Plant Based Diet vs. High Protein
thrivebykaren
Posts: 4 Member
Have had a breast cancer scare and most likely will be getting a mammogram this coming week. Hoping for positive results, but I have done some research on fibrous breast tissue and fibroids and found that cutting out caffeine, sugar, white flours, meat, and even some fats has been beneficial in helping control or eliminate fibroids. People with cancer are also following more of a plant based diet along with athletes and have had great results. I have been following a Paleo/Whole 30 way of eating... sort of, but have consumed a lot of meat and fats based on the high protein recommendations. I have always thought I was more of a high protein girl, but the fad right now has come back to the paleo, keto , atkins diet. I watched the documentary "Food Choices". Watch it... it will get you to re-consider all that meat, fat, and supplement consumption. Anyone else focusing on plant based eating? In need of quick and easy / recipe suggestions. I would even consider starting a plant based group.... would love to have anyone join me in this new transition. I am also a nutrition specialist and personal trainer, so I am very curious to see how all of this plays out... I will be my own guinea pig 
thrivebykaren
thrivebykaren
21
Replies
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I'm currently experimenting with a whole foods, plant based diet and so far no changes to how I feel or to my health markers.2
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I am a vegan and I just started using my fitness pal! I would totally join you in a plant based group!!3
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I'm surprised that a nutrition specialist finds plant-based eating oppositional to high protein. One can eat a lot of plants, and still hit solid protein numbers. It's certainly harder to get high protein as a vegan than as a pescetarian, vegetarian or plant-focused omnivore, but it's assuredly possible.
If you search, you'll find that there are already vegan or plant-based groups here on MFP, with experienced members.
As a long-term survivor of advanced breast cancer (stage III, 17 years ago), and 43 years a vegetarian, I've read quite a bit about cancer and nutrition. Healthy weight is certainly a factor (part of my reasons for losing 50+ pounds), as is eating plenty of fruits/veggies, and moderating alcohol consumption. Despite being vegetarian, I'm not convinced that completely excluding meat/fish has any major benefit in avoiding breast cancer. Regular, fairly vigorous exercise seems to be significant, however.
I'd encourage ignoring the fads, buzzwords, and the latest scare-tactic "documentaries", and instead emphasize reviewing solid scientific research in as close to primary sources as possible.
Thrive on!28 -
I'm surprised that a nutrition specialist finds plant-based eating oppositional to high protein. One can eat a lot of plants, and still hit solid protein numbers. It's certainly harder to get high protein as a vegan than as a pescetarian, vegetarian or plant-focused omnivore, but it's assuredly possible.
If you search, you'll find that there are already vegan or plant-based groups here on MFP, with experienced members.
As a long-term survivor of advanced breast cancer (stage III, 17 years ago), and 43 years a vegetarian, I've read quite a bit about cancer and nutrition. Healthy weight is certainly a factor (part of my reasons for losing 50+ pounds), as is eating plenty of fruits/veggies, and moderating alcohol consumption. Despite being vegetarian, I'm not convinced that completely excluding meat/fish has any major benefit in avoiding breast cancer. Regular, fairly vigorous exercise seems to be significant, however.
I'd encourage ignoring the fads, buzzwords, and the latest scare-tactic "documentaries", and instead emphasize reviewing solid scientific research in as close to primary sources as possible.
Thrive on!
Thanks for posting this-I'm in the process of reevaluating my diet right now and this post really resonates with me 3 -
Yes I'm plant based. I usually just find foods that I like and find a way to make them plant based.3
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thrivebykaren wrote: »Have had a breast cancer scare and most likely will be getting a mammogram this coming week. Hoping for positive results, but I have done some research on fibrous breast tissue and fibroids and found that cutting out caffeine, sugar, white flours, meat, and even some fats has been beneficial in helping control or eliminate fibroids. People with cancer are also following more of a plant based diet along with athletes and have had great results. I have been following a Paleo/Whole 30 way of eating... sort of, but have consumed a lot of meat and fats based on the high protein recommendations. I have always thought I was more of a high protein girl, but the fad right now has come back to the paleo, keto , atkins diet. I watched the documentary "Food Choices". Watch it... it will get you to re-consider all that meat, fat, and supplement consumption. Anyone else focusing on plant based eating? In need of quick and easy / recipe suggestions. I would even consider starting a plant based group.... would love to have anyone join me in this new transition. I am also a nutrition specialist and personal trainer, so I am very curious to see how all of this plays out... I will be my own guinea pig
thrivebykaren
I've been a vegetarian for 24 years. I don't eat much sugar, obviously no meat, low fat diet, not much caffeine, no refined flours for probably 6-7 years (whole grains only), and I still grew massive fibroids...7 -
Plant based =/= vegan or vegetarian
I consider my overall intake to be plant based because that's the majority of what I eat. However I get adequate protein from the meat, fish, chicken, yogurt etc that I eat.
Just as an aside: It seems the word "documentary" doesn't mean the film is required to be based on facts & science. Most of them are just pushing an agenda.8 -
I eat moderate to high protein as well as eating a crap ton of plants...I get around 6 servings of veg and 2 servings of fruit most days...more if you count other plant based things like potatoes, sweet potatoes, legumes, lentils, etc...2
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I have been vegetarian 7+ years, vegan 9 months and do feel better. By that I mean that I have not had any eczema since, my 'gassy' tummy is no longer 'gassy'
and my recovery is quicker/easier. To be honest with you, I do it out of compassion and enjoy the health benefits that come along with it. I am here to track my macros and make sure I get enough of everything. SO far so good ... Documentaries can be enlightening, as they have always been for me, so long as you take some and leave some. I get approx. 60-70g of protein a day on 1500-1800 calories a day, depending on my workout. And I am leaner and stronger at.. ahem.. almost 46 than I was at 30, a then female amateur boxer 
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I have been weaning myself off of animal protein and most dairy since the beginning of March and went full Whole foods plant-based about 6 weeks ago. At first, I did not feel too different, but then slowly started feeling better and now my energy is through the roof. My total cholesterol is down 32points and I lost about 20 of the 45 in the last six weeks. If someone would have asked me at the beginning of the year if I thought plant vs. meat, I would have said meat always, but we have been following the Engine2 eating plan and it's been awesome! (omg I sound like a commercial) Great recipes and lots of food and still getting about 70 grams of protein a day with no loss of muscle mass, but definitely lots of fat going bye bye. At first, I started plant based for some serious health issues, but even if/when that resolves, I'll stay eating this way. It turned out to be cheaper and according to my labs, it is healthier. Oh ya and BP at the end of Feb 192/145 today's BP 124/82, so ya I'm stoked. Forks over Knives and Engine 2. It's worth looking up on Netflix.7
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Sending you healing vibes!
I have moved to a mostly pescatarian/plant based way of eating in the last few months. My diary is open if anyone wants to friend me or check out some meal ideas. I'm feeling great and am surprised at how satisfied I am from my meals. I am still eating a little cheese and eggs, greek yogurt and some fish but have made no decisions about giving these up as well.
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thrivebykaren wrote: »Have had a breast cancer scare and most likely will be getting a mammogram this coming week. Hoping for positive results, but I have done some research on fibrous breast tissue and fibroids and found that cutting out caffeine, sugar, white flours, meat, and even some fats has been beneficial in helping control or eliminate fibroids. People with cancer are also following more of a plant based diet along with athletes and have had great results. I have been following a Paleo/Whole 30 way of eating... sort of, but have consumed a lot of meat and fats based on the high protein recommendations. I have always thought I was more of a high protein girl, but the fad right now has come back to the paleo, keto , atkins diet. I watched the documentary "Food Choices". Watch it... it will get you to re-consider all that meat, fat, and supplement consumption. Anyone else focusing on plant based eating? In need of quick and easy / recipe suggestions. I would even consider starting a plant based group.... would love to have anyone join me in this new transition. I am also a nutrition specialist and personal trainer, so I am very curious to see how all of this plays out... I will be my own guinea pig
thrivebykaren
you will find anecdotal evidence to support "cancer prevent" for just about any diet; from keto to plant based. The biggest thing is to have discussions with your oncologist, as they would more likely have the actual supporting science behind it. And of course, being proactive with screening.
IMO, any diet that focused on whole food nutrition (whether it involves meat or not) is going to be better than a low nutrient diet.
Having said that, I do try to incorporate a lot of plant based foods in my diet, but a lot of them are fats (avocado, nuts, legumes, etc..)5 -
I've been a whole-foods vegan for about 5 years, and a vegetarian for many years prior to that. I have a very large fibroid, that has grown substantially in the past year. I believe in the way I eat, unfortunately, being plant-based doesn't seem to be saving me from fibroids. :-(3
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Avoiding processed foods in addition to being vegan makes a difference.8
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I have been weaning myself off of animal protein and most dairy since the beginning of March and went full Whole foods plant-based about 6 weeks ago. At first, I did not feel too different, but then slowly started feeling better and now my energy is through the roof. My total cholesterol is down 32points and I lost about 20 of the 45 in the last six weeks. If someone would have asked me at the beginning of the year if I thought plant vs. meat, I would have said meat always, but we have been following the Engine2 eating plan and it's been awesome! (omg I sound like a commercial) Great recipes and lots of food and still getting about 70 grams of protein a day with no loss of muscle mass, but definitely lots of fat going bye bye. At first, I started plant based for some serious health issues, but even if/when that resolves, I'll stay eating this way. It turned out to be cheaper and according to my labs, it is healthier. Oh ya and BP at the end of Feb 192/145 today's BP 124/82, so ya I'm stoked. Forks over Knives and Engine 2. It's worth looking up on Netflix.
Update; Still 98% compliant on E2 and down 74lbs since eating this way. LDL down 60 points, bp still 122/80, Type two diabetes officially resolved as of 10/3 and kidneys holding steady at 75% from 39% in May. Real food real healing.7 -
I have been weaning myself off of animal protein and most dairy since the beginning of March and went full Whole foods plant-based about 6 weeks ago. At first, I did not feel too different, but then slowly started feeling better and now my energy is through the roof. My total cholesterol is down 32points and I lost about 20 of the 45 in the last six weeks. If someone would have asked me at the beginning of the year if I thought plant vs. meat, I would have said meat always, but we have been following the Engine2 eating plan and it's been awesome! (omg I sound like a commercial) Great recipes and lots of food and still getting about 70 grams of protein a day with no loss of muscle mass, but definitely lots of fat going bye bye. At first, I started plant based for some serious health issues, but even if/when that resolves, I'll stay eating this way. It turned out to be cheaper and according to my labs, it is healthier. Oh ya and BP at the end of Feb 192/145 today's BP 124/82, so ya I'm stoked. Forks over Knives and Engine 2. It's worth looking up on Netflix.
Update; Still 98% compliant on E2 and down 74lbs since eating this way. LDL down 60 points, bp still 122/80, Type two diabetes officially resolved as of 10/3 and kidneys holding steady at 75% from 39% in May. Real food real healing.
Great job.0 -
Honesty4u2nv wrote: »Avoiding processed foods in addition to being vegan makes a difference.
In what way?0 -
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