Day 3 of being vegetarian...tips and support please!
Fat_Fighter87
Posts: 61 Member
Hi all!
3 days a go I decided to follow a vegan diet, however I quickly realised that cutting everything out all at once is virtually impossible! For now I have decided to cut out meat and I am cutting right back on dairy.
I am constantly hungry all the time (I have reservations as to whether 1,200 calories is enough for me but that is another question entirely) I have had a constant headache for 3 days and as an IBS sufferer I am also not getting on well with the meat alternative products.
Is this normal or am I dong something wrong?
I would really appreciate some MFP friends who are also on this journey to offer tips, hints and recipes
Thanks!
3 days a go I decided to follow a vegan diet, however I quickly realised that cutting everything out all at once is virtually impossible! For now I have decided to cut out meat and I am cutting right back on dairy.
I am constantly hungry all the time (I have reservations as to whether 1,200 calories is enough for me but that is another question entirely) I have had a constant headache for 3 days and as an IBS sufferer I am also not getting on well with the meat alternative products.
Is this normal or am I dong something wrong?
I would really appreciate some MFP friends who are also on this journey to offer tips, hints and recipes
Thanks!
1
Replies
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So what are you eating instead?3
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If the 1200 is new, I'd assume it is likely to be that, but if you are low on fat or protein that might be a problem. It's quite likely you don't need to be that low, and if you are exercising or active you will want to eat more for sure. If you want to give your stats we could comment.
I'm not 100% plant-based, but I'm moving that way (maybe) and trying to eat that way at the moment, and have done it at times in the past (Lent, and an experiment in November). I'm enough of a volume eater that I usually feel super satiated, although I need to make sure I'm including enough fat.
You don't need meat alternatives, although I personally enjoy tofu and tempeh (and don't really think of them as meat alternatives, just a different form of legume). Do you include other foods that have a decent amount of protein, like beans and lentils? Also, eggs are great if you are still eating them.
We have a vegetable and fruit challenge going elsewhere (Challenge section) that you might enjoy too.
What specifically are you eating?1 -
you might wanna look into a low fodmap diet to deal with your ibs. here is a vegan take on it-
http://www.theveganrd.com/2016/03/vegan-diets-and-irritable-bowel-syndrome-the-fodmap-approach/0 -
addguac199 wrote: »you might wanna look into a low fodmap diet to deal with your ibs. here is a vegan take on it-
http://www.theveganrd.com/2016/03/vegan-diets-and-irritable-bowel-syndrome-the-fodmap-approach/
This is great thank you!0 -
kommodevaran wrote: »So what are you eating instead?
In the 3 days I have been on it I had had oats with almond milk and fruit for breakfast. Lunch has been jacket potato and beans or vegetable soup (which I later learnt has cream in it so fail on that!)
Dinner have been meat substitutes so quorn chilli, Linda Macartney sausages and tonight I am trying the Quorn steak with a big salad0 -
lemurcat12 wrote: »If the 1200 is new, I'd assume it is likely to be that, but if you are low on fat or protein that might be a problem. It's quite likely you don't need to be that low, and if you are exercising or active you will want to eat more for sure. If you want to give your stats we could comment.
I'm not 100% plant-based, but I'm moving that way (maybe) and trying to eat that way at the moment, and have done it at times in the past (Lent, and an experiment in November). I'm enough of a volume eater that I usually feel super satiated, although I need to make sure I'm including enough fat.
You don't need meat alternatives, although I personally enjoy tofu and tempeh (and don't really think of them as meat alternatives, just a different form of legume). Do you include other foods that have a decent amount of protein, like beans and lentils? Also, eggs are great if you are still eating them.
We have a vegetable and fruit challenge going elsewhere (Challenge section) that you might enjoy too.
What specifically are you eating?
I have been on and off MFP for a while and not really struggled with 1,200 calories until I cut meat out.
Hoping to go raw vegan at some point but for now I am eating the meat alternatives until I have learnt more about what foods to include, recipes etc. As a huge meat eater this was a big step for me to cut it out so in order to maintain this change I want to do it gradually. I am still eating eggs although in moderation (I used to eat them every day!)
See my above comment on another poster as to what I have been eating the past few days 0 -
Protein can be very satiating, more so for some than others, so if you are cutting out meat that can be an issue. For me beans are very filling, non starchy veg are filling, potatoes and sweet potatoes can be very filling, nuts (in moderation) can even help, but you need to learn what works for you and it may take a bit.
How are your macros?2 -
lemurcat12 wrote: »Protein can be very satiating, more so for some than others, so if you are cutting out meat that can be an issue. For me beans are very filling, non starchy veg are filling, potatoes and sweet potatoes can be very filling, nuts (in moderation) can even help, but you need to learn what works for you and it may take a bit.
How are your macros?
My fat and Carbs are a lot higher then usual and my protein is lower then usual, although today I am pretty much on par with the recommended amount Yes so much to learn and play around with. Beans and lentils not good for my IBS...very windy much to the disgust of my other half! Sweet potatoes is a good shout I never thought of that. Pasta is OK for my stomach too and I really enjoy that! 0 -
Feel free to message me if you ever want to talk about being vegan/vegetarian! I’ve been vegetarian for almost 11 years, vegan for around 5 and would love to connect with you!1
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Fat_Fighter87 wrote: »Hi all!
3 days a go I decided to follow a vegan diet, however I quickly realised that cutting everything out all at once is virtually impossible! For now I have decided to cut out meat and I am cutting right back on dairy.
I am constantly hungry all the time (I have reservations as to whether 1,200 calories is enough for me but that is another question entirely) I have had a constant headache for 3 days and as an IBS sufferer I am also not getting on well with the meat alternative products.
Is this normal or am I dong something wrong?
I would really appreciate some MFP friends who are also on this journey to offer tips, hints and recipes
Thanks!
Going vegan all at once is not impossible unless you make it so which is what I drill in my head everyday to stay on track.
For the headaches you are gonna have to deal with them unfortunately (I am doing it too and going through them as well) or try to find a strong dose of medicine until they start subsiding (working out helps too)...for hunger...eat lots of beans and lentils (fiber and protein) eat lots of veggies and fruits, and stay away from refined sugar as much as possible (I got sick a few nights back eating a bowl of cereal)...stick with oatmeal alternatively...its more filling.
I did it two yrs ago also and let the withdrawal symptoms chicken me out of going vegan but not this time. I am so prepared.
For meat alternatives...start with Amy's tofu scramble and Sweet Earth's General Tso's Tofu(if you haven't already)...they are so delicious and what's helped me get over my dislike for tofu.
For burgers and meat try Boca or Gardein...they are good too and helps with the transition.
But if you don't really care for them then you can try to find other products...there are alot more out there than ever before.
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stay hydrated. take supplements. there are certain nutrients in meat that you will not get in a vegan/ vegetarian diet. do research as well. look up new recipes, or even modifying your old recipes to fit your new lifestyle, this way you can still enjoy some of the things you were used to eating. like meatless-meatloaf, or mashed potatoes but use a soy creamer (original), and earth butter or what ever. its fun to try out. support from family and friends does help, but some times you are on your own. family/ friends may try to sway you from sticking to your transition (sneaking meat/ whatever into your food). hopefully that is not the case for you!! Congrats on your lifestyle change to a happier/ healthier you! 3
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1st:
Please stay away from the 1200 Calorie nonsense. Fads like this will leave you discouraged in the long run. Naturally you will loose some weight at first. You'll then seriously slow down your metabolism and start to gain. The more you work out the harder it will be to loose because you'll be in a battle with your own body and YOU WILL LOSE THAT FIGHT.
I was the last person in the world anyone would believe could go vegan but it happened a year and a half ago after I met an old friend who I was surprised he was still alive. He had such serious health and heart issues no one expected him to last more than a year back in 2014. He is now in amazing physical shape, off all his heart and BP meds. He suggested I read HOW NOT TO DIE and I did.
I am a bit of a foodie and since going vegan I've eaten a much better variety of foods than ever before.
There are no nutrients in meat that isn't found in plant based foods contrary to the many myths out there. Note: B12 is a vitamin that is not normally found (I make my own tempe so I get it naturally there). It gets into meat from animals who get infected with the bacteria that creates it.
Look into the Engine 2 Diet. It has a program to help those who want to ease into a plant based lifestyle. I didn't use it myself but it was helpful at the beginning. engine2diet.com is a good jumping off point. Don't buy into anything that you're not comfortable with.
Good luck, go slow and enjoy yourself.8 -
woodrowkerry wrote: »1st:
Please stay away from the 1200 Calorie nonsense. Fads like this will leave you discouraged in the long run. Naturally you will loose some weight at first. You'll then seriously slow down your metabolism and start to gain. The more you work out the harder it will be to loose because you'll be in a battle with your own body and YOU WILL LOSE THAT FIGHT.
I was the last person in the world anyone would believe could go vegan but it happened a year and a half ago after I met an old friend who I was surprised he was still alive. He had such serious health and heart issues no one expected him to last more than a year back in 2014. He is now in amazing physical shape, off all his heart and BP meds. He suggested I read HOW NOT TO DIE and I did.
So many conflicting theories on weightloss - calorie deficit or what you eat? Meat is bad for you and so is soy (I was crippled with stomach cramps last night having eaten it, definitely not good for my IBS!)
Wow that's amazing about your friend! I have read and seen similar stories and I have no doubt a plant based diet is better in the long run. I am also a big animal lover so going back to meat isn't an option, just looking for a way to make it work for me and my stomach issues.
The book you recommended sounds awesome I will definitely give that a read, thanks!0 -
Fat_Fighter87 wrote: »lemurcat12 wrote: »Protein can be very satiating, more so for some than others, so if you are cutting out meat that can be an issue. For me beans are very filling, non starchy veg are filling, potatoes and sweet potatoes can be very filling, nuts (in moderation) can even help, but you need to learn what works for you and it may take a bit.
How are your macros?
My fat and Carbs are a lot higher then usual and my protein is lower then usual, although today I am pretty much on par with the recommended amount Yes so much to learn and play around with. Beans and lentils not good for my IBS...very windy much to the disgust of my other half! Sweet potatoes is a good shout I never thought of that. Pasta is OK for my stomach too and I really enjoy that!
why would you follow a diet that makes your IBS worse?1 -
TavistockToad wrote: »Fat_Fighter87 wrote: »lemurcat12 wrote: »Protein can be very satiating, more so for some than others, so if you are cutting out meat that can be an issue. For me beans are very filling, non starchy veg are filling, potatoes and sweet potatoes can be very filling, nuts (in moderation) can even help, but you need to learn what works for you and it may take a bit.
How are your macros?
My fat and Carbs are a lot higher then usual and my protein is lower then usual, although today I am pretty much on par with the recommended amount Yes so much to learn and play around with. Beans and lentils not good for my IBS...very windy much to the disgust of my other half! Sweet potatoes is a good shout I never thought of that. Pasta is OK for my stomach too and I really enjoy that!
why would you follow a diet that makes your IBS worse?
Funnily enough the only time my IBS stayed under wraps was when I was eating a low carb, high meat diet, however I really want to try to make vegan work for me due to my love of animals (I have had my eyes opened) and the long term health benefits.
This is only my fourth day so I'm still learning what foods to eat and what affects me. So far I have learnt that Soy is horrendous for me. Beans, lentils and pulses, dried fruit and large quantities of nuts and seeds affect me too, as well as certain fruit and veg.
It's sods law isn't it! I don't feel like 4 days is enough time to give it yet.
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Fat_Fighter87 wrote: »TavistockToad wrote: »Fat_Fighter87 wrote: »lemurcat12 wrote: »Protein can be very satiating, more so for some than others, so if you are cutting out meat that can be an issue. For me beans are very filling, non starchy veg are filling, potatoes and sweet potatoes can be very filling, nuts (in moderation) can even help, but you need to learn what works for you and it may take a bit.
How are your macros?
My fat and Carbs are a lot higher then usual and my protein is lower then usual, although today I am pretty much on par with the recommended amount Yes so much to learn and play around with. Beans and lentils not good for my IBS...very windy much to the disgust of my other half! Sweet potatoes is a good shout I never thought of that. Pasta is OK for my stomach too and I really enjoy that!
why would you follow a diet that makes your IBS worse?
Funnily enough the only time my IBS stayed under wraps was when I was eating a low carb, high meat diet, however I really want to try to make vegan work for me due to my love of animals (I have had my eyes opened) and the long term health benefits.
This is only my fourth day so I'm still learning what foods to eat and what affects me. So far I have learnt that Soy is horrendous for me. Beans, lentils and pulses, dried fruit and large quantities of nuts and seeds affect me too, as well as certain fruit and veg.
It's sods law isn't it! I don't feel like 4 days is enough time to give it yet.
my husband found that a low carb, high fat diet as well as vastly reducing the amount of gluten he eats has all but cured his IBS, but then nuts and seeds don't bother him, so you have to find whats right for you.0 -
Have you worked with a dietitian to identify trigger foods for your IBS? My sister did that and it made a HUGE difference in her life, and her issues were mainly some pretty specific foods (and for her cooking cruciferous vegetables).
A couple of vegan sites I respect:
http://www.theveganrd.com/
http://jacknorrisrd.com/
I also like the Unnatural Vegan if you do YouTube.0 -
Had you eaten Quorn before starting vegan? Some people are sensitive to it because it is made from mold. Head aches can be caused by food allergies/intolerances.
Becoming vegan and cutting back to 1200cal while having IBS is a big change. A registered dietician could help you devise a diet that meets your specific needs.2 -
I have been on and off MFP for a while and not really struggled with 1,200 calories until I cut meat out.
And now you're struggling.
So why did you try to fix what was not broken?
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I've tried to make the immediate jump to a vegetarian or vegan diet before and have always failed. This time I am determined to get to a vegan diet but I'm going to transition slower. I set my first goal as going to a an ovo-lacto diet by Feb 1st and and to a a vegan diet by April 1st. I'm also looking for friends on the same journey for mutual support and food ideas.0
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andfivesixseveneight wrote: »Had you eaten Quorn before starting vegan? Some people are sensitive to it because it is made from mold. Head aches can be caused by food allergies/intolerances.
Becoming vegan and cutting back to 1200cal while having IBS is a big change. A registered dietician could help you devise a diet that meets your specific needs.
No I've not tried Quorn until now, I definitely think that that is causing the headaches and IBS worsening.
Can you get access to a dietitian through the NHS? It was never offered as an option to me on my numerous trips to the doctors. If so then I would definitely be interested in seeing one!0 -
Because I love animals and no longer want to eat them.
The ethical implications of eating another living being, and the way animals are treated in factory farms are a couple of the reasons I'm determined to go vegan.
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I'm slowly transitioning to a vegetarian diet. I easily cut off red meat (even though I had it more than 2x A DAY) but letting go of chicken has been a battle. I still have it about 2x a week. I'm not sure I can ever be a vegan but I do my best to purchase my diary and egg products from local places who love and care well for their animals even though it's more expensive.
I tried going cold turkey and gave up after a week. Going from eating meat 3x a day to 0x a day in my opinion is a bit of a shock to the body.. especially if I'm then trying to introduce new foods (Hello Cheese!) that I'm not used to consuming.
Take it slow and do additional research regarding your IBS.0 -
You can get access to a dietitian through the NHS. You will have to have a proper diagnosis of IBS (or other digestive issue) through your GP first, or be obese/morbidly obese. You can then ask for a dietitian referral. Some GP's are happy to refer straight away, others are reluctant.
If you're getting on well with the Linda McCartney products, there are a few other decent ones. The 1/4lb burgers, pulled pork style burgers, shredded "chicken", and country pies are the ones I like, and are all vegan.
I don't have IBS, but I found that quorn gave me stomach aches.
Tofu cooked in the right way is delicious. When I first tried tofu I thought it was disgusting, but is hadn't been cooked right. The best way to prepare tofu is to press it for a couple of hours in order to remove the liquid, before cutting it up and marinading it in a sauce of your choice. You can then oven bake it or pan fry it.
http://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-food/common-tofu-cooking-mistakes/
The whole "beans and legumes cause gas" thing might not be linked to your IBS, and if not then it isn't a permanent issue. https://nutritionfacts.org/2011/12/05/beans-and-gas-clearing-the-air/
If you have any questions about transitioning to a vegan/vegetarian diet, then feel free to message me.
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hikerAaron wrote: »
Because I love animals and no longer want to eat them.
The ethical implications of eating another living being, and the way animals are treated in factory farms are a couple of the reasons I'm determined to go vegan.
I agree this is my primary reason for cutting out meat and cutting right back on dairy!
Thanks for all your tips, advice and links guys I really appreciate it! I have felt very much alone in doing this and the butt of all jokes so it's great to speak to others who are on this journey!
I guess a lot of it is trial and error with regards to what foods are triggering my IBS. I have found a pattern in that Quorn red meat substitutes are bad for me however the 'chicken' quorn products are OK for me.
And yes I agree with others, a slow transition is best as I want to stick to this and see it through.
For others who are thinking about adopting a veggie/vegan lifestyle feel free to add me! 0 -
Congrats! I'm in the same process only thing I haven't cut out is chocolate (I got a hell of an amount for christmas so am slowly weaning it down) My biggest tip for going vegan is once you've ran out of a non vegan product such as milk, replace it with the vegan alternative such as a plant based milk. I find this has been the best method for me so far - also there are some awesome video's online about food you didn't know were vegan and this has made my weekly shop tenfold easier!b (Oreo's, Ginger snaps and BBQ crisps are all on the list!)
As a part of a vegan diet, it's natural to eat low calorie dense food compared with high fat/densely calorific food of a non vegan diet, so become a healthy grazer - if you have a salad bulk it out with spinach/lettuce/legumes, the quantity of food will need to go up so you can feel as good as before but that doesn't mean eat as many calories especially as your aiming for weightloss as I can gather your body is going through two changes - calories, and a diet change so it's natural to feel a little sluggish - I'd say up your calorie intake a little and allow your body to adjust to this big change otherwise going cold tofurky can be a shock and you may just go back to your old diet.
Also my boyfriend struggles with the meat alternative avoid quorn/soy (especially quorn - (its quite terrible for those who suffer with IBS) and substitute with carby alternatives - beans, potatos, lentils...
I also think you should watch a few vegan videos/documentary such as cowspiracy, forks over knifes, earlthings to educate yourself on why you have made this choice, learning about your old diet and the negative impact it has on the earth, your body and animals may convince you to stay on track and understand the changes your body is going through.
I really hope you stick with it and give me a shout if you need support!0 -
harrietmaley wrote: »Congrats! I'm in the same process only thing I haven't cut out is chocolate (I got a hell of an amount for christmas so am slowly weaning it down) My biggest tip for going vegan is once you've ran out of a non vegan product such as milk, replace it with the vegan alternative such as a plant based milk. I find this has been the best method for me so far - also there are some awesome video's online about food you didn't know were vegan and this has made my weekly shop tenfold easier!b (Oreo's, Ginger snaps and BBQ crisps are all on the list!)
As a part of a vegan diet, it's natural to eat low calorie dense food compared with high fat/densely calorific food of a non vegan diet, so become a healthy grazer - if you have a salad bulk it out with spinach/lettuce/legumes, the quantity of food will need to go up so you can feel as good as before but that doesn't mean eat as many calories especially as your aiming for weightloss as I can gather your body is going through two changes - calories, and a diet change so it's natural to feel a little sluggish - I'd say up your calorie intake a little and allow your body to adjust to this big change otherwise going cold tofurky can be a shock and you may just go back to your old diet.
Also my boyfriend struggles with the meat alternative avoid quorn/soy (especially quorn - (its quite terrible for those who suffer with IBS) and substitute with carby alternatives - beans, potatos, lentils...
I also think you should watch a few vegan videos/documentary such as cowspiracy, forks over knifes, earlthings to educate yourself on why you have made this choice, learning about your old diet and the negative impact it has on the earth, your body and animals may convince you to stay on track and understand the changes your body is going through.
I really hope you stick with it and give me a shout if you need support!
Thanks for the advice I am already using almond milk, dairy free margarine and soya yogurt as I have used these products before and enjoyed them. I still have a splash of milk in my tea (I have tried all alternatives and as a huge tea drinker I haven't found one I can stand in tea yet). Cheese is a struggle, luckily I only eat it a couple of times a week anyway!
Oreos are a great shout! Like you I will struggle with chocolate - it's my ultimate weakness (dark gives me migraines)
I agree snacking is key, I bought some houmous and carrot sticks last night to snack on and some almonds too.
It's funny how Quorn is so bad for people, it's so full of salt too! I don't think I could do this without some sort of meat substitute though so I'm hitting up the Linda McCartney isle!
I've seen Cowspiracy, 'What the Health' and 'Vegucated', these documentaries are what changed my whole perception of eating meat and spurred this change on. I'm always open to watching and learning more though so I will give the other two a go you suggested (are they on Netflix?)0 -
I quite enjoy cashew milk, it's quite creamy and thick, good in tea as well - I think almond milk is too watery for my liking...
I so agree with you on the cheese, I haven't had it since I went vegan but I tried tesco's mature vegan cheddar and was the most foulest thing I have ever tried - fingers crossed for their other ones!
I love Linda McCarntey - the mozzarella burgers are amazing. Lidl do an amazing cheddar and garlic wellington, I reminisce of this one on the daily - so damn good.
Forks over Knives is, I'm afraid earthlings isn't - but I'm sure there's somewhere to stream it.0 -
Hi! I’ve been a vegetarian for about 18 years now, and the best advice I have is to look online at vegan blogs and get some vegetarian cook books! There are some websites with really good information for eating a low-cal, healthy, vegetarian diet. Check the PETA website to get you started. Some of my fav. resources are Skinny Taste (lots of vegan options), the Vegetarian Times website, and any of the Thug Kitchen cook books. All of them have great, balanced recipe ideas. Good luck!0
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