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Ex Vegan?

healthyandthin
healthyandthin Posts: 104 Member
edited September 2024 in Food and Nutrition
I turned vegan a month ago to be even healthier than being a vegetarian. I also thought I could lose more weight that way. Unfortunately, neither of that has happened. I found myself filling the void of dairy food with junk food and carb-rich food. I work late into the night everyday and I always snack during the night. Lately, my snacking habits have gone out of control. I finished a whole box of wheat cereal the two nights ago and I finished a party bag of pita chips last night. I can't let this spiral out of control. I'm not sure this vegan diet is any healthier. Moreover, I now eat a Clif Builder bar almost everyday. They're great but they're still processed food. I hate seeing my carb intake going over 300g. It makes me want to cry on the inside. I've also noticed my face getting chubbier this month. I think I might go back to being a vegetarian. I was also eating a lot less as a vegetarian: about 1000-1200 calories. As a vegan, I don't know why but I'm not full unless I eat 1600 calories.

Please excuse my late night rambling. I hope this post is still coherent. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

P.S. I take my vitamins and I eat legumes at every meal. I still feel exhausted though. Nowadays I would take naps, sleep 9+ hours or rely on energy drinks instead of coffee. I'm slowly realizing that veganism might not be suited for me.

Replies

  • bevcrok
    bevcrok Posts: 40
    Hi! I encourage you to not give up on eating a plant-based diet. However, remember that a vegan diet, like any other, is only as healthy as you make it. Vegan food isn't intrinsically unhealthy, but there definitely is plenty of vegan junk food. Try researching healthy snacks, such as nuts, fruits, vegetables, crackers and hummus, etc. and other plant- based recipes.

    I hope that helps. Feel free to add me as a friend if you'd like.
  • believetoachieve
    believetoachieve Posts: 675 Member
    Many people go vegan to try and lose weight, and it really backfires. To go vegan involves a LOT of planning, knowledge, and patience. It's really tough no matter how you look at it!!

    Personally (I know I may get bashed for this!), but I'm against veganism, and all for vegetarianism! To me, it's just way too difficult for the average person to get all their nutrients (forget trying to lose weight or tone up!) on a vegan diet. It's so difficult, and it's often not health in the end, as you've noticed!!

    Stick with what works for you - and it seems that's vegetarianism. You're still making a world of difference by not eating meat! Veganism isn't always healthier than vegetarianism! Good luck! :flowerforyou:
  • cokpara
    cokpara Posts: 32 Member
    interesting you mention this because i'm a vegetarian (pescatarian) and i actually dabbled in veganism during the past week and once my stint was up... i was craving dairy like crazy. i also noticed i was relying more on peanut butter (even though i love it regardless), wheat thins, and basically snack foods also having to be aware of how much soy i took in, it was difficult... little things that would add up to be more damaging than if i just had something with dairy in it. as a bio major in college, i also realized that as women our bodies need the calcium because once we reach a certain age, our calcium levels just continue to drop no matter what we eat, do etc., hence why women are more prone to get osteoporosis than men. so i looked at the health factors of it along with just trying to live balanced and not feel like i'm depriving myself of things i WANT. i think everyone has something that works for them, and maybe you're doubting your abilities... but i decided for myself that i would cut back on dairy products but not altogether. doesn't necessarily have to be the stamp of "i'm a vegan" ya know? hope this helps.
  • healthyandthin
    healthyandthin Posts: 104 Member
    Thanks for the support, guys. I"m going back to being a vegetarian. Health-wise, I'm starting to realize that's a better option.
  • xraychick77
    xraychick77 Posts: 1,775 Member
    i am a vegetarian, and would never become a vegan. its too restrictive and expensive. heck vegetarian is expensive enough. plus unless supplimented vegans can lack vitamin d and b and their diets have to be planned very well to get all the essential nutrients they need.
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