Vegitarian/vegan help?

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jenslife82
jenslife82 Posts: 229
in Health and Weight Loss
I have wanted to go vegan for years. I tried it in high school but ignorance got the best of me then lol. Turns out you can't live very well on carrots, lettuce and bread. I'm a little older and I would like to think wiser :) I am setting a date that I'm going vegitarian. Shouldn't be a huge adjustment since I don't eat a lot of meat if I can help it anyway and I'm not going vegan just yet. I really just need some advice on how to balance out meals, days and calories. What kinds of food would be good staples and does any one know a good home made "boca-burger-ish" recipe that works on the grill? Thanks!!

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  • SuperVegan8
    SuperVegan8 Posts: 78 Member
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    Some of my favourites are :

    Curries, pastas, soups, stews, salads and chilli recipies ensure that you're getting a good blend of carbs/proteins/fats and plenty of veggies. Tofu and Seitan (made from wheat gluten) are great 'heavier' protein sources. I snack on veggies, nuts, beans, salads and fruit mostly.

    I found that the transition to vegan was really easy once i realised that there is nutrients in fresh foods and a good variety is really all you need.

    I would recommend a supplement for at least B12 (as its from animal products). I take a multivitamin designed for vegans called Deva and ive had no issues (which is great considering i had deficincies of iron/vit D before i stopped eating meat/animal products). In my advice you should talk to your doctor - they will probably want to monitor your vitamins etc. you may not have any issues but its best to know before you have deficiencies if you arent eating a balanced died.

    There are plent of great websites to give you recipies and ideas, a few of my favourites are:

    www.weeklyveganmenu.blogspot.com
    http://www.veggienumnum.com/
    http://www.theppk.com/recipes/

    It doesnt need to be hard, just spend some time planning before you make the switch that way you will ensure you're eating the right foods. A meat eater can have the same issues but of course any change to your diet takes some adjusting.

    Good Luck!
  • redcat17
    redcat17 Posts: 267 Member
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    I will second the PPK: http://www.theppk.com/recipes/

    Isa is a goddess, and her recipes will make an omni drool. I would also recommend Virginia Messina's site, as she is a RD with much experience and has an excellent guide on her site for vegan nutrition:

    http://www.theveganrd.com/vegan-for-life

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