. I also practice IF.

    Here's my general "rules". If I'm doing easier cardio (long slow days), I'll usually fast until after I workout at lunch. You don't need a ton of carbs around easier long steady work. You don't. No matter what anyone says.

    You DO need to eat around lifting and HIIT type work. I usually will eat some carbs like plain oatmeal or fruit an hour before I lift (I combine HIIT with lifting) and then make sure I eat a bigger meal with protein (legumes, quinoa, grains with vegetables) after a harder workout. I also supplement with SunWarrior (I use the Warrior Blend one). Now some would argue, depending on how strict their definition of WFPB is, that Vegan protein powder, even if it's "clean" isn't WFPB. That's valid if that's what you believe but I use the protein powder in limited fashion. Mostly it's the Vegan meal I made the night before left over. Tonight is Strawberry Salad with Field Greens, Walnuts, Mango, Tofu Bacon and a homemade dressing (very typical of how we eat dinners). That will be what I eat tomorrow after my workout as well. I usually replace at least 2/3 of the calories that I burn around my workouts, especially on my "hard" days.

  • IndependentMe
    IndependentMe Posts: 182 Member
    how long before you felt any changes?
    Almost immediately. After 5 weeks my triglycerides dropped 194 to 87. After 4 months I am down 35 pounds. I do not calorie count anymore, but I do track for nutritionhere to be sure I am getting enough fiber, and not too much sugar or fat. I have cut out oils so that is not a big problem, but I do "cheat" with real salad dressing sometimes, and sometimes too many nuts/avocado etc. But those are "good fats." But not so good if you are trying to lose weight. I have them, but in moderation. Most days, without trying, I am under calories because the amazing fiber of oats, beans, and the bulk of fresh fruit and veggies keep me full.
    2) how long before you saw and changes? a few weeks.
    3) any foods that don’t help? Like any foods that seem like they’re part of the diet but aren’t? Well, I avoid processed food, there is a lot of junk vegan out there that gives you an easy option of grab and eat, but you are better off preparing things yourself and freezing. I also keep my fruit to one or two servings a day, which is a recommended amount.
    4) and foods that you really enjoyed more that others? Potatos! I can have potatos again! They are healthy, the stuff you put on top is what isn't (sourcream etc). But just plain roasted with seasoning and no oil are delicious and filling! I also LOVE carrot dogs on whole wheat buns for an occassional treat. 100% whole wheat. Still processed but hey, sometimes you just want a dog.
    5) intermittent fasting and WFPBD? How did it work for you? I don't fast, I try to stick to 3 meals a day, no snacking to give my digestion rests.
    6) and endurance athletes out there that can recommend during activity nutrition? Not endurance athlete, but started couch to 5k. I take vitamin b12. Very important.
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