Plant Based diet and counting calories?

Copaiba

If you've read any of the books by McDougall or Fuhrman... or "Engine 2 Diet" they say not to count calories. But I can't eat that much salad. I can eat SOME salad but not that much or I'll go crazy. I like to make soups, stir fries and smoothies. I like carbs AND greens and beans. I avoid highly processed foods like soy meat and dairy substitutes and even tofu (although in a pinch, I'll eat tofu for protein) I take iron, b-complex and lysine supplements. No meat, dairy, eggs and low sugar and fat.
Is there anyone out there who is trying this method as well and having some fun cooking? I go to Happy Herbivore and Fat Free Vegan's websites for inspiration.
My friends and family are mostly supportive but mystified...;-)
It would be nice to know someone else doing this.
Hi:happy: !

FlaxMilk

I eat a plant based diet but must calorie count if I want to maintain my weight. I love eating a plant based diet, but it doesn't make the calories not count. I think some people who can eat plant based and not have to count can afford more calories than some of us.

maestro1982

I am using the Cheat System (from Peertrainer.com) which has been great.....it is very Fuhrman-informed. I would describe this as generally plant-based and "counting calories lite." The basic gist is that there is a list of "unlimited foods" (basically vegetables and a few fruits) and everything else you can eat 10 "cheats" of 100 calories each for the day (effectively, 1000 "free" calories). This has worked very well for me (I've lost 40 pounds so far.....I found myfitnesspal after I had been doing this plan for while, and find it a great place to track my cheats. Anyway, they also have some great recipes (several fantastic soups, etc.), particularly with the Point of No Return program. Good luck!

Tim

uhhuthatsright

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