just watched forks over knives

1jobean

Im seriously thinking of going to a plant based diet. I know lately I havent ate like I do, but there does seem to be facts that support a plant based diet dramatically improves health, weight, etc. I was hoping people out there had suggestion to help me move toward my goal.

BigGuy47

Self discipline can work wonders with attaining goals.

blu_meanie_ca

If you want to go vegetarian/vegan do so because it is something you have chosen for you, not because some doctor very incorrectly told you that people in asian countries did not cosmume meat/animal products (seriously, have you ever gone for dim sum.. that tripe is not vegan friendly, and the fish balls are not games).
But, if you do decide to cut out meat, I'd recomend doing so in increments instead of all at once. I was an ethical vegetarian for 6 years (I got very ill from it, as I hate most alt protiens). But, I took 6 months to ease myself into my new diet (I think I cut out beef first, and stayed there for about 2 months, then pork, fish, then poultry.. somthing like that). Even though I didn't last forever eating veggie, I didn't have much for physical adjustment easing into my new diet. (I'd tried a cold turkey approach before that, and didn't last more than a month).

Kanuenue

That's great for you! It is an amazingly compassionate diet that can make you feel really good about what is on your plate. Go for it!

I was a very successful vegan for many years and a vegetarian in my teens before that. Best advice: pick up any basic vegan cookbook that includes nutritional statements from a professional. There are a ton out there, find one that seems like something you actually want to read through and the recipes look tasty. A lot of new vegans make the transitional mistake of not understanding what they are cutting out and they make themselves sick/weak. It's not that being vegan made you weak, it's poor nutrition or not enough food. I did Crossfit as a vegan and I never get sick anymore, I feel healthier today more than ever. There are even MMA fighters out there that don't eat any animal products; you can easily get what your body needs from plant sources but you should make sure you understand what you need. This kinda goes for any diet that eliminates nutritional food sources (ex: wheat / gluten free)

A side note: I wouldn't expect weight loss unless you are still cutting calories. Cola & crisps are vegan, but too many and you will still put on weight.

Good luck!

thisisme13

DOn't do a plant based diet because you think it is better for you or will lead to weight loss. You can be a very unhealthy vegetarian or vegan. There are many overweight and very unhealthy people from any diet out there... there are also very healthy people.

Any diet can be a healthy diet.

I went vegetarian almost a year ago. I didn't do it for the health aspect. I did it for other reasons.

1jobean

I appreciate the advise from both sides. I definately need to educate myself on healthy eating before cutting out all nonplant itemd. I did want to emphasize that Im thinking about a plant based whole food diet not vegan although they are imilar. Thank you for the advise.

popsicklestar

I watched that documentary recently as well. Afterwards, I spoke with a nurse friend of mine who has been vegan before to get her opinion. She told me that a lot of our body's response to animal products is based on our genetics. Needless to say, eating lots of fresh vegetables will definitely do great things for your health and eating mass amounts of red meat and animal products can be hard on your body. I have found my body responds best to 40 30 30 macros, and when I have experimented with eating vegan, I have found it extremely hard to get 30% protein without consuming too many carbs or calories. I've decided the best diet for me includes a small amount of animal products, but I try to limit them. Some days I don't eat them at all. I drink a vegan protein shake for breakfast every morning, try to avoid processed foods, and eat mostly whole, clean foods. Everyone's bodies and genetics are different, so you need to find what feels healthy and right for you.

psuLemon

Going veggie or vegan will not automatically make you healthier. And in fact, many vegans/veterinarian can suffer from a lot of illnesses if you are not educated on what and how to make the lifestyle work for you. You can be just as healthy as a meat eater as you can as a plant eater. Either way, you want to ensure you get enough proteins and calories. It might be harder to get enough calories if you are active as a vegan/vegetarian. I know the quantity/volume would be much greater.

Also, keep in mind you watched a documentary meant to sell a certain lifestyle. You can watch a similar one on paleo and probably feel the same way.


I know I have improved my health a lot and I eat a lot of meat. But I have eliminated most processed foods, eat 2500 calories a day and workout an hour a day. Working out (strength training and HIIT) alone will improve health.