Vegetarians or Vegans or even Wannabees Wanna Group?
Replies
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I'm a new vegan. I just started 3 days ago and am loving the new found energy. I had tried years ago, I never was one who liked the taste of most meat, but everyone kept saying I'd not get enough nutrients and stuff plus being a vegetarian back then was very expensive and hard to find good tasting stuff. I also was a single mom raising 3 boys so it just wasn't practical. My boys are now grown up and I just support myself. I saw this ad on Facebook one day for a movie called " Fork and Knife" or something like that. I looked it up and started reading, browsed more websites, looked up some more things and finally downloaded the book "21-day Weight Loss Kickstart" by Neal D. Barnard. I read it and then got some apps for my iPod and here I am. I'm taking the 21 day challenge but I'm already sure this is going to be a lifetime thing for me.
I have one question. I'm having issues with dizziness and being lightheaded. I'm drinking enough, I'm almost sure I'm getting my needed vitamins since I do take a supplement, so is this just my body getting rid of the toxins a meat diet has put in my body or is it something I need to be worried about? Or is it because eating plant based foods my calorie intake is much lower than my body is used to?0 -
It could be a combo of your body cleansing/removing toxins and the lower calorie intake. I didn't check your journal, but I would be sure to track my food for a while so that you can start to identify your caloric intake. You could also show it to a nutritionist, if need be, in the future.0
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I'm a new vegan. I just started 3 days ago and am loving the new found energy. I had tried years ago, I never was one who liked the taste of most meat, but everyone kept saying I'd not get enough nutrients and stuff plus being a vegetarian back then was very expensive and hard to find good tasting stuff. I also was a single mom raising 3 boys so it just wasn't practical. My boys are now grown up and I just support myself. I saw this ad on Facebook one day for a movie called " Fork and Knife" or something like that. I looked it up and started reading, browsed more websites, looked up some more things and finally downloaded the book "21-day Weight Loss Kickstart" by Neal D. Barnard. I read it and then got some apps for my iPod and here I am. I'm taking the 21 day challenge but I'm already sure this is going to be a lifetime thing for me.
I have one question. I'm having issues with dizziness and being lightheaded. I'm drinking enough, I'm almost sure I'm getting my needed vitamins since I do take a supplement, so is this just my body getting rid of the toxins a meat diet has put in my body or is it something I need to be worried about? Or is it because eating plant based foods my calorie intake is much lower than my body is used to?
you need you need you need to be sure you are getting protein!!!!
also, maybe take a b12 supplement
i eat so many eggs, but since you are doing the vegan thing have every kind of nut on hand and beans.... and google vegetable protein
if you are willing to eat animal products, yogurt, and cheese are both great as well0 -
I have one question. I'm having issues with dizziness and being lightheaded. I'm drinking enough, I'm almost sure I'm getting my needed vitamins since I do take a supplement, so is this just my body getting rid of the toxins a meat diet has put in my body or is it something I need to be worried about? Or is it because eating plant based foods my calorie intake is much lower than my body is used to?
Are your calories drastically lower than they were prior to your vegan diet? If that's the case, it could just be the sudden change to your caloric intake - definitely make sure you're getting enough fuel for your body.
Also, are there any new foods in your diet that you haven't had before? Food allergies can cause headaches as well. My initial advice would've been to make sure that you're definitely getting enough water since many headaches stem from being dehydrated, but since you stated that you're getting adequate water and vitamins, I'm at a bit of a loss. However, I did just read a thread the other day asking the exact same question about headaches and a newly vegetarian/vegan diet. There were some suggestions on this thread that might prove useful to you. I at least hope you find something on there that will maybe help - headaches are no fun! 
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/249062-headaches-vegetarianism?hl=vegetarianism/headache#posts-32932360 -
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I'm using the my fitness pal app for my iPod so I know I'm getting enough protein and all the other important nutrients. Plus I do take a vitamin AND B12.
Sorry! this is in reply to loathesome.........
I couldn't figure out how to copy.:laugh:0 -
I in! i have been veggie since 1993. i have loved it - it is healthy and compassionate. lately, i have been on a no-heavily-processed foods diet - no cron syrup or glycol, dyes, etc... that is very hard! and it takes longer to cook stuff sometimes, but i have been maintaining weight rather than gaining on it. i am new to this site and want now to lose weight! 0
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I have one question. I'm having issues with dizziness and being lightheaded. I'm drinking enough, I'm almost sure I'm getting my needed vitamins since I do take a supplement, so is this just my body getting rid of the toxins a meat diet has put in my body or is it something I need to be worried about? Or is it because eating plant based foods my calorie intake is much lower than my body is used to?
Are your calories drastically lower than they were prior to your vegan diet? If that's the case, it could just be the sudden change to your caloric intake - definitely make sure you're getting enough fuel for your body. Also, are there any new foods in your diet that you haven't had before? Food allergies can cause headaches as well. My initial advice would've been to make sure that you're definitely getting enough water since many headaches stem from being dehydrated, but since you stated that you're getting adequate water and vitamins, I'm at a bit of a loss. However, I did just read a thread the other day asking the exact same question about headaches and a newly vegetarian/vegan diet. There were some suggestions on this thread that might prove useful to you. I at least hope you find something on there that will maybe help - headaches are no fun!
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/249062-headaches-vegetarianism?hl=vegetarianism/headache#posts-3293236
well after reading all that I think its just the change in eating. I'm going from a woman who ate alot of take out/fast food (well about 50/50) to one who is now trying to eat the least processed, plant based food possible. I really don't like cooking for myself, thus the reason I was eating out so much. When I did cook at home it was sorta healthy, at least I thought it was until I read the 21 days book. I really haven't added anything new.......just got rid of all animal products and no fast food and increased the good plant based food that I already was eating. Though now that I'm thinking, I've really increased my eating of fruit( never was much of a fruit eater) but would that cause the dizziness/light headedness/ headaches? Maybe its the crystal light? I don't like the taste of my water, its well water, so I drink crystal light in it.0 -
Wow, lots going on over here! Welcome newbies! :flowerforyou: Great to see more people going to a vegan diet.
@IceGodess, You should ask your doctor about the dizzyness and headaches. There are so many variables and we're not allowed to give out medical advice here.
I get lighheaded sometimes, but it's from my low blood pressure. It seems to happen more frequently when I have a calorie deficit.
Regarding protein and a vegan diet -- If you're eating enough high-nutrient veggies and beans, you should not be having problems due to a lack of protein. I have muscles and I do intense workouts too. Check out this great article about Dr Furhman's book, Eat To Live here: http://www.earthsave.org/news/03summer/eat2live.htm (I think you'll have to paste it in your browser). It says, "He makes the point that 100 CALORIES (not grams) of a green vegetable contain dramatically more protein than 100 CALORIES of meat. 100 calories of vegetable is about one pound, whereas 100 calories of meat is about one ounce." Also, "Animal protein raises cholesterol; plant protein lowers it."
I'm living proof that if you reduce (or eliminate) your animal protein intake, you'll lower your cholesterol without medication!
Stepping off my soapbox...
Here is a great recipe for you all! I've modified this peanut sauce for over ten years. Modify away and make it yours!
Coleslaw Peanut Sauce Salad
Peanut Sauce
½ cup peanut butter
2 tablespoons sugar or maple syrup
¼ cup shoyu or tamari (aged soy sauce)
1 or 2 large clove garlic, pressed through garlic press
2 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
1 tablespoon (or less) chili garlic sauce (I use “Sambal”)
Warm water
Mix everything together with a fork. Add warm water to thin. Add more water if used as a dressing, keep it thick if you use it as a dipping sauce for spring rolls. If you thin it too much, put it in the microwave for a ½ a minute or so and stir. It will thicken when cooked. I also use this dressing over stir-fried veggies with rice noodles.
The Salad
1 16 oz. bag of store bought coleslaw mix or fresh grated cabbage and carrots (enough for 4 servings)
3 or 4 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
2 green onions chopped
2 cups or more chopped baby spinach
¼ c chopped peanuts (optional)
Mung bean sprouts (optional)
Adzuki beans or Vegan "chick'n" (optional)
You can use more or less of any of the above ingredients based on your taste or what you have available. If you like onions you can even add fresh chopped purple onions. If you don’t have cabbage you can use sliced romaine lettuce or spinach.
Mix everything together add the beans or chopped vegan chick'n and pour the Peanut Sauce over the top. Mix and garnish with fresh cilantro.0 -
Hey, can you guys recommend a good brand of almond milk? I've always used soy and really like it, but wanted to try out some different things. I'm hoping to find one that's tasty when drunk on its own, but also suitable for baking. Toss me some suggestions if you have some please!
@IceGodess - Whatever it may be, I hope it goes away soon!
@desertcats - Great article, nice read! 0 -
I just joined about 15 minutes ago, and I was a bit worried about support for vegans here. I've been vegetarian for 12 years and vegan for the last 6 years. I would love to see a separate community where those of us who aren't on the "salmon, chicken breast, and egg white diet" can go for support=)0
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So, inquiring minds want to know... what are you vegetarians/vegans cooking this week? I do a lot of my cooking over the weekend. I make things like stuffed peppers, lentil chili, grain-based salads, lasagna and whatever else I can think of so it's ready for the week ahead and I don't have to fight with myself to cook when I come home from a long day at work. I'm always looking for some new ideas though!0
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@Niveous
Try Blue Diamond almond milk, it's my all time favorite. They now have it in the refrigerated section and in the aseptic shelf cartons. I also love using hemp milk for just about anything.0 -
So, inquiring minds want to know... what are you vegetarians/vegans cooking this week? I do a lot of my cooking over the weekend. I make things like stuffed peppers, lentil chili, grain-based salads, lasagna and whatever else I can think of so it's ready for the week ahead and I don't have to fight with myself to cook when I come home from a long day at work. I'm always looking for some new ideas though!
well tonight I had bbq tofu nuggets, salad and baked sweet potato. Not sure about about tomorrow. But I know that sometime this week I'm going to try the Spaghetti squash casserole that someone posted on the forum. Other than that.. I'm just winging it until Thursday when I have the day off and can really go nuts and prepare something awesome out of the new book I got. :laugh:0 -
Just looked at the recipe, and I am DEFINITELY trying that. How'd you like the Kind Diet overall, by the way? I was looking at it a while ago and thought about buying it, but ultimately purchased Vegan Planet instead. I would've bought both if I wasn't strapped for cash so much lately. :P
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Kind Diet. :laugh: I have made SO many things out of it. Even my boyfriend, who's not veggie, likes a lot of the stuff. The "My Favorite Cupcakes" are to die for. I actually made those for me and a real white cake for him, and he ate all my cupcakes first! :mad: For the most part its really user friendly too. It's easy to follow and a lot of the ingredients are easy to find. There are a few things that I just can't seem to find. Overall, I'm really impressed with it. What do you think about Vegan Planet? I've heard about it, but never looked at it.0 -
Hey, can you guys recommend a good brand of almond milk? I've always used soy and really like it, but wanted to try out some different things. I'm hoping to find one that's tasty when drunk on its own, but also suitable for baking. Toss me some suggestions if you have some please!
@IceGodess - Whatever it may be, I hope it goes away soon!
@desertcats - Great article, nice read!
I really love almond breeze, and it is very low cal they even have unsweetened chocolate and vanilla which are amazing for smoothies and I bake with them all the time hope you find one you like! 0 -
Just looked at the recipe, and I am DEFINITELY trying that. How'd you like the Kind Diet overall, by the way? I was looking at it a while ago and thought about buying it, but ultimately purchased Vegan Planet instead. I would've bought both if I wasn't strapped for cash so much lately. :P
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Kind Diet. :laugh: I have made SO many things out of it. Even my boyfriend, who's not veggie, likes a lot of the stuff. The "My Favorite Cupcakes" are to die for. I actually made those for me and a real white cake for him, and he ate all my cupcakes first! :mad: For the most part its really user friendly too. It's easy to follow and a lot of the ingredients are easy to find. There are a few things that I just can't seem to find. Overall, I'm really impressed with it. What do you think about Vegan Planet? I've heard about it, but never looked at it.
I've been wanting to read that book0 -
Wow, lots going on over here! Welcome newbies! :flowerforyou: Great to see more people going to a vegan diet.
@IceGodess, You should ask your doctor about the dizzyness and headaches. There are so many variables and we're not allowed to give out medical advice here. I get lighheaded sometimes, but it's from my low blood pressure. It seems to happen more frequently when I have a calorie deficit.
Regarding protein and a vegan diet -- If you're eating enough high-nutrient veggies and beans, you should not be having problems due to a lack of protein. I have muscles and I do intense workouts too. Check out this great article about Dr Furhman's book, Eat To Live here: http://www.earthsave.org/news/03summer/eat2live.htm (I think you'll have to paste it in your browser). It says, "He makes the point that 100 CALORIES (not grams) of a green vegetable contain dramatically more protein than 100 CALORIES of meat. 100 calories of vegetable is about one pound, whereas 100 calories of meat is about one ounce." Also, "Animal protein raises cholesterol; plant protein lowers it."
I'm living proof that if you reduce (or eliminate) your animal protein intake, you'll lower your cholesterol without medication!
Stepping off my soapbox...
Here is a great recipe for you all! I've modified this peanut sauce for over ten years. Modify away and make it yours!
Coleslaw Peanut Sauce Salad
Peanut Sauce
½ cup peanut butter
2 tablespoons sugar or maple syrup
¼ cup shoyu or tamari (aged soy sauce)
1 or 2 large clove garlic, pressed through garlic press
2 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
1 tablespoon (or less) chili garlic sauce (I use “Sambal”)
Warm water
Mix everything together with a fork. Add warm water to thin. Add more water if used as a dressing, keep it thick if you use it as a dipping sauce for spring rolls. If you thin it too much, put it in the microwave for a ½ a minute or so and stir. It will thicken when cooked. I also use this dressing over stir-fried veggies with rice noodles.
The Salad
1 16 oz. bag of store bought coleslaw mix or fresh grated cabbage and carrots (enough for 4 servings)
3 or 4 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
2 green onions chopped
2 cups or more chopped baby spinach
¼ c chopped peanuts (optional)
Mung bean sprouts (optional)
Adzuki beans or Vegan "chick'n" (optional)
You can use more or less of any of the above ingredients based on your taste or what you have available. If you like onions you can even add fresh chopped purple onions. If you don’t have cabbage you can use sliced romaine lettuce or spinach.
Mix everything together add the beans or chopped vegan chick'n and pour the Peanut Sauce over the top. Mix and garnish with fresh cilantro.
this recipe sounds fantastic! thanks for posting 0 -
@bettyboop, let me know if you try the peanut sauce. It's very versatile and tastes great!
I'm planning for something sweet later today.
I put a couple of peeled bananas in the freezer so I can make ice cream (no dairy involved!). I've seen lots of variations of this on the Internet. I also saw Dr. Oz do it on his show.
Soft Serve Banana 'Ice cream'
2 -3 frozen bananas
water (if needed)
Mix in a high powered blender or food processor until light and fluffy. If you're feeling decadent (and can afford the extra calories), top with chopped nuts, or dark coco powder mixed with agave nectar.
Very easy and yummy!
Hope everyone is having a great weekend!0 -
FRIES HAVE MEAT IN THEM!
This shocked me, but I can't find the ingredients for other places like Burger King, Wendy's, etc. I will miss fries!
Mcdonalds fries contain natural beef flavour:
Potatoes, vegetable oil (canola oil, hydrogenated soybean oil, <b>natural beef flavor </b>[wheat and milk derivatives]*, citric acid [preservative]), dextrose, sodium acid pyrophosphate (maintain color), salt. Prepared in vegetable oil (Canola oil, corn oil, soybean oil, hydrogenated soybean oil with TBHQ and citric acid added to preserve freshness). Dimethylpolysiloxane added as an antifoaming agent. CONTAINS: WHEAT AND MILK *(Natural beef flavor contains hydrolyzed wheat and hydrolyzed milk as starting ingredients).
http://nutrition.mcdonalds.com/nutritionexchange/ingredientslist.pdf0 -
I had to come back and share what we just had for lunch. We have this meal several times a week.
One thing I'm having a hard time with is that myfitnesspal adds my workout calories to my "remaining" calories. I don't want those calories to be considered. LOL I have to be more careful with my meals and watch every item. So, the following is a great recipe for filling you up and giving you a good high-nutrient vegan meal.
On a dinner plate, add the following ingredients in order:
1/2 to 1 cup non-fat refried pinto or black beans. You can also use whole beans. If you're short on calories, just use 1/2 cup of beans (it will save you 80-100 calories).
1 cup or more left-over steamed veggies (carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, etc)
1 cup or more shredded cabbage
salsa
1 cup or more baby spinach
Heat for about 2 minutes in the microwave.
Add:
Chopped tomato
This is similar to the open-faced burrito I like to make. But, since I'm watching the calories so much lately, I don't always use the 100-calorie whole wheat tortilla.0 -
FRIES HAVE MEAT IN THEM!
This shocked me, but I can't find the ingredients for other places like Burger King, Wendy's, etc. I will miss fries!
Mcdonalds fries contain natural beef flavour:
Potatoes, vegetable oil (canola oil, hydrogenated soybean oil, <b>natural beef flavor </b>[wheat and milk derivatives]*, citric acid [preservative]), dextrose, sodium acid pyrophosphate (maintain color), salt. Prepared in vegetable oil (Canola oil, corn oil, soybean oil, hydrogenated soybean oil with TBHQ and citric acid added to preserve freshness). Dimethylpolysiloxane added as an antifoaming agent. CONTAINS: WHEAT AND MILK *(Natural beef flavor contains hydrolyzed wheat and hydrolyzed milk as starting ingredients).
http://nutrition.mcdonalds.com/nutritionexchange/ingredientslist.pdf
They are not good for you anyway. LOL We've gotten used to just not eating out. It's hard if we are traveling, but when we're home, we eat all of our meals at home.
You just reminded me of something. One Thanksgiving we were looking for a mushroom gravy mix for our Tofurky loaf. We ended up buying a steak flavored one because it was the only one that DIDN'T have beef or chicken. They put beef, chicken, milk and egg in everything!
Most of the frozen veggie patties have eggs in them. You really have to pay attention and read the ingredients.
Some Amy's, some Boca, and some (maybe all?) Gardein products are Vegan.0 -
Thanks for the almond milk suggestions tex_vegan, milanks, and bettyboop!
I also found this and thought it was interesting: http://planetgreen.discovery.com/food-health/organic-almond-milk.html
It seems easy enough and I have all the ingredients on-hand; it only keeps for five days though. I'd still prefer to have some store brand stuff in my fridge for the sake of convenience, but when I'm baking, I might try to make my own almond milk since it's easy and cheap to make (not to mention organic and unprocessed). Have any of you ever made almond milk or something else like it before?
@SugarDiva - I tried that "tuna" salad recipe in a pita for lunch today, so delicious! Thank you.
I might have to try those cupcakes too! As for Vegan Planet, I really like it - I chose it because it incorporated really simple every day ingredients. Some of the vegan cookbooks that I was looking through at the bookstore had things that I had never even heard of, had no clue where to buy (except maybe at a health store), and while that's not necessarily a bad thing... I didn't wanna go broke cooking, and just wanted to start simple. :P The Kind Diet was in my top few choices, I just didn't end up grabbing it, but I'm starting to think that I probably will soon here once I get a few extra bucks.
@CraftyGirl4 - My cooking can be a little plain and boring sometimes. Rice with sautéed, steamed, or grilled veggies, or sometimes quinoa in place of the rice. I've kind of been on a veggie kabob kick lately. Veggies and seitan "chicken" strips with hummus in a pita or tortilla is kind of my go-to lunch that I make a lot. I eat lots of fresh, raw vegetables and fruit all day long. Some new recipes that I tried out from my cookbook this week were Sweet-and-Sour Chili-Stuffed Bell Peppers, Pumpkin Pie Pancakes, and Fettuccine with Red Lentil Sauce.0 -
I'm loving the ideas!! I've been on a cooking slump lately
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ummmmmm hello peanut sauce!!! I am soooooo making that later!!!!0
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I'd probably leave out the peanuts and use almond butter instead, then wilt the cabbage and serve this over brown rice noodles.Wow, lots going on over here! Welcome newbies! :flowerforyou: Great to see more people going to a vegan diet.
@IceGodess, You should ask your doctor about the dizzyness and headaches. There are so many variables and we're not allowed to give out medical advice here. I get lighheaded sometimes, but it's from my low blood pressure. It seems to happen more frequently when I have a calorie deficit.
Regarding protein and a vegan diet -- If you're eating enough high-nutrient veggies and beans, you should not be having problems due to a lack of protein. I have muscles and I do intense workouts too. Check out this great article about Dr Furhman's book, Eat To Live here: http://www.earthsave.org/news/03summer/eat2live.htm (I think you'll have to paste it in your browser). It says, "He makes the point that 100 CALORIES (not grams) of a green vegetable contain dramatically more protein than 100 CALORIES of meat. 100 calories of vegetable is about one pound, whereas 100 calories of meat is about one ounce." Also, "Animal protein raises cholesterol; plant protein lowers it."
I'm living proof that if you reduce (or eliminate) your animal protein intake, you'll lower your cholesterol without medication!
Stepping off my soapbox...
Here is a great recipe for you all! I've modified this peanut sauce for over ten years. Modify away and make it yours!
Coleslaw Peanut Sauce Salad
Peanut Sauce
½ cup peanut butter
2 tablespoons sugar or maple syrup
¼ cup shoyu or tamari (aged soy sauce)
1 or 2 large clove garlic, pressed through garlic press
2 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
1 tablespoon (or less) chili garlic sauce (I use “Sambal”)
Warm water
Mix everything together with a fork. Add warm water to thin. Add more water if used as a dressing, keep it thick if you use it as a dipping sauce for spring rolls. If you thin it too much, put it in the microwave for a ½ a minute or so and stir. It will thicken when cooked. I also use this dressing over stir-fried veggies with rice noodles.
The Salad
1 16 oz. bag of store bought coleslaw mix or fresh grated cabbage and carrots (enough for 4 servings)
3 or 4 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
2 green onions chopped
2 cups or more chopped baby spinach
¼ c chopped peanuts (optional)
Mung bean sprouts (optional)
Adzuki beans or Vegan "chick'n" (optional)
You can use more or less of any of the above ingredients based on your taste or what you have available. If you like onions you can even add fresh chopped purple onions. If you don’t have cabbage you can use sliced romaine lettuce or spinach.
Mix everything together add the beans or chopped vegan chick'n and pour the Peanut Sauce over the top. Mix and garnish with fresh cilantro.
this recipe sounds fantastic! thanks for posting0 -
What's up, veggies! How you had a beautiful Tuesday. About to enjoy some whole wheat pasta with seitan strips and veggies - yum! 0
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What's up, veggies! How you had a beautiful Tuesday. About to enjoy some whole wheat pasta with seitan strips and veggies - yum!
Just starting my Wed dinner sounds yum! Finally bought a pack of seitan to try, since I have never tried it before 0 -
Hi
Another vegetarian here..9 years and counting. Wanting to become vegan very soon. Today might even be the day.
Just thought id pop in and say hi 0
This discussion has been closed.
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