Any Vegans in the house?

limorg

What do you eat?
I want to start next week...but not sure what to eat to stay healthy...
Is it true too much Soya is bad for you?

thanks

PennyNickel14

Check out the recipes on oh she glows

She has great vegan recipes

Full disclosure : I am an omnivore - her food is just really tasty and happens to be vegan

mickipedia

I'm not vegan but i have done a vegan diet before.. try cous cous.. lots of varieties of flavour and goes really nice with balsamic vinegar cherry tomatoes..

all you need is about 10 cherry tomatoes, a dash of olive oil, dash of balsamic vinegar, 2 cloves of garlic, a few sprigs of basil and leave them to cook covered in the oven until they go all squishy and lovely (about 15 mins)

serve with cous cous with all the juice and you've got yourself a very tasty meal

mickipedia

soya milk is brilliant as well as its full of protein which fills you up nicely.. porridge with soya milk is nice for breakfast

MitchFletcher

Vegan here, yes there appear to be consequences to eating too much soy. "New studies suggest that eating large amounts of soys estrogen-mimicking compounds might reduce fertility in women, trigger early puberty and disrupt development of fetuses and children. I eat lots of legumes, green leafy veggies ie: spinach, kale etc and take whey protein as a supplement. Good luck to you.

voodoomoocow

I am not Vegan but I went to an art school which means I had to be very sensitive to it at all times! haha! I HATE vegan american food so I'd always make Indian food for them. A lot of Hindus are vegetarian or vegan so many recipes are absolutely delicious and totally vegan. I'd recommend you checking out vegetarian Indian food recipes. Most of them are already vegan, just be sure to avoid anything with paneer. I usually make Saag Paneer but I'd replace the paneer with bits of tofu. and don't use ghee!

sharonsue

Yes, be careful with the soy. I am a woman and had many problems when eating tofu. I had read of some have issues eating processed tofu. I stopped eating it and the issues went away.

I heard you generally people could eat soy beans as the issues with soy come from the processing of soy. For me, that is not true. I cannot eat it, period.

Just do your research and be knowledgeable. Everyone is on the soy bandwagon and it is being touted as a wonderfood. Maybe it is not.

lili200

I think soya isn't very good. eat other stuff like beans. look for india food - vageterian, tasty and not fat
http://www.indianfoodforever.com/

aimuhlena

I'm not VEGAN but recently decided to go down to lacto-ovo vegetarian. My biggest advice so far is to find a good cookbook or if you prefer a good recipe website (I prefer cookbooks!). Also, someone told me to embrace the fake meat and I would have to agree. Too much soy can be bad but like everything else moderation moderation. Legumes and leafy greens (and all the other veggies of course) should be the focus! Be careful not to go overboard with breads/pastas!

Vegan_Chick

"New studies suggest that eating large amounts of soys estrogen-mimicking compounds might reduce fertility in women,

New birth control? And all you have to do is eat soy? I'm in!

Vegan_Chick

www.vegweb.com for easy vegan recipes with reivew and everything. It is one of my favorites

PDXyogini

Soy is safe to eat, although we certainly shouldn't rely entirely upon one plant-based protein source to meet all of our nutritional needs.

This article, co-written by Ginny Messina (@TheVeganRD) about soy foods and nutrition: http://www.veganhealth.org/articles/soymessina

Her blog, The Vegan RD, is also a great source of vegan nutrition information: http://www.theveganrd.com

VegWeb is a great source and I recommend checking out the Blogroll from Vegan MoFo (Vegan Month of Food): http://www.veganmofo.com/blogroll/

Bloggers from all over the world writing about food, a lot, for a month each year. Lots of great recipes, travel tips, etc.

perceptualobfuscator

Regarding the soy thing, you have to eat truly massive amounts of soy before it becomes a problem. Like, every meal every day sort of massive. I wouldn't be too concerned about it, unless you find it's the only thing you're eating.

The reason many people on MFP worry about it is also related to the whole 'processed foods' as unhealthy thing. However, keep in mind that processed actually means altered in any way from the original form - including cutting or peeling. So, your mileage may vary, since it's a pretty vague definition.

Personally, I find tofu to be a versatile ingredient, and an excellent source of calcium and protein. But you should find your own comfort level.

I second vegweb.com as a good source of recipes. It's my go-to source whether vegan or non-vegan. Also, check the commentary for extra tips and healthier substitutions. Very helpful and delicious.

daffodilsoup

Soy shouldn't be an issue unless you have a thyroid problem, so no worries there.

Don't limit yourself to "rabbit food" - vegan food is so delicious, nutritious, and satisfying! I eat plenty of tofu, tempeh, seitan, and legumes for protein. Go to the farmer's market (or supermarket!) and explore all the colorful veggies and fruits. Look online for recipes (I like VeganYumYum and Oh She Glows) and serve them over couscous, brown rice or quinoa.

The world is your (vegan) oyster!

stimpackus

Hi! I used to be Vegan, but have gone back to Omnivorous eating. I only eat meat a certain amount of times per week. The rest I stick in extra vegetables, seitan, bean curds or mock meats. My sister is also a member of this site and has been Vegan for 3 years, Vegetarian for 2 years before that. She has done courses in Vegan Nutrition and the like, so if you would like to talk to her feel free to let me know; and I will ask her if I can forward on her user name to you.

As for the soy debate, personally I limit it where possible as I don't want to become dependent on it. It is usually overly processed, so I stuck with everything as natural as I could. BUT of course I still allowed myself to have that treat from time to time.

Soy isn't necessarily bad for you as a whole. BUT non-organic soy beans are sometimes processed with "hexane" (feel free to look it up), which is a derivative of gasoline. Foods that don't tell me whether their soy is organic or not? I steer away from as it does have carcinogenic qualities.

Other than that, I see no harm in it. I was told originally by my Doctor to stay away from soy when I was diagnosed with pre-cancer of the breast. This was due to phytoestrogens in soy which supposedly "mimic" human estrogen. There is no correlation between soy estrogen and that found in humans specifically. Any conflicting stories are based on anecdotal evidence that may not have taken other dietary factors into account.

Everything in moderation. I always found that to be the key

Kymmy81

Yes, be careful with the soy. I am a woman and had many problems when eating tofu. I had read of some have issues eating processed tofu. I stopped eating it and the issues went away.

I heard you generally people could eat soy beans as the issues with soy come from the processing of soy. For me, that is not true. I cannot eat it, period.

Just do your research and be knowledgeable. Everyone is on the soy bandwagon and it is being touted as a wonderfood. Maybe it is not.

Agreed. I became vegetarian about a year ago and relied heavily on soy based foods. Within 6 months I actually thought I was hitting early menopause, my cycle was so mucked up. Cut out the soy and 2 months later it's all back to normal. Scary stuff!

Kymmy81

Oh - I also wanted to say - Green leafy veg! Green leafy veg! Green leafy veg!

MelodyRF

I'm a vegan! Go vegetables!

Punkedpoetess

I recently have started to eat 100% vegan almost everyday and I am making the transition. Have been a lacto-ovo vegetarian for awhile and I have lactose intolerance issues that keep getting worse, so going vegan seemed like a good idea for me. For my meals I mainly eat beans, lentils, less processed soy items like tofu, edamame, and tempeh, nuts and nut butter, whole grains, fruits, and veggies. I do eat some processed soy as well, but limit my use of it and I use unsweetened almond milk most of the time in place of milk.

As long as you make healthy choices and carefully plan your meals to fit your nutritional needs, it can be done. Check out the fat free vegan blog for some yummy, healthy recipes:

blog.fatfreevegan.com

Hope this helps and good luck, you can do it.

VeganGal84

Here!

Friend me and you can see my diary to see what I eat if you'd like to!

On a good-girl day, my menu looks something like this:

breakfast- oatmeal made with non-dairy milk and some nut butter

snack- fruit (usually a banana and maybe some applesauce)

lunch- whole grains mixed with beans and veggies with EVOO

snack- something crunchy like crackers or veggies

dinner- same as lunch, but with different beans and veggies usually

snack- varies daily

Kristhin

Saving the planet one meal at a time!!! I love soy but keep in mind, buying organic is important if you live in the US

cmsiemsen

I didn't read any of the other posts above so I don't know if others mentioned this, but I am vegan, have been for about... two months? If you're looking to begin, there is a 21 Day Vegan Kickstart India (Indian Food) by PCRM (Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine) that starts the 7th next week. I did a regular one last month and it was really helpful for finding new recipes right off the bat!

http://support.pcrm.org/site/PageServer?pagename=21day_vegan_kickstart_india

^I'm doing this one too because I lOVE Indian food ). You can look at Vegans' Food Diary for inspiration too, I know I have many Vegan Friends on here and let me tell you: it is helpful!!!

raevynn

Yes, I am a vegan.

Soy is iffy. Some are sensitive, others are not, and it may possibly be something one develops a sensitivity to.

I can eat tempeh and miso, edamame, and a little tofu. I cannot tolerate soy milk - I have hormonal issues (though not nearly as badly as with dairy).

My diary is open, I think.

Green leafy veggies, fruit, nuts, seeds, grains... I eat pretty healthy almost all the time (do not look at yesterday!)... and, most importantly, except for my weight, I am healthy, based on medical tests/blood tests! :happy:

OceansForever

I was just going to suggest the 21-day-vegan-kick start. You can find them on Facebook.

I followed the recipes from Dr. Neil Barnard's cookbook "Go Healthy, Go Vegan" and like most of them.

This made it easier for me to get started.

I am currently back to vegetarian but hope to start eating Vegan only again soon.

MrsODriscoll

Hi! I am about 90-95% dietary vegan with just the occasional lapse when eating out. The internet is your friend - there are loads of great websites like fatfreevegan.com. Just take it step by step and don't be disheartened if you mess up. Someone mentioned the PCRM kickstart - Animal Aid do something similar I think and there is also a site somewhere where you can take a vegan pledge to try it for a month. Today is the best day to start - it being World Vegan Day!
Feel free to add me as a friend you can look at my diary and I'll send you the link to my recipe blog :-)

StruckBlue

I am vegetarian but almost vegan as I do not drink milk or eat yoghurt and only very rarely have cheese. Using this website it has helped me get a good balance in my diet - please feel free to browse my food diary - i am really pleased I now have good protein intake, but reasonably low carb diet. I cant believe how easily the weight has come off but I feel so satisfied when I eat. I do not personally believe dairy products are necessary as part of a good diet.

Yes i have heard too that too much soy is not good which is why I do not drink soya milk, I try to ensure I get a good variety of other proteins and milks instead. For instance wheat protein is good, and beans/lentils are very rich in protein too. I drink coconut milk or oat milk with breakfast. It helps if you have a nice health food shop nearby which luckily I do.

There is lots of advice out there, i am a member of the Vegan Society in the UK - not sure where you are from but I would recommend joining something similar if possible.

healthorhighwater

*******The estrogen in plants can only compatible withhhhh plants! Don't fear it:) I'm a low-fat, health conscious, gym addicted vegan:)

So anyone feel free to message me questions:)

Pangui

My husband and I (and our girls) have been vegan since June after watching the health documentary "Forks Over Knives". If you are looking for good health, it's not enough to just be vegan. It is possible to be a fat unhealthy junk food vegan, which really defeats the whole purpose.

We eat lots of whole foods and whole grains. These include fruit, veggies, legumes, brown rice, whole grain pasta, corn tortillas, almond milk, potatoes (lots of potatoes), nuts and seeds (minimal) and some soy products, the less processed, the better. Initially, we were using a lot of animal product substitutes like soy cheese, TVP (textured vegetable protein), and fake meat and butter products. While those items might help with a transition to a plant-based diet, they aren't good for you either. Keeping them to two or three servings a week or less is best. Buy simpler (and cheaper) foods. Spend more time in the produce section. Learn how to make healthy fat free salad dressings, sauces, dips and gravies.

In time you will develop your favorite meals. I like oatmeal for breakfast every day. Sometimes I use steel-cut oats and sometimes old fashioned. Most day when I come home for lunch, I will eat left-overs. If I don't have any, I will take a couple of small red potatoes, microwave them, cover them with some canned beans, corn, raw onions, salsa and whatever I have in the house. It is delicious and filling and relatively low-calorie. That really leaves me with only one meal to plan for every day, dinner. I try to provide variety for my whole family and it is my chance to try out new recipes. Not all of them are hits, but it's definitely worth the effort, especially when I come up with a winner like Mexican Pumpkin Soup or Spicy Thai Noodles. These are dishes that I never would have attempted in my omnivore and vegetarian days.

Best wishes for you in your new eating adventure. It may seem daunting at first, but it does become routine eventually and your taste buds will thank you for all the effort.

AnnaMaus

I'm vegan, love to cook and keep an open diary. Friend me!

walkingfriend

Soy has phytoestrogens (mimics estrogen in your body) and there is some evidence that it screws with your thyroid but other studies show it reduces your risk for cancer so I would say eat it in moderation. If you want to be uber pure you can get your protein from beans but it'll take A LOT of beans to get enough protein. I just stick to a little organic tofu and supplement that with beans and nuts if it doesn't add up to enough protein.

xashleemarie

I am a new Vegan (since June) best thing I have ever done - for ethical reasons but i really think its best for health too. As far as soy goes - just like any food i eat it in moderation. I only eat tofu like 3 times in a fortnight! .....
Not all vegans are 'skinny and malnutritioned' as someone above said. If you consume alot of oil and carby foods you can still struggle.

Heres what i ate yesterday for a guide for anyone:

*Breakfast:
Cereal (2 Weet-Bix) with Soy Milk, molasses and linseeds
1 Glass of fruit juice

*Lunch:
2 slices of Soy & linseed Bread with dairy free spread and Marmite (its like Vegemite)


*Dinner:
2 Vegan BBQ sausages with a Spinach, mushroom, capsicum, alfafa sprout Salad. (with mustard dressing & chilli sauce)

*Snacks:
A couple of vegan chocolate cookies
1 Apple
1 Mango
1 decaf Coffee, with soy milk, molasses and 1 sweetener