New to being vegan :) Day 6 and need so pointers!

taveragirl

I decided to go vegan mostly for health reasons. I gained about 10 lbs recently and felt very toxic. I was eating alot of fast food and fell into the soda addiction phase. Generally I am a pretty "nutritionally" conscious person. At one point I was studying to be a dietitian. A vegan coworker of mine helped talk me into trying vegan

So far so good. I have learned some great recipes and my craving for cheese has not been as bad as I thought.

I do have a concern about the amount of carbs I am consuming. I have heard about "vegan weight gain." For the most part I am eating mostly whole foods and making everything from scratch. Here and there I have tried the vegan alternatives like soy chorizo and tofurkey jerkey.

Any advice to help me along folks?? Thanks!

TrekkerCynthia

Post Punk Kitchen, ppk, (anything that Isa does) and Peas and Thank you (PATY) are two great websites for recipes and ideas. I'm not vegan but have many friends that are and they make some very good meals. There is a heck of a variety of foods out there that is vegan and healthy. Two cookbooks I always recommend are Mediterranean Vegan Kitchen and Appetite For Reduction since they both use normal, whole foods in the recipes and are very tasty.

neanderthin

Funny some of the reasons people go vegan or any other Xtreme. If it's for health like you say, you may have been mislead. Most studies show vegetarians that also include eggs in their diet and pescatarians to be a healthier diet than a vegan diet. But like most people looking for the magic formula especially about diet, extreme's are the easiest to sell because they offer something to fall back on for a cushion, as opposed to a more logical middle ground with nobody to take the blame for failure except yourself. Personally I wouldn't go that extreme for the reasons your giving and I would suggest that your start slowly by changing a few aspects of your current diet that you can maintain some kind of compliance and continue to make changes going forward. imo

carmencar11

Read Green for Life by Victoria Beautenko. It is amazing. I have been following it for 2 months and have had amazing results. It is more geared towards a Raw lifestyle. It is a great tool also to learn what foods work for your body. I drink 3 Green Smoothies a day and feel better than I have in over 20 years.

rita27ny

how do u like the transition?

unicornassassin

Kudos to mostly staying with whole foods. I don't get the fake meat alternatives. I'm vegan mostly because I want to avoid processed foods, so I'm not about to eat vegan processed foods.... Anyway, that's what I do. Eat real food, so that's my advice.

daffodilsoup

There are fat, unhealthy vegans just like there are fat, unhealthy omnivores. Out of curiosity - can I ask what your personal reasons are for going vegan? Is it just about the weight loss, or something more?

A vegan lifestyle (lifestyle, not diet!) needs to be based around whole foods - fresh, varied vegetables, fruits, legumes, beans, tofu, tempeh, seitan, whole grains, and LASTLY, processed vegan meats and cheeses. Oreos and Coke are both vegan, but that doesn't mean they should have a prominent place in your diet.

There's a great saying out there for us vegans while we prepare meals: A grain, a green, and a bean. If you are worried about the amount of carbs you're consuming, eat smaller portions of the grains and bigger portions of your greens and veggies. Keep in mind that just because you cut out animal products, calories in-calories out are still the most important thing. Log your foods, check your calories, and don't be fooled into believing that vegan cakes, etc are healthy just because they're vegan.

Welcome to the club! Please don't hesitate to ask if/when you need help!

kenzietea

Funny some of the reasons people go vegan or any other Xtreme. If it's for health like you say, you may have been mislead. Most studies show vegetarians that also include eggs in their diet and pescatarians to be a healthier diet than a vegan diet. But like most people looking for the magic formula especially about diet, extreme's are the easiest to sell because they offer something to fall back on for a cushion, as opposed to a more logical middle ground with nobody to take the blame for failure except yourself. Personally I wouldn't go that extreme for the reasons your giving and I would suggest that your start slowly by changing a few aspects of your current diet that you can maintain some kind of compliance and continue to make changes going forward. imo

can I see links to those studies? because the ones I've read show otherwise.

And why do so many people say becoming vegan is "extreme"...? It really isn't all that extreme!

kenzietea

There are fat, unhealthy vegans just like there are fat, unhealthy omnivores. Out of curiosity - can I ask what your personal reasons are for going vegan? Is it just about the weight loss, or something more?

A vegan lifestyle (lifestyle, not diet!) needs to be based around whole foods - fresh, varied vegetables, fruits, legumes, beans, tofu, tempeh, seitan, whole grains, and LASTLY, processed vegan meats and cheeses. Oreos and Coke are both vegan, but that doesn't mean they should have a prominent place in your diet.

There's a great saying out there for us vegans while we prepare meals: A grain, a green, and a bean. If you are worried about the amount of carbs you're consuming, eat smaller portions of the grains and bigger portions of your greens and veggies. Keep in mind that just because you cut out animal products, calories in-calories out are still the most important thing. Log your foods, check your calories, and don't be fooled into believing that vegan cakes, etc are healthy just because they're vegan.

Welcome to the club! Please don't hesitate to ask if/when you need help!

This was spot on Although I must say, vegan alternative baked goods are still (USUALLY) significantly better for you!

unsuspectingfish

Funny some of the reasons people go vegan or any other Xtreme. If it's for health like you say, you may have been mislead. Most studies show vegetarians that also include eggs in their diet and pescatarians to be a healthier diet than a vegan diet. But like most people looking for the magic formula especially about diet, extreme's are the easiest to sell because they offer something to fall back on for a cushion, as opposed to a more logical middle ground with nobody to take the blame for failure except yourself. Personally I wouldn't go that extreme for the reasons your giving and I would suggest that your start slowly by changing a few aspects of your current diet that you can maintain some kind of compliance and continue to make changes going forward. imo

This is precisely why I researched various land animal-free diets before choosing one. I wanted one that was both healthy AND sustainable, as well as one that allowed me to get the majority of my nutrients from actual food. I'm still trying to find a good balance, but the best part is that I have some wiggle room in which to find that balance.

daffodilsoup

Although I must say, vegan alternative baked goods are still (USUALLY) significantly better for you!

I definitely agree with you here - the absence of dairy and eggs takes out the cholesterol and saturated animal fat. Maybe my biggest issue is willpower with them - even without the animal products, it's not much healthier if you eat the whole batch of vegan cupcakes like I do :blushing:

unsuspectingfish

Funny some of the reasons people go vegan or any other Xtreme. If it's for health like you say, you may have been mislead. Most studies show vegetarians that also include eggs in their diet and pescatarians to be a healthier diet than a vegan diet. But like most people looking for the magic formula especially about diet, extreme's are the easiest to sell because they offer something to fall back on for a cushion, as opposed to a more logical middle ground with nobody to take the blame for failure except yourself. Personally I wouldn't go that extreme for the reasons your giving and I would suggest that your start slowly by changing a few aspects of your current diet that you can maintain some kind of compliance and continue to make changes going forward. imo

can I see links to those studies? because the ones I've read show otherwise.

And why do so many people say becoming vegan is "extreme"...? It really isn't all that extreme!

I've seen studies that demonstrate both sides.

Nutrients like B-12 and Omega-3 are extremely important to our health. People who eat meat and/or eggs generally don't have to worry about getting enough of these. Vegans and vegetarians, though, do have to worry about them, and if they don't know that they should worry about them, then it can be extremely harmful to their health. Considering I read a study recently that stated most people don't even know how many calories they're supposed to consume, I doubt that most people, without doing a bit of research, would know how much B-12 and Omega-3s they're supposed to consume. As such, it's perfectly logical that some studies would show vegans are less healthy than vegetarians and pescetarians.

neanderthin

Funny some of the reasons people go vegan or any other Xtreme. If it's for health like you say, you may have been mislead. Most studies show vegetarians that also include eggs in their diet and pescatarians to be a healthier diet than a vegan diet. But like most people looking for the magic formula especially about diet, extreme's are the easiest to sell because they offer something to fall back on for a cushion, as opposed to a more logical middle ground with nobody to take the blame for failure except yourself. Personally I wouldn't go that extreme for the reasons your giving and I would suggest that your start slowly by changing a few aspects of your current diet that you can maintain some kind of compliance and continue to make changes going forward. imo

can I see links to those studies? because the ones I've read show otherwise.

And why do so many people say becoming vegan is "extreme"...? It really isn't all that extreme!

A vegan diet is very extreme as far as diet is concerned imo, and for as many people that try, as many fail as well. The paleo diet is another one that I would refer to an another extreme diet. This is again, my opinion.

Here's one study.

http://www.ajcn.org/content/70/3/516S.full

Further categorization of diets showed that, in comparison with regular meat eaters, mortality from ischemic heart disease was 20% lower in occasional meat eaters, 34% lower in people who ate fish but not meat, 34% lower in lactoovovegetarians, and 26% lower in vegans. There were no significant differences between vegetarians and nonvegetarians in mortality from cerebrovascular disease, stomach cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, or all other causes combined.

Basically it shows that all dietary intervention that is not what would be considered the SAD (Standard American Diet) showed health improvements, no surprise there. Occasional meat eats and vegans fared less well than the lactosovo's and pescatarians.

Also if someone was to look at the "blue zone" studies for longevity around the world it becomes clear that a balanced diet of both plant and animal is a common denominator and it's a combination of a lot of factors that generate good health and long life. I commend a person if they feel a moral obligation and understand the diets shortcomings and makes adjustments going forward, wonderful, and I support that point of view, even though it doesn't align with mine.

taveragirl

Read Green for Life by Victoria Beautenko. It is amazing. I have been following it for 2 months and have had amazing results. It is more geared towards a Raw lifestyle. It is a great tool also to learn what foods work for your body. I drink 3 Green Smoothies a day and feel better than I have in over 20 years.

Can I get details on the "green smoothies" Thanks

taveragirl

how do u like the transition?

So far so good I'm starting to "feel" better and I defiantly have more energy than last week.

taveragirl

There are fat, unhealthy vegans just like there are fat, unhealthy omnivores. Out of curiosity - can I ask what your personal reasons are for going vegan? Is it just about the weight loss, or something more?

Knowing I needed to get back on track with a healthy lifestyle was one of the reasons. Mostly I wanted to see if I could do it. I have found it surprisingly easy to say no to cheese when there is a purpose other than i'm "dieting." Diets don't work. I felt toxic and mostly wanted to rid my body of all of the processed junk I had been feeding my self. I will continue as long as it feels right for me

UponThisRock

Just out of curiosity, how does one "feel toxic?"

Rose200

You should check out this blog by Alicia Silverstone and her book the Kind Diet.
http://www.thekindlife.com/

Good luck!

MattGetsMad

Here's a pointer for you:

Lentils

Learn how to make lentils. Lentil soup, lentil loaf, lentil crazy. Lentils are super delicious and filling. I eat them nearly every day. I do not identify myself as Vegan however, because I own and wear leather shoes and I also eat honey.

Definitely try and stay away from processed soy versions of meat. Over processed food is never good, no matter whether it is animal or plant based.

When I first made these "extreme" changes (no meat, poultry, fish, dairy, or oil), my dad tried to warn me that vegans become diabetic. I thought that was pretty funny considering the toxic diet I was leaving behind. I would definitely caution you not to start replacing your old animal fat protein calories, with sugar fat carb calories.

As far as all the detractors, they are everywhere! As soon as you stop eating meat, people who eat meat somehow think it's their job to get you to start eating meat again!!! If being "vegan" works for you, don't let anybody tell you not to do it.

Pangui

Welcome to this new lifestyle. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I and my family are. My husband and I changed to a whole foods plant-based diet in June of this year. Between the two of us we have lost over 110 pounds. In addition to losing weight, my husband has gotten off of BP, cholesterol and anxiety medications. He is cured of his acid-reflux and hemmorhoids. His breath smells great for the first time in years and he has a lot more energy and stamina. My results are similar although I wasn't yet to the point of taking medications. General aches and pain in joints went away, swelling went down and I have a lot more energy than I ever did before. I did catch a cold this winter, but it only lasted a couple days rather than my usual 2-3 weeks of misery.

Surprisingly, like you, I lost my urge for cheese and I enjoy this way of eating more than I could have imagined. I actually enjoy and look forward to my veggies. If eating natural whole foods is extreme and struggling to portion control processed artificial packaged "food" creations isn't, then I'll gladly eat my extreme diet. Decades of research and studies on this "extreme" diet have shown that it is much closer to what the trimmer healthier societies have been eating for hundreds and thousands of years. It is only recently that we have deviated and dramatically upped our intake of animal products and processed foods. One can easily draw a parallel between these recent changes and the soaring rates of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer.

It did take a few months before this became easy for me. The learning curve is steep and if you are doing this for health reasons, you will need to minimize the fake meats and cheeses. I can now walk into my kitchen, throw together some combination of vegetables, legumes, whole grains and spices and come up with a delicious meal my whole family will enjoy and for far less money than when we were omnivores. If you are looking for recipes to get started, I highly recommend fatfreevegan.com.

live2dream

There are fat, unhealthy vegans just like there are fat, unhealthy omnivores. Out of curiosity - can I ask what your personal reasons are for going vegan? Is it just about the weight loss, or something more?

A vegan lifestyle (lifestyle, not diet!) needs to be based around whole foods - fresh, varied vegetables, fruits, legumes, beans, tofu, tempeh, seitan, whole grains, and LASTLY, processed vegan meats and cheeses. Oreos and Coke are both vegan, but that doesn't mean they should have a prominent place in your diet.

There's a great saying out there for us vegans while we prepare meals: A grain, a green, and a bean. If you are worried about the amount of carbs you're consuming, eat smaller portions of the grains and bigger portions of your greens and veggies. Keep in mind that just because you cut out animal products, calories in-calories out are still the most important thing. Log your foods, check your calories, and don't be fooled into believing that vegan cakes, etc are healthy just because they're vegan.

Welcome to the club! Please don't hesitate to ask if/when you need help!

^^ this is great advice. i second this.

also feel free to join our Happy Herbivores group... lots of resources and more recipes to come! http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/45-happy-herbivores

carmencar11

If you type in Green Smoothies you will find lots of sites. Go to Raw Family and you will get a better understanding of the importance of Greens. Remember Greens mean leafy vegetables. So carrots, broccoli etc are not considered greens. Greens are Kale, spinach, chard, dandelion root, parsley, Cilantro etc (LEAFY GREENS). I have been doing this for about 6 weeks and I have lost 18 pds and that is without exercising (that's my next step). My arthritis is gone, my stomach cramps and what was possibly IBS is gone. My nails are growing, my hair is like silk. I have energy and I look and feel 100x better.

A green smoothie is typically 60% Fruit 40% Veggies. An example is

3 cups of sninach
1 apple
1 banana
1 mango
1 bup of water

Blend and Drink :0)

these two websites is where I go to the most for recipes and advice. Incredible Smoothies has a facebook page and if you post question she is great about answering right away.

http://www.incrediblesmoothies.com/

http://www.rawfamily.com/

Good luck. If you have any questions send me a message and I can share everything I have leaned :0)