Part time vegan?
izzie218
Posts: 32 Member
I recently (last 2-3 weeks) have started having way less animal products. I've noticed that my hair is becoming thicker at a fast rate and my skin is glowing and less dry. This lifestyle change is messing with my digestive system though. Being an active teen, I'm not sure if this is healthy long term. Advice anyone?
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About the digestive problems: your body is probably not used to the increased fiber if you are eating more beans, legumes, and vegetables.
You might have an intolerance for some foods, too. I like Silk's protein nutmilk and cashew milk, but I can't drink soy milk (it upsets my stomach). I can eat tofu, though, another form of soy.
Vegan diets are healthy if like other diets you get enough protein and other essential nutrients. If you are not familiar with eating that way then research will help you.
There are many resources online like this one: http://www.vrg.org/nutshell/vegan.htm2 -
Part-time vegan as in someone who doesn't eat or use animal products...but only sometimes?
How is it messing with your digestive system?
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tiptoethruthetulips wrote: »Part-time vegan as in someone who doesn't eat or use animal products...but only sometimes?
How is it messing with your digestive system?
I've been bloated after meals
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Bloating when coming to a vegan diet is 100% normal! Even digestion discomfort for the first few weeks! I had the exact same experience, including gas (tmi) when I transitioned and it stopped after a week or two. Your body will do a lot of internal changing, because the foods you are eating are so much lower in cholesterol, hormones and other animal biproduct effects, plus you're eating waaayy more fiber so you're kind of going through a "detox" or healing period. Many people experience this and think that it's just not working for them so they go back to the foods they were consuming before but I assure you, your body is just adapting and I really encourage you to persevere just a little bit longer!0
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It gets better with time
keep at it and see if it works for you! 0 -
brichards_ wrote: »It gets better with time keep at it and see if it works for you!
Thanks! I'm already getting used to it.
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A vegan diet is not only "healthy enough", it is the healthiest way you can eat, whether you are a teen, or any other age. Glad your discomfort has gone away. Make sure you supplement your diet with B12 (not naturally available in plant foods). I just take a B-complex two or three times a week. I've been a vegetarian for over a decade, and then went vegan a bit over 4 years ago. My allergies all went away. My arthritis dwindled to almost nothing, from being very painful every day. Never going back!
Read "The China Study" for more research on a "whole foods" diet. It's essentially a vegan diet, but most of the new research really shows that there is a difference between being an oreo vegan (yes, oreos are vegan), who eats vegan, but still eats mostly processed junk, and a "whole foods" vegan, who focuses their diet on whole, unprocessed plant foods as much as possible. "Whole foods" vegan is the way to go, even if you have to work your way into it.
When you're ready to take it to the next level, try adding green smoothies to your diet. And don't give up after you try one recipe and didn't like the taste. Try new recipes until you find one you like - they're supposed to taste good AND be good for you!1 -
Been Vegan for over a year now. Some tips that helped with digestive issue were to eat my fruits separate from veggies. I mostly eat my fruits (smoothies) in the morning for a breakfast and will separate them about 2 hours apart. Legumes, beans, and broccoli does not do well with me. Although I know they are high in protein, I try to stick with Garbanzo beans which are easier to digest.
I only eat the fruits, veggies, and grains that I enjoy eating.1 -
Part time vegan is like almost pregnant.
It's a good thing to eat less meat if you eat too much meat. Not eating meat at all is an ethical choice I have deep respect for.
A vegan diet can be good or bad, and an omnivore diet can be good or bad.
I just felt a strong desire to say this 6 -
A vegan diet is not only "healthy enough", it is the healthiest way you can eat, whether you are a teen, or any other age. Glad your discomfort has gone away. Make sure you supplement your diet with B12 (not naturally available in plant foods). I just take a B-complex two or three times a week. I've been a vegetarian for over a decade, and then went vegan a bit over 4 years ago. My allergies all went away. My arthritis dwindled to almost nothing, from being very painful every day. Never going back!
Read "The China Study" for more research on a "whole foods" diet. It's essentially a vegan diet, but most of the new research really shows that there is a difference between being an oreo vegan (yes, oreos are vegan), who eats vegan, but still eats mostly processed junk, and a "whole foods" vegan, who focuses their diet on whole, unprocessed plant foods as much as possible. "Whole foods" vegan is the way to go, even if you have to work your way into it.
When you're ready to take it to the next level, try adding green smoothies to your diet. And don't give up after you try one recipe and didn't like the taste. Try new recipes until you find one you like - they're supposed to taste good AND be good for you!
There are a whole range of ways to eat between a vegan who eats "mostly junk" and a vegan who eats a WFPB diet as much as possible. You could be a vegan who has cabbage and black beans for one meal, chickpeas and kale for another, and then Oreos as a snack. You could incorporate processed but nutrient-dense foods like hemp protein powder, canned tomatoes, or nutritional yeast into your diet. You could have a non-whole food like pasta mixed with lots of vegetables and beans.
There are all kinds of ways to eat as a vegan and if you're saying someone who includes Oreos has worse health outcomes than others, I'd like to know what research you're referring to.5 -
A vegan diet is not only "healthy enough", it is the healthiest way you can eat, whether you are a teen, or any other age. Glad your discomfort has gone away. Make sure you supplement your diet with B12 (not naturally available in plant foods). I just take a B-complex two or three times a week. I've been a vegetarian for over a decade, and then went vegan a bit over 4 years ago. My allergies all went away. My arthritis dwindled to almost nothing, from being very painful every day. Never going back!
Read "The China Study" for more research on a "whole foods" diet. It's essentially a vegan diet, but most of the new research really shows that there is a difference between being an oreo vegan (yes, oreos are vegan), who eats vegan, but still eats mostly processed junk, and a "whole foods" vegan, who focuses their diet on whole, unprocessed plant foods as much as possible. "Whole foods" vegan is the way to go, even if you have to work your way into it.
When you're ready to take it to the next level, try adding green smoothies to your diet. And don't give up after you try one recipe and didn't like the taste. Try new recipes until you find one you like - they're supposed to taste good AND be good for you!
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A vegan diet is not only "healthy enough", it is the healthiest way you can eat, whether you are a teen, or any other age. Glad your discomfort has gone away. Make sure you supplement your diet with B12 (not naturally available in plant foods). I just take a B-complex two or three times a week. I've been a vegetarian for over a decade, and then went vegan a bit over 4 years ago. My allergies all went away. My arthritis dwindled to almost nothing, from being very painful every day. Never going back!
Read "The China Study" for more research on a "whole foods" diet. It's essentially a vegan diet, but most of the new research really shows that there is a difference between being an oreo vegan (yes, oreos are vegan), who eats vegan, but still eats mostly processed junk, and a "whole foods" vegan, who focuses their diet on whole, unprocessed plant foods as much as possible. "Whole foods" vegan is the way to go, even if you have to work your way into it.
When you're ready to take it to the next level, try adding green smoothies to your diet. And don't give up after you try one recipe and didn't like the taste. Try new recipes until you find one you like - they're supposed to taste good AND be good for you!
What is healthy for one person may not be healthy for another person. No one dietbis "healthiest".3 -
The improvement in your hair and skin is likely down to eating more vegetables than less meat.2
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It's good long term. The best advice i can say is, as with any other way of eating, that fresh fruits and veggies are foods to eat every day. Especially green veggies!0
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I wouldn't criticize her for being a "part time vegan". I considered it - there's a book by Mark Bittman called "VB6" about being a vegan until dinner, and then eating what you want. He lost 40+lb doing it, and found it to be a simple way to create rules that helped him eat more plants and less calories for most of the day and then eat delicious things he loved for dinner.1
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annacole94 wrote: »I wouldn't criticize her for being a "part time vegan". I considered it - there's a book by Mark Bittman called "VB6" about being a vegan until dinner, and then eating what you want. He lost 40+lb doing it, and found it to be a simple way to create rules that helped him eat more plants and less calories for most of the day and then eat delicious things he loved for dinner.
But that's not vegan. Eating vegetables only before 6pm is just eating vegetables only before 6pm. A kind of form of intermittent fasting/using very few calories before dinner.2 -
Well, according to you. According to him, who literally wrote "the book" on the subject, an effective way to communicate his eating style is to say he eats vegan before 6 pm. And that's not "vegetables only". So your words are not an effective way to communicate that eating style.VintageFeline wrote: »annacole94 wrote: »I wouldn't criticize her for being a "part time vegan". I considered it - there's a book by Mark Bittman called "VB6" about being a vegan until dinner, and then eating what you want. He lost 40+lb doing it, and found it to be a simple way to create rules that helped him eat more plants and less calories for most of the day and then eat delicious things he loved for dinner.
But that's not vegan. Eating vegetables only before 6pm is just eating vegetables only before 6pm. A kind of form of intermittent fasting/using very few calories before dinner.0 -
Too many labels and people potentially getting their panties/briefs in a bunch.
A meal can be a vegan meal or a gluten free meal or a meat extravaganza. In the end though, it was just a meal that you hopefully enjoyed and doesn't need to be redefined or picked apart.
Good luck and I hope your tummy distress has lessened. Usually just cashews do that to me...after I turn them into fluffy cashew butter and eat an almost criminal amount leaving me little room for any other foods that day and sitting with a spoon in my mouth.
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annacole94 wrote: »
Well, according to you. According to him, who literally wrote "the book" on the subject, an effective way to communicate his eating style is to say he eats vegan before 6 pm. And that's not "vegetables only". So your words are not an effective way to communicate that eating style.VintageFeline wrote: »annacole94 wrote: »I wouldn't criticize her for being a "part time vegan". I considered it - there's a book by Mark Bittman called "VB6" about being a vegan until dinner, and then eating what you want. He lost 40+lb doing it, and found it to be a simple way to create rules that helped him eat more plants and less calories for most of the day and then eat delicious things he loved for dinner.
But that's not vegan. Eating vegetables only before 6pm is just eating vegetables only before 6pm. A kind of form of intermittent fasting/using very few calories before dinner.
So because he wrote a book saying he's a part-time vegan that means it's now definitely a thing? Anyone can write a book about anything at all, doesn't make it fact. I simplified by saying vegetables but the fact remains he does eat animals and animal products every day. Just because he limits that to his evening meal doesn't make him a part-time vegan. Anyone eating animals and animal products at any time is an omnivore. There are a lot of people, myself included, who may eat vegetarian meals often and for whole days, that doesn't make me a part-time vegetarian.
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Thanks so much everyone!0
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Welcome to the plant-based world! I think you'll like it here. Bloating is very common on a plant-based diet as you're likely eating much more fiber than you had been previously. There are lots of vegan probiotics you can take as a supplement to help to combat this (I take Rainbow Light ProbioActive that I get on Amazon). You could also try kombucha for a healthy dose of good belly bacteria.
As far as your hair - my hair and nails started growing like weeds when I went vegan 1 -
VintageFeline wrote: »annacole94 wrote: »
Well, according to you. According to him, who literally wrote "the book" on the subject, an effective way to communicate his eating style is to say he eats vegan before 6 pm. And that's not "vegetables only". So your words are not an effective way to communicate that eating style.VintageFeline wrote: »annacole94 wrote: »I wouldn't criticize her for being a "part time vegan". I considered it - there's a book by Mark Bittman called "VB6" about being a vegan until dinner, and then eating what you want. He lost 40+lb doing it, and found it to be a simple way to create rules that helped him eat more plants and less calories for most of the day and then eat delicious things he loved for dinner.
But that's not vegan. Eating vegetables only before 6pm is just eating vegetables only before 6pm. A kind of form of intermittent fasting/using very few calories before dinner.
So because he wrote a book saying he's a part-time vegan that means it's now definitely a thing? Anyone can write a book about anything at all, doesn't make it fact. I simplified by saying vegetables but the fact remains he does eat animals and animal products every day. Just because he limits that to his evening meal doesn't make him a part-time vegan. Anyone eating animals and animal products at any time is an omnivore. There are a lot of people, myself included, who may eat vegetarian meals often and for whole days, that doesn't make me a part-time vegetarian.
I had no idea that the Food Police were so vigilant!1 -
I've been vegan for 7ish years now and I don't have gas ha ha.. But my boyfriend eats meat and is always farting! Really smelly too..... Now THAT is tmi... XD2
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annacole94 wrote: »I wouldn't criticize her for being a "part time vegan". I considered it - there's a book by Mark Bittman called "VB6" about being a vegan until dinner, and then eating what you want. He lost 40+lb doing it, and found it to be a simple way to create rules that helped him eat more plants and less calories for most of the day and then eat delicious things he loved for dinner.
This is actually a really good idea. I'm trying to cut back on my animal products and have found that I have more energy during the day if I include more vegan foods as the animal foods seem to make me sleepier. Unfortunately, full-time veganism is heavily medically contraindicated for me, so I have to find a good balance between the two.1 -
As others have said, the bloated feeling is probably caused by increased fiber, and your body will adapt.
If you want solid, research based information on how to eat a healthy vegan diet, I strongly recommend Vegan for Life by Norris and Messina. Both authors are registered dietitians, and long-time vegans. They offer an attainable and sustainable vision of a vegan diet. They do not set up the false dichotomy of being either a "junk food" vegan or being on a whole foods plant based diet. There is a middle ground, and that middle grown is probably far healthier mentally and physically than orthorexia inducing diets. Norris and Messina also avoid making unsubstantiated or overblown claims about the health benefits of vegan diets.2 -
Also, congratulations to the OP on your new dietary change! I hope that your positive changes continue (aside from the bloating, and don't worry, that will pass)!0
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I recently (last 2-3 weeks) have started having way less animal products. I've noticed that my hair is becoming thicker at a fast rate and my skin is glowing and less dry. This lifestyle change is messing with my digestive system though. Being an active teen, I'm not sure if this is healthy long term. Advice anyone?
I'm not vegan or vegetarian but eat meatless meals often. When I wanted to do that more I made a list of all the meatless meals I already enjoyed. I really don't like tofu but I learned to cook dry beans and lentils and different kinds of vegetables.
Make sure you are eating a variety of foods and getting enough protein. Keep a food diary as you change your diet to make sure you are getting enough calories and nutrients. https://www.vrg.org/nutrition/teennutrition.htm0 -
annacole94 wrote: »VintageFeline wrote: »annacole94 wrote: »
Well, according to you. According to him, who literally wrote "the book" on the subject, an effective way to communicate his eating style is to say he eats vegan before 6 pm. And that's not "vegetables only". So your words are not an effective way to communicate that eating style.VintageFeline wrote: »annacole94 wrote: »I wouldn't criticize her for being a "part time vegan". I considered it - there's a book by Mark Bittman called "VB6" about being a vegan until dinner, and then eating what you want. He lost 40+lb doing it, and found it to be a simple way to create rules that helped him eat more plants and less calories for most of the day and then eat delicious things he loved for dinner.
But that's not vegan. Eating vegetables only before 6pm is just eating vegetables only before 6pm. A kind of form of intermittent fasting/using very few calories before dinner.
So because he wrote a book saying he's a part-time vegan that means it's now definitely a thing? Anyone can write a book about anything at all, doesn't make it fact. I simplified by saying vegetables but the fact remains he does eat animals and animal products every day. Just because he limits that to his evening meal doesn't make him a part-time vegan. Anyone eating animals and animal products at any time is an omnivore. There are a lot of people, myself included, who may eat vegetarian meals often and for whole days, that doesn't make me a part-time vegetarian.
I had no idea that the Food Police were so vigilant!
Just think it's odd as vegans are ethically against animal products but if you limit them until after 6pm somehow it's magically OK to eat animal products?5 -
I can see how "I follow a vegan diet before 6pm for my health" would constitute effective communication, and if anyone wants to say that, then sure. Go ahead.
But if you're categorising it, it would be a subset of "low meat way of eating", like Meat-Free Mondays. TBH, I'm all for people lowering meat consumption so thumbs up to him on that.
That said, I can't believe that anyone eating meat after six is going to be that rigorous about 100% vegan meals before 6PM. Yeah right, he's scrupulously avoiding whey powder, cochineal or honey at breakfast, lunch and snack time every day.
Make that 'follows a vegetarian diet before six'!
@donsred There is a difference in health outcomes between people who mostly eat processed food and people who eat plenty of fruit and veg?
Say it ain't so.
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Oh, all vegans have the same ethical perspective? If it's religion, then by all means, defend the term.singingflutelady wrote: »annacole94 wrote: »VintageFeline wrote: »annacole94 wrote: »
Well, according to you. According to him, who literally wrote "the book" on the subject, an effective way to communicate his eating style is to say he eats vegan before 6 pm. And that's not "vegetables only". So your words are not an effective way to communicate that eating style.VintageFeline wrote: »annacole94 wrote: »I wouldn't criticize her for being a "part time vegan". I considered it - there's a book by Mark Bittman called "VB6" about being a vegan until dinner, and then eating what you want. He lost 40+lb doing it, and found it to be a simple way to create rules that helped him eat more plants and less calories for most of the day and then eat delicious things he loved for dinner.
But that's not vegan. Eating vegetables only before 6pm is just eating vegetables only before 6pm. A kind of form of intermittent fasting/using very few calories before dinner.
So because he wrote a book saying he's a part-time vegan that means it's now definitely a thing? Anyone can write a book about anything at all, doesn't make it fact. I simplified by saying vegetables but the fact remains he does eat animals and animal products every day. Just because he limits that to his evening meal doesn't make him a part-time vegan. Anyone eating animals and animal products at any time is an omnivore. There are a lot of people, myself included, who may eat vegetarian meals often and for whole days, that doesn't make me a part-time vegetarian.
I had no idea that the Food Police were so vigilant!
Just think it's odd as vegans are ethically against animal products but if you limit them until after 6pm somehow it's magically OK to eat animal products?
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