Going Vegan?

BrianaS7
BrianaS7 Posts: 16 Member
I went from being a pesceterian to a vegetarian very easily, however, the time has come where I want to easily transition into the vegan diet. I need advice from individuals who are SERIOUS about the Vegan diet. I've watched a lot of videos, researched a variety of information, and now I want personal advice as far as nutrition, diet, and help with the transition phase. Feel free to message me personally or post a reply.
Thanks:)

Replies

  • redraidergirl2009
    redraidergirl2009 Posts: 2,560 Member
    Just cut out dairy and eggs. There's a lot of substitutes out there to help. I'm not vegan but I eat mostly vegan at home.
  • Dondatta
    Dondatta Posts: 11 Member
    I became Vegan early last year. My partner has been vegan for decades and she is an inspiration. I consider myself a fitness enthusiast and I take my nutrition seriously.

    I transformed from a skinny lad to a muscular one. As a vegan you need to focus on your macros more than ever.

    Concentrate on getting your proteins and you'll find most high protein vegan foods have an excellent macronutrient ratio.
  • Kdp2015
    Kdp2015 Posts: 519 Member
    I'm pescetarian not vegan, I've tried to be in the past but found it too restrictive. Health wise you can still get everything you need if you are selective with your food. I couldn't keep at it because I enjoy the convenience of a wider selection.
    In terms of transition maybe look to see what substitutes you can add into your diet over a period of time rather than cutting everything straight out.
  • vegannate
    vegannate Posts: 2 Member
    I've been vegan over 2 1/2 years. Be happy to help with any questions. Best and easiest decision I ever made.
  • rosecropper
    rosecropper Posts: 340 Member
    Currently vegetarian. Liked eating all plant based in the past, but ran into health issues because I didn't make sure to eat the right balance of foods.
    Educate yourself on what plants provide what essential amino acids, minerals, and vitamins in sufficient quantity. Then consistently incorporate those foods into your diet to meet your nutritional goals.
    Also I'm weirded out by fake super processed vegan cheese, vegan butter, vegan meat, etc. IMHO better to eat plants as plants.
  • BrianaS7
    BrianaS7 Posts: 16 Member
    Currently vegetarian. Liked eating all plant based in the past, but ran into health issues because I didn't make sure to eat the right balance of foods.
    Educate yourself on what plants provide what essential amino acids, minerals, and vitamins in sufficient quantity. Then consistently incorporate those foods into your diet to meet your nutritional goals.
    Also I'm weirded out by fake super processed vegan cheese, vegan butter, vegan meat, etc. IMHO better to eat plants as plants.

    Yeah, I definitley ran into problems recently by not watching all my macros and balance of nutrients so that's definitely going to be an important step for me. Thank you so much for your advice though. I personally stay away from the processed stuff as well, which is why it's going to be a challenge. I guess it means a lot of home cooking, though :) I found some recipies for cheeses and stuff that didn't involve really anything too bad, but I'd rather home make it than buy it super processed.
  • BrianaS7
    BrianaS7 Posts: 16 Member
    vegannate wrote: »
    I've been vegan over 2 1/2 years. Be happy to help with any questions. Best and easiest decision I ever made.

    Thank you so much. If I find anything along in my research, I'll be sure to reach out to you. I definitley will need help at some point :)
  • BrianaS7
    BrianaS7 Posts: 16 Member
    Dondatta wrote: »
    I became Vegan early last year. My partner has been vegan for decades and she is an inspiration. I consider myself a fitness enthusiast and I take my nutrition seriously.

    I transformed from a skinny lad to a muscular one. As a vegan you need to focus on your macros more than ever.

    Concentrate on getting your proteins and you'll find most high protein vegan foods have an excellent macronutrient ratio.

    Yes, I feel even as a vegetarian I don't really focus on my macros which is negative. But as a soon to be vegan, I really need to start keeping track of my macros if I want to stay healthy!
  • rosecropper
    rosecropper Posts: 340 Member
    Oh- also highly recommend the cook book Vegan Under Pressure and a pressure cooker. Totally changed how I cook.
    I don't even buy canned beans anymore as its so easy & quick to make myself. And gives me aquafaba for baking.
    Plus the home made veggie patties/loaves keep the natural taste and goodness of the original ingredients. So much better than commercially prepared junk.
  • BrianaS7
    BrianaS7 Posts: 16 Member
    Oh- also highly recommend the cook book Vegan Under Pressure and a pressure cooker. Totally changed how I cook.
    I don't even buy canned beans anymore as its so easy & quick to make myself. And gives me aquafaba for baking.
    Plus the home made veggie patties/loaves keep the natural taste and goodness of the original ingredients. So much better than commercially prepared junk.

    Alright, I'll definitely look into it! Thanks again :)
  • tapwaters
    tapwaters Posts: 428 Member
    Vegan for a decade, if you have questions please feel free to message/friend me.
  • DaddieCat
    DaddieCat Posts: 3,643 Member
    edited July 2016
    Personally, I'd suggest taking the time to learn about some vegan nutrition basics while you're just getting started.

    It's very easy to become nutrient deficient in specific nutrients on a vegan diet... some of which take a long time to become apparent and hit hard when they do.

    It's always best to learn early so that you can include those in your diet or add them in as supplementation.

    http://www.veganhealth.org/ is a good website that addresses much of this in an easy to read fashion.

    *edited because words are hard.
  • Redwineandmuscles
    Redwineandmuscles Posts: 46 Member
    Advice from my personal experience: Get some good cookbooks, buy nutritional yeast. I'm only vegan those weeks when I spend time in the kitchen cooking and meal prepping or when I buy a cartload of processed vegan foods from the supermarket to eat with quinoa or potatoes or rice and salad. One meal prep idea: I like to steam veggies, (yams, broccoli, mushrooms and kale), make rice, sauté tofu and black beans in terriyaki sauce with fresh garlic and ginger, add grated carrots, fresh sprouts and cilantro on top, and portion it out into five meals for the week. Add quinoa and a raw green salad with Tamara salad dressing and crushed peanuts. Ok, I'm getting carried away, I love vegan bowls but I'm only strictly vegan on those weeks I meal prep.
  • BrianaS7
    BrianaS7 Posts: 16 Member
    Personally, I'd suggest taking the time to learn about some vegan nutrition basics while you're just getting started.

    It's very easy to become nutrient deficient in specific nutrients on a vegan diet... some of which take a long time to become apparent and hit hard when they do.

    It's always best to learn early so that you can include those in your diet or add them in as supplementation.

    http://www.veganhealth.org/ is a good website that addresses much of this in an easy to read fashion.

    *edited because words are hard.

    Thank you. I just bookmarked that website to read tomorrow morning. It looked very informative from what I looked at so far. Thanks again :)
  • BrianaS7
    BrianaS7 Posts: 16 Member
    tapwaters wrote: »
    Vegan for a decade, if you have questions please feel free to message/friend me.

    I'll be doing a whole bunch of research so I'll be sure to let you know if anything. Thank you:)
  • alyssagb1
    alyssagb1 Posts: 353 Member
    When I began a vegan lifestyle, I went "cold turkey" by cutting out eggs/dairy/meat all at once. I've purchased generic meat replacement products (meatless burgers, soy are my favorite) and I've made them from scratch to help with a meaty flavor craving, which honestly was gone after a week. For many people it's easier and best to begin slowly. Cut down, then begin cutting out completely in your own time. Check out vegan friendly forums here. They're pretty decent imo. Also, The Vegan Society is a decent tool for those just starting out and those who've been vegan for a while.

    Good luck!
  • lifeandleaves
    lifeandleaves Posts: 97 Member
    It's not hard or restrictive. Just invest in some good cookbooks and do a bit of meal planning if you want to enjoy your food without stressing (like anything, really!) :)