Do I need to stop being vegetarian?

azrielda

I've been losing weight continuously for about a year now. At first it was great, I was doing more exercise and eating better than ever before. But I was always tired and my stomach always hurt. I had problems with food as a result and stopped eating, but kept exercising as much (I do olympic weight lifiting for 2 hours and either cycle or walk for another 1.5hours 6 times a week. On the days I don't go to the gym I go for a 30 min run). I really enjoy the exercise.
I was diagnosed with ceoliac disease about 2 months ago and the stomach problems have stopped, but I all my family keeps telling me I'm too underweight. I get chest pains when I don't eat "much" (about 1500 calories) and I often get sugar lows if i'm even half an hour late for a meal and haven't had my period for quite some time now.
I'm trying to eat more, but as a gluten free vegetarian it's very hard to find foods I can eat and even when I do, they mostly tend to be vegetables, plain carbs like rice or very high in sugar, which I don't like eating.
I really don't want to eat meat, but I don't want to stop exercising and I'm scared about losing even more weight. I really don't want to end up in hospital. I feel like I have to eat meat. I don't know what to do :S

pyrowill

I'm sure many people will be along soon so offer some good solid advice. There is a method for eating healthily and getting results from almost any medical condition.

Joanne_Moniz

I've been losing weight continuously for about a year now. At first it was great, I was doing more exercise and eating better than ever before. But I was always tired and my stomach always hurt. I had problems with food as a result and stopped eating, but kept exercising as much (I do olympic weight lifiting for 2 hours and either cycle or walk for another 1.5hours 6 times a week. On the days I don't go to the gym I go for a 30 min run). I really enjoy the exercise.
I was diagnosed with ceoliac disease about 2 months ago and the stomach problems have stopped, but I all my family keeps telling me I'm too underweight. I get chest pains when I don't eat "much" (about 1500 calories) and I often get sugar lows if i'm even half an hour late for a meal and haven't had my period for quite some time now.
I'm trying to eat more, but as a gluten free vegetarian it's very hard to find foods I can eat and even when I do, they mostly tend to be vegetables, plain carbs like rice or very high in sugar, which I don't like eating.
I really don't want to eat meat, but I don't want to stop exercising and I'm scared about losing even more weight. I really don't want to end up in hospital. I feel like I have to eat meat. I don't know what to do :S

Have you spoken to your physician about this?

ILiftHeavyAcrylics

Have you tried meeting with a dietician? They would be able to help you design a meal plan that helps you meet your needs.

Do you eat dairy at all right now?

_Zardoz_

Ask you diagnosing clinician to refer you to a dietitian.

azrielda

I've been to several doctors about this and they all say that my diet is fine and that there's nothing to worry about. I do eat a lot of dairy but it doesn't seem to be helping much.

TavistockToad

do you eat dairy?

nuts/nut butters are high in calories.

also, there is nothing wrong with carbs like rice/potatoes/sweet potatoes/gluten free pasta

ILiftHeavyAcrylics

Make sure (assuming it's okay with your dietary restrictions) to eat full fat dairy rather than low-fat or nonfat. That will help bump up your calories. Also you can add peanut butter, pesto, avocado, and other higher fat foods. If you can't eat larger portions then maybe just add an extra snack during your day.

Are you currently still losing weight?

TavistockToad

I've been to several doctors about this and they all say that my diet is fine and that there's nothing to worry about. I do eat a lot of dairy but it doesn't seem to be helping much.

you havent given any actual figures, what are your stats, how many cals do you net per day?

have yo utold your family that the doctor said you were fine?

ILiftHeavyAcrylics

also, there is nothing wrong with carbs like rice/potatoes/sweet potatoes/gluten free pasta

Also this. Nothing wrong with rice/potatoes. I'd avoid making any further restrictions to your diet since you're already fairly restricted.

KinoM

Also if you don't already do so I'd recommend using a diet suitable protein supplement powder. It'll help to bump up your protein intake & your overall calories per day. They can be gotten in vegan suitable forms if necessary to fit your choices.

I personally started eating fish in the last year & it makes eating a balanced diet a lot easier, but there's no particular reason you need to stop your vegetarian diet if you make sure to get enough your necessary nutrients.

Larrytheloungelizard

Nuts and seeds. My vegetarian ex used to eat them by the bagful and, although always at the lowest body fat percentage that could be healthy, he *was* healthy (and evil, but I don't think that had anything to do with his diet!).

azrielda

I eat around 1800-2000 calories a day, I'm 164cm (5ft 4") at 50kgs. I am still losing weight. I do eat peanut butter and potato and rice pretty much everyday. My stomach can't handle large meals, so I snack about 2 times(usually milk/mixed nuts) a day, but I'm just can't seem to get enough calories in. Not even sure how many i need to be eating. Doctors have just said to eat more, and I am, but it doesn't seem to be working

KinoM

If you open your food diary it will be easier to help here.

TavistockToad

I eat around 1800-2000 calories a day, I'm 164cm (5ft 4") at 50kgs. I am still losing weight. I do eat peanut butter and potato and rice pretty much everyday. My stomach can't handle large meals, so I snack about 2 times(usually milk/mixed nuts) a day, but I'm just can't seem to get enough calories in. Not even sure how many i need to be eating. Doctors have just said to eat more, and I am, but it doesn't seem to be working

maybe cut back on some of the cardio, then you dont need to eat so much?

laserturkey

I'm vegetarian and gluten free, and it IS hard to find protein foods, especially if you are looking for pre-made veggie burgers and the like.

I eat a LOT of Greek yogurt and a fair amount of tofu. I use beans and lentils very frequently to make chilis, dals, and soups. Egg salad and baked egg dishes are also good. Part-skim mozzarella gives a good amount of protein and can be used with corn tortillas for a nice quesadilla.

I have my protein goal at 25% of my calories, and meet that goal pretty well most of the time this way.

azrielda

Never thought of greek yoghurt, thanks ^^

livingleanlivingclean

Personally, I'd get a whey protein - you can add this to so many things or have it as a shake and it'll up your protein easily. I have had better success in terms of growth with whey compared to vegan proteins so if you're still training hard it may be a good option.

If you're struggling with calories, up your good fats. Cook in coconut oil, add olive oil to salads or vegies. If you struggle to eat enough, incorporate smoothies in to your day. Greens, fruit, protein, fats (nut butter, coconut milk, etc) all whizzed up will be easier to drink than a meal.

I'd cut the cardio, doing none is better! Stick to the weights, and don't worry about the carbs - they'll help you out!

FlaxMilk

I am a gluten free vegan and have no problem gaining weight. Once you adjust to your diagnosis, you'll feel much more comfortable and relaxed. It will come more naturally.

Since you don't like to eat a lot, make a point to include a couple of high calorie items in there. Try some macaroni and cheese. Amy's makes a teeny vegan, gluten free one for 520 calories. Try a peanut butter banana protein shake-that is easily 400-600 calories depending on what you use. You can do serious damage to your bones not having your period.

Make sure you are getting enough electrolytes and fluids in general to address some of those other issues.

eldamiano

I am sure I will rile certain people here, but just eat meat. It's nature.

contingencyplan

As long as you are willing to take supplements and plan meals extensively you can do it with pretty much any diet plan. An omnivorous diet is simply the easiest way to meet your nutritional goals because not nearly as much planning or supplementation is required.

livingleanlivingclean

Personally, I'd get a whey protein - you can add this to so many things or have it as a shake and it'll up your protein easily. I have had better success in terms of growth with whey compared to vegan proteins so if you're still training hard it may be a good option.

If you're struggling with calories, up your good fats. Cook in coconut oil, add olive oil to salads or vegies. If you struggle to eat enough, incorporate smoothies in to your day. Greens, fruit, protein, fats (nut butter, coconut milk, etc) all whizzed up will be easier to drink than a meal.

I'd cut the cardio, doing none is better! Stick to the weights, and don't worry about the carbs - they'll help you out!

Also, you haven't had your period in months. This is not normal - I'd actually recommend cutting way back on all exercise, even weights. Getting plenty of fat and carbs from good quality sources, and lessening stress on your body may help in this regard.

RunForChai

As painful as it was morally, I had to start eating meat to get healthy and strong [at the advise, long resisted, of my medical advisor]---some people thrive as vegetarians, I was not one of them. I only eat organic, grass fed meat, cage-free eggs, non treated milk. I am very strong now, close to my ideal weight and am able to be the athlete I enjoy being.

Many of my friends were/are ardent vegetarians and vegans who insists that everyone can do it and maintain health, but I've found not all people can. It was hard to start eating meat again but it has made a huge difference in my life.

Good luck. The decision is your's, you may want to try it for a few months and see if there is any change.

equinegirl200

It takes a while to adjust to the gluten free diet, and to start gaining again after being sick for so long and finally getting a diagnosis. After losing about 20 pounds before being diagnosed with Celiac Disease it took a bit for my body to catch up, but I was able to put the weight back on (hence why I'm on MFP!)!

SoDamnHungry

I've been to several doctors about this and they all say that my diet is fine and that there's nothing to worry about. I do eat a lot of dairy but it doesn't seem to be helping much.

If your doctors tell you you're fine eating 1500 calories a day and working out 3 hours six days a week while feeling like crap and not having your period, keep going until you find a doctor who will help. I agree that going to a dietician will help. In the meantime, cut back on the workouts.

And I don't believe you have to eat meat to feel better. You can try all sorts of protein supplements.

rml_16

Eggs and dairy? Those things make up a large portion of my vegetarian diet.

It is probably really difficult with Celiac, though. Maybe see a nutritionist about what you can do.

But if you're not getting your period, that's a major sign that something is wrong.

Chain_Ring

wow. If it were me, I'd definitely start eating meat.

Quercusia

Just try eating little and often. I'm not one for large meals so trying to force yourself to only eat 3 times a day is torture. Try to eat every couple of hours.

And according to BMI 5'4" and 50Kg is healthy (low, but healthy)
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/healthy-living/Pages/height-weight-chart.aspx

rml_16

Just try eating little and often. I'm not one for large meals so trying to force yourself to only eat 3 times a day is torture. Try to eat every couple of hours.

And according to BMI 5'4" and 50Kg is healthy (low, but healthy)
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/healthy-living/Pages/height-weight-chart.aspx

She's not having a period. It may be healthy for some women who are that height, but it obviously is not healthy for the OP. Or she has some other health problem. But stoppping her period, unless it's birth control-related, means something is wrong.

AprilLizbethWire

Personally - I'm Plant Based (which is like vegan, but focuses on whole plant foods for health reasons) and I made the switch pretty easily. I don't have any issues with gluten though. I only do about 20 - 30 minutes of cardio a day with a work out about once a week. I eat about 1,200 to 1,300 calories a day. I'm restricting my calories to lose weight. I made all these changes in about a month's time with no negative repercussions.

If I had made these changes and started having issues like yours I would have either tried different combinations of foods, cardio, and work outs until I found a combo that worked for me or (especially if I was having problems for months like you have been) I would consult a dietitian or nutritionist. Doctors don't usually study nutrition (I don't think they do anyway) which is why I think a dietitian or nutritionist may be a better choice for you. There is something off with your body it sounds like, I really think you need help that goes beyond MFP forums.

UsedToBeHusky

Vegetarians do have a tendency not to get enough protein. My suggestion would be to use whey protein powders, and possibly the occassional fish, like once a week or so.

You don't have to give up vegetarianism completely.