I know a vegan diet doesn't help you lose weight, BUT...
kiela64
Posts: 1,447 Member
...I'm really tempted to start one anyway. Or at least something like it.
I saw a really upsetting video about the treatment of dairy cows, and I know that cows are smart animals, and I just feel really sad about it. I don't know what else to do other than just not eat it.
I already dislike meat in general, so I only eat it if someone makes it for me. I live at home though, so it does happen frequently enough and I'd need to start making my own dinners...and kitchen/fridge space is limited...and I kinda suck at cooking, but I'd hopefully improve.
The big issue would be dairy, because I'm already really struggling to get in 60g of protein/day and greek yogurt has been a new found lifesaver in that department. But now I feel kind of...icky about it, ethically. Like if I don't care I'm a sociopath or something because it's really, really bad what's happening. And I don't want to be the cause of it, you know?
But I'm selfishly worried it might make weight loss too complicated, because I'm trying to do that, be more fit, fix my knee, floss more, do better in school, be more organized, etc and it feels like there are too many goals/areas in which to fail that I've just created for myself.
So idk, if there are easy vegan recipes, high protein dairy alternatives, or any information on ethical animal products I'd really appreciate it. I just feel really sad and disgusted with myself, and kind of at a loss at how to best go about fixing all of these things I do wrong...without, you know, totally combusting.
I saw a really upsetting video about the treatment of dairy cows, and I know that cows are smart animals, and I just feel really sad about it. I don't know what else to do other than just not eat it.
I already dislike meat in general, so I only eat it if someone makes it for me. I live at home though, so it does happen frequently enough and I'd need to start making my own dinners...and kitchen/fridge space is limited...and I kinda suck at cooking, but I'd hopefully improve.
The big issue would be dairy, because I'm already really struggling to get in 60g of protein/day and greek yogurt has been a new found lifesaver in that department. But now I feel kind of...icky about it, ethically. Like if I don't care I'm a sociopath or something because it's really, really bad what's happening. And I don't want to be the cause of it, you know?
But I'm selfishly worried it might make weight loss too complicated, because I'm trying to do that, be more fit, fix my knee, floss more, do better in school, be more organized, etc and it feels like there are too many goals/areas in which to fail that I've just created for myself.
So idk, if there are easy vegan recipes, high protein dairy alternatives, or any information on ethical animal products I'd really appreciate it. I just feel really sad and disgusted with myself, and kind of at a loss at how to best go about fixing all of these things I do wrong...without, you know, totally combusting.
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why don't you just start on incorporating more vegan food into your diet before you give up meat/dairy. Slowly try to get used to vegan sources of protein. Remember a slow start is better.0
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research is a vegans friend in the beginning
there are a lot of vegan recipe blogs
so many vegan channels on youtube
you can join the vegan groups on this site too
there are sooooooooooo many vegan options for anything you could ever crave tbh
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why don't you just start on incorporating more vegan food into your diet before you give up meat/dairy. Slowly try to get used to vegan sources of protein. Remember a slow start is better.
Thank you! That's probably a saner way to look at it. My brain was going from all or nothing... Thank you so much for the link!
Maybe I could try to make one of my own meals vegan a week and work from there. I'd learn how to buy my ingredients and try to learn to cook a new vegan meal. I guess that a start is better than nothing right?
The video I saw seemed to be saying you had to stop immediately, but maybe that was for shock value. The idea of everything at once...I already have a headache but it made my head hurt.0 -
You might want to join one of the vegetarian or vegan groups on MFP, and maybe add some vegan friends and creep their food diaries. I'm vegan, and I get about 65-85g of protein most days, more if I use soy protein powder in my smoothies. Feel free to add me.
And while a vegan diet won't automatically cause weight loss, statistically vegans tend to be slimmer than vegetarians and omnivores, so it is more likely to help than hurt. http://www.nature.com/ijo/journal/v27/n6/full/0802300a.html0 -
MakePeasNotWar wrote: »You might want to join one of the vegetarian or vegan groups on MFP, and maybe add some vegan friends and creep their food diaries. I'm vegan, and I get about 65-85g of protein most days, more if I use soy protein powder in my smoothies. Feel free to add me.
And while a vegan diet won't automatically cause weight loss, statistically vegans tend to be slimmer than vegetarians and omnivores, so it is more likely to help than hurt. http://www.nature.com/ijo/journal/v27/n6/full/0802300a.html
Thanks! I'll look for those groups now, Would they mind me joining before I'm "fully vegan" or something? Bc I don't think I can do it overnight, it's very overwhelming. The idea of refusing my parents' food is scary and will need to be eased into. But I really do want to learn! & I have heard that, thanks for the study
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I agree that a could way to start off would be to incorporate more vegan (or just vegetarian meals) into your diet. I've been a vegetarian for over 6 years now, though I'd wanted to be one since I was about 4 years old. In the meat section of the supermarket they had a cute little illustration of a lamb right next to the lamb they were selling and that's when I first realised that they were the same thing. I would like to go vegan or at least reduce the amount of dairy I consume but I'm currently trying to eat as low carb as I can and as a vegetarian that means eating eggs and dairy. I always buy free-range eggs and use dairy alternatives as much as I can (ie. I drink almond milk because it's relatively cheap/easy but vegan cheese here is ridiculously expensive). Depending on where you live, you might be able to find ethically sourced eggs, dairy and honey.0
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MakePeasNotWar wrote: »You might want to join one of the vegetarian or vegan groups on MFP, and maybe add some vegan friends and creep their food diaries. I'm vegan, and I get about 65-85g of protein most days, more if I use soy protein powder in my smoothies. Feel free to add me.
And while a vegan diet won't automatically cause weight loss, statistically vegans tend to be slimmer than vegetarians and omnivores, so it is more likely to help than hurt. http://www.nature.com/ijo/journal/v27/n6/full/0802300a.html
Thanks! I'll look for those groups now, Would they mind me joining before I'm "fully vegan" or something? Bc I don't think I can do it overnight, it's very overwhelming. The idea of refusing my parents' food is scary and will need to be eased into. But I really do want to learn! & I have heard that, thanks for the study
Here is a group that could work for you.
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/45-happy-herbivores0 -
I agree that a could way to start off would be to incorporate more vegan (or just vegetarian meals) into your diet. I've been a vegetarian for over 6 years now, though I'd wanted to be one since I was about 4 years old. In the meat section of the supermarket they had a cute little illustration of a lamb right next to the lamb they were selling and that's when I first realised that they were the same thing. I would like to go vegan or at least reduce the amount of dairy I consume but I'm currently trying to eat as low carb as I can and as a vegetarian that means eating eggs and dairy. I always buy free-range eggs and use dairy alternatives as much as I can (ie. I drink almond milk because it's relatively cheap/easy but vegan cheese here is ridiculously expensive). Depending on where you live, you might be able to find ethically sourced eggs, dairy and honey.
Thanks! We do have a few already, with falafels or lentil burgers making up at least one meal a week. Sometimes we have a veggie stir fry with almonds, but it's very low protein. I'd like to look into some other recipes, with more protein sources, etc.
I've been interested in not eating meat for a long time because depending on how much fat there is on it I can end up gagging, and I'd be happy if I never had to touch raw meat ever just because ewww. That was before really connected the meat with the live animals. It's taken a while for it to sink in, I still can't quite connect chicken with chickens for some reason. But cows are easily connected to dairy, so seeing that video...
There are free-range eggs, but I honestly have no idea if it's really ethically sourced or not. I'd need to look into it more. Thank you!0 -
It's not just the animals that suffer. The meat industry in general is a dirty business. Hire desperate poor illegals, they get injured, they don't take care of their injuries, just an example. It's really sad0
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It's not just the animals that suffer. The meat industry in general is a dirty business. Hire desperate poor illegals, they get injured, they don't take care of their injuries, just an example. It's really sad
Wow, yeah. I know that farming is considered one of the most dangerous jobs in the world, but I had no idea it was that bad. Thank you for the information.0 -
If you have Netflix, these documentaries are streaming at the moment:
Forks Over Knives
Vegucated
The Engine 2 Kitchen Rescue
If you don't have Netflix, you can find them online elsewhere I'm sure.
A good book to get you started on plant-based eating that includes recipes: The Starch Solution by Dr. John McDougall.
Dr. Michael Geger keeps up on the latest in nutrition science and posts new videos on his website every few days: http://www.nutritionfacts.org.0 -
I just started eating 100% vegan last week and I'm loving it! Feel free to add me 0
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Absolutely nothing with being vegan. I just haven't found any plant based foods that actually taste like or have the texture of meat. If there was, I might switch.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
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Me tto.o.. Too... I know alcohol in excess is "bad" for you but:
https://youtu.be/RXwKcuEEUM8 0 -
Vegetarian for 7 1/2 years here. I really liked all the netflix movies above. Vegan faves: The E2 book has lots of good recipes, Thug Kitchen is out if this world amazing! They also have a blog, but they use lots of profanity so be prepared. As for protein, many vegans/vegetarians reject the U.S. Dietary guidelines protein and shoot for 35-45gm of protein. Quinoa, beans, lentils and leafy greens are your new best friends!!0
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http://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/1999/Aug/wk1/art04.htmIt's not just the animals that suffer. The meat industry in general is a dirty business. Hire desperate poor illegals, they get injured, they don't take care of their injuries, just an example. It's really sad [/quote]
Wow, yeah. I know that farming is considered one of the most dangerous jobs in the world, but I had no idea it was that bad. Thank you for the information.
Yes. --- working in the in the packing facilities with heavy equipment high rate of injuries. And the places are staffed usually by immigrants to our country.
This is why I eat very little meat.
http://www.ufcw.org/2012/01/10/is-the-meatpacking-industry-getting-safer/The bad news is, in comparison to other industrial and manufacturing sectors, meatpacking and poultry processing are still among the most dangerous. Food manufacturing workers are twice as likely to experience injuries and illnesses than industrial and manufacturing workers as a whole. The meatpacking industry also ranks high for severe injury and illness cases – meaning those that cause workers to miss days at work or those that necessitate restricted work activities or even job transfers. Nationally, the poultry industry has the fifth-highest rate of worker illness across all industries.0 -
And I would recommend avoiding the vegan cheeses and too many mock meats. A lot of them really don't come close to real meat and are filled with junky unpronounceable ingredients. Though I am a sucker for Fieldroast Apple-sage sausages, and most of the frozen veggie burgers.0
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There's a lot of vegan websites on the web. You can finds tons of then from google, but ohsheglows.con is a good one. Comming from someone who eat lacto-ovo most of the time, her recipies are really good.
If you're having trouble getting enough protein, there's lots of options. Beyond the typical suggestion of tofu, there's also tempeh, which tends to be higher in protein and has a nuttier flavor with better texture. If you can eat gluten, seitan is a great option. I forgot the name brand, but there I know that there is a company that sells a greek-style hemp yogurt that is high in protein. We sell it in the store that I work at, and it's popular among vegans and vegetarians. Hemp seeds in general, and products made with hemp seed are high in protein. There are also a lot of really good vegan protein powders on the market nowadays if you are open to that sort of thing. Garden of Life recently came out with their Organic Plant Protein line that tastes really good and has 17 grams of plant protein in a 100 calorie scoop. Their website has a printable $3 off coupon for it, if you're interested, and the vitamin shoppe is running a sale on it now.
On a side note though, if you're mostly giving up meat/eggs/dairy for ethical reasons pertaining to the mistreatment of animals on CAFO's, why not buy local, humanely raised meat/egg/dairy products? The little bit of meat I eat, as well as the milk and eggs that I eat are all local and humanely raised. I agree with you in the ethics issue in conventional farming, if humanely raised products were not avaliable to me, I would be a vegan for all intents and purposes as well, but I don't have a problem with eating meat and dairy if I know that the animals weren't mistreated and were able to live happy lives in an envrioment that is natural to them. Just curious.0 -
It's not just the animals that suffer. The meat industry in general is a dirty business. Hire desperate poor illegals, they get injured, they don't take care of their injuries, just an example. It's really sad
Not to mention that raising animals for meat uses up more resources than farming vegetables, and that if we were all vegan, there'd be a lot less hunger in the world.0 -
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That's not true. Many 3rd world countries don't eat meat primarily and there are lots of starving people.It's not just the animals that suffer. The meat industry in general is a dirty business. Hire desperate poor illegals, they get injured, they don't take care of their injuries, just an example. It's really sad
Not to mention that raising animals for meat uses up more resources than farming vegetables, and that if we were all vegan, there'd be a lot less hunger in the world.
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Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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You could just cut out dairy rather than go vegan I've been veggie for 20 years but I am still not ready to go vegan it's a big step.0
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Hi, i've recently gone vegan and its nice to join the Happy Herbivore group. I was vegetarian for quite a long time before that or should i say pescatarian.
Anyway I haven't found it difficult in terms of enjoying my food but I do worry a little about some of the nutrients - calcium and iron. You can get these easily if you eat foods fortified iwth calcium - the best milk i've found is sanitarium so good lite soy. I like it lite whereas when i drink milk i drink it full cream. The lite soy is good becuase its good lots of added nutrients you need and which can be hard to get in a vegan diet. I also drink fortified rice milk.
You must make sure you get vitamin B12 from fortified food or in a supplement becuase it doesn't come from any other source.
Also DHA i take a supplement for that but its in chia and walnuts or linseeds. I'm starting to forget.
When you go vegan, i think (i found) it valuable to learn about all the functions that different vitamins and minerals do for your body. This will motivate you to make sure you are getting enough and that you know where to get them from. There are plenty of websites with this info.
To get enough protein, aim for about 20grams per meal.
Tofu, legumes of all sorts are what i rely on mostly but its also in bread and pasta. If you fall a bit short it doesn't matter but just try to get it up to 20 grams.
The best way to maxmise your nutrition and lose weight whilst on a vegan diet is to strictly limit junk food and most processed foods. And it will make it easier to eat more vegetables.
I am still eating eggs because i buy them from a neighbour who has some chickens. You might look into this too becuase if the chickens are well cared for there is no need to avoid the eggs, unless you object to people using animals at all which is a very strict vegan type of ideal.
The vegan society website is useful.0 -
If you are on Facebook look up Vegan Eats n Treats. It's a great bunch of people who just post what they are having for their meals, no drama or politics (it's heavily monitored) - you could get some ideas from them. It's droolworthy 0
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That's not true. Many 3rd world countries don't eat meat primarily and there are lots of starving people.
Yes but imagine if all the land in the world currently used to raise animals for human consumption, plus the land used to grow crops for farm animals to consume, was instead used to grow crops purely for human consumption. It uses more resources to farm animals than it does to farm crops, and the yield is less.
Here's some light reading for anyone interested:
Reversing the Spread of Hunger
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That's not true. Many 3rd world countries don't eat meat primarily and there are lots of starving people.
Yes but imagine if all the land in the world currently used to raise animals for human consumption, plus the land used to grow crops for farm animals to consume, was instead used to grow crops purely for human consumption. It uses more resources to farm animals than it does to farm crops, and the yield is less.
Here's some light reading for anyone interested:
Reversing the Spread of Hunger
Farming insects would feed even more people and use even less resources
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It's not just the animals that suffer. The meat industry in general is a dirty business. Hire desperate poor illegals, they get injured, they don't take care of their injuries, just an example. It's really sad
Not to mention that raising animals for meat uses up more resources than farming vegetables, and that if we were all vegan, there'd be a lot less hunger in the world.
Absolutely, there's also more pollution caused by meat production than what the cars we drive cause. In fact, a lot of people don't know that cutting meat out of their lives does more for the environment than buying a hybrid car lol. I'll personally never eat meat again, I've been vegetarian for a year now. Sure I'm sort of new to it but it just feels right to me to not eat anything that has a face lol.
My family teases me and calls me a hippie and stuff like that but they just don't understand there's a lot more to it than just the animals, which is a HUGE part of it in itself. It's a multi faceted moral promise to myself to not take part in any of the meat nonsense anymore.
On an unrelated note-after making this change in my life, I was honestly horrified by how much food crap on the market has animal ingredients in it... Lard in a can of refried beans for example lol...wth it's not even necessary in my opinion!! And that's not even getting into animal derived rennet and even collagens, gelatin, much much more ... Etc etc0 -
I am vegan and don't worry too much about my protein intake and never struggle to meet the recommended intake. Dairy free yoghurts, mock meats etc all contain protein, many of them more than there cruel alternatives. For meat alternatives that are non-proccessed, tofu and tempeh are great, and seitan which is soy free.
Lots and lots of BEANS. I love beans and eat them with most meals.
Pretty much everything contains protein and it isn't as big a worry as many non-vegans make out. In fact too much protein (which is the case for your typical omni) is more of a problem, especially animal based protein which isn't good for the body.
Of course you can not lose weight on a vegan diet, but if you follow a healthy vegan diet it is much easier than as an omni. Being a strict vegan you remove a lot of temptation because of their being less convenience foods, and dairy and meat free recipes of 'normal' food is almost always lower in calories (e.g. butter squash macaroni 'cheese' vs dairy macaroni cheese, lentils in bolognese and lasagna instead of beef mince etc etc), and well, because dairy is basically just pure concentrated fat.
Plus it's not as difficult as you would think. I am a student on a tiny budget and manage to eat a hella lot better than most of my other student friends.
Also 100% agree with all of those above advocating the environmental reasons for going vegan. It feels so fulfilling to be doing something for the greater good. And I'm not going to lie, ethically, it is absolutely horrific and so as soon as I found out the truth there was no other option but going vegan for me!
Good luck and if you have any more questions feel free to ask 0 -
It's not just the animals that suffer. The meat industry in general is a dirty business. Hire desperate poor illegals, they get injured, they don't take care of their injuries, just an example. It's really sad
The farming industry in general is terrible.
I live in Amish country that happens to do everything the extremely old-fashioned way and typically don't mistreat their animals, so i take full advantage of farmer's markets anytime i can. I can and freeze stuff, get eggs from people who raise chickens as pets, get milk, cheese, and butter from a co-op where i know exactly how the animals are treated...
I'm not a vegetarian or vegan, but i try to be a conscientious loca-vore. Far from perfect, though...and where i live makes it extremely easy to be this way.0
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