Thinking about going Vegan
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ItsJustJay11
Posts: 10 Member
Has anyone tried it or is anyone vegan?
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Replies
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There's lots! Check out the happy herbivore community.2
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I'm whole food plant based. You can add me if u want to see what I eat
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For what reason? If it's for ethical reasons, go for it - there's lots of resources. If it's for weight loss reasons - there is no advantage to a vegan diet over any other for weight loss, and it requires a lot more diligence to ensure you're getting a balanced diet and usually requires supplementation.11
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I'd transition to vegetarian then vegan bc though you probably could do it it's restricting. And I'd set myself up for success by researching it and doing proper nutrition. Also it can take awhile for the tummy to adjust. I'd try incorporating more vegetarian vegan meals into your day to day and slowly switch over and get a good book on becoming a vegan with proper guidelines and nutrition info4
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Alatariel75 wrote: »For what reason? If it's for ethical reasons, go for it - there's lots of resources. If it's for weight loss reasons - there is no advantage to a vegan diet over any other for weight loss, and it requires a lot more diligence to ensure you're getting a balanced diet and usually requires supplementation.
Actually, plant based diets requires little diligence to get a balanced diet and very little supplements. The only work required is checking food labels to see if foods are actually vegan. But really everyone should be reading labels anyways to know what they are putting in their bodies.
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Alatariel75 wrote: »For what reason? If it's for ethical reasons, go for it - there's lots of resources. If it's for weight loss reasons - there is no advantage to a vegan diet over any other for weight loss, and it requires a lot more diligence to ensure you're getting a balanced diet and usually requires supplementation.
Actually, plant based diets requires little diligence to get a balanced diet and very little supplements. The only work required is checking food labels to see if foods are actually vegan. But really everyone should be reading labels anyways to know what they are putting in their bodies.
I disagree - if you're training a lot, it can be more challenging to get enough protein, complete amino acids etc etc. Not saying it can't be done, but it definitely requires more consideration on a plant-based diet.5 -
mortuseon_ wrote: »I disagree - if you're training a lot, it can be more challenging to get enough protein, complete amino acids etc etc. Not saying it can't be done, but it definitely requires more consideration on a plant-based diet.
Plant based foods tend to be split between foods that are good sources of methionine (most plant foods) vs foods that are good sources of lysine (legumes, nuts, and seeds are the stars here). It's not really all that difficult, and doesn't require much thought at all. The only additional factor is getting a bit more protein than an omnivore might due to the very slight bioavailability differences of plant protein vs non-plant protein (5%ish is usually sufficient).5 -
Alatariel75 wrote: »For what reason? If it's for ethical reasons, go for it - there's lots of resources. If it's for weight loss reasons - there is no advantage to a vegan diet over any other for weight loss, and it requires a lot more diligence to ensure you're getting a balanced diet and usually requires supplementation.
Actually, plant based diets requires little diligence to get a balanced diet and very little supplements. The only work required is checking food labels to see if foods are actually vegan. But really everyone should be reading labels anyways to know what they are putting in their bodies.
This has not been my experience. During Lent I struggle with hitting my protein goal if I'm dieting, and my goal isn't even that high.
To OP. Whether you are doing this for ethical reasons or just want to try it, I suggest educating yourself on vegan protein sources and loading up on leafy greens. Plant calcium is less bio-available so you need more of it unless you're eating enough tofu (which also has protein). You should also discuss with your doctor vitamin B12 supplementation and if you're doing it long term keep an eye on your iron too (again, plant iron is not well assimilated). Omega 3 supplementation (from algae sources) would also be a good idea.
If you're doing this because you believe you will achieve better weight loss, this may or may not be the case for you. Some people feel less hungry on a vegan diet so they eat less. Any diet that helps you eat less will work, a vegan diet has no special weight loss magic. If you choose to try eating vegan while losing weight because you want to see how you do on it, make sure you log your foods and count your calories just like on any other diet.4 -
Alatariel75 wrote: »For what reason? If it's for ethical reasons, go for it - there's lots of resources. If it's for weight loss reasons - there is no advantage to a vegan diet over any other for weight loss, and it requires a lot more diligence to ensure you're getting a balanced diet and usually requires supplementation.
I actually began my Vegan journey for health reasons (tummy trouble/ cholesterol) not the ethical reasons you mention. I still follow it primarily for health but try to avoid products that use animals in the making of or do animal testing as best I can. There have been plenty of people who have lost weight following a Vegan plan as well as improving their health along the way.3 -
mortuseon_ wrote: »Alatariel75 wrote: »For what reason? If it's for ethical reasons, go for it - there's lots of resources. If it's for weight loss reasons - there is no advantage to a vegan diet over any other for weight loss, and it requires a lot more diligence to ensure you're getting a balanced diet and usually requires supplementation.
Actually, plant based diets requires little diligence to get a balanced diet and very little supplements. The only work required is checking food labels to see if foods are actually vegan. But really everyone should be reading labels anyways to know what they are putting in their bodies.
I disagree - if you're training a lot, it can be more challenging to get enough protein, complete amino acids etc etc. Not saying it can't be done, but it definitely requires more consideration on a plant-based diet.
Actually any diet requires more diligence when a person is training to ensure the are not only getting the protein and amino acids but that they are getting them from the right sources.1 -
CindyA2268 wrote: »mortuseon_ wrote: »Alatariel75 wrote: »For what reason? If it's for ethical reasons, go for it - there's lots of resources. If it's for weight loss reasons - there is no advantage to a vegan diet over any other for weight loss, and it requires a lot more diligence to ensure you're getting a balanced diet and usually requires supplementation.
Actually, plant based diets requires little diligence to get a balanced diet and very little supplements. The only work required is checking food labels to see if foods are actually vegan. But really everyone should be reading labels anyways to know what they are putting in their bodies.
I disagree - if you're training a lot, it can be more challenging to get enough protein, complete amino acids etc etc. Not saying it can't be done, but it definitely requires more consideration on a plant-based diet.
Actually any diet requires more diligence when a person is training to ensure the are not only getting the protein and amino acids but that they are getting them from the right sources.
There are very helpful resources. Yes, you will lose weight. Coming from a person who was/is obese and went vegan, I not only lost a bunch of weight by simply limiting my fast food choices, but I also did not gain weight in over a year of being vegan. I did it for my mental health when i made the decision not to consume any animals or animal byproducts. It has changed my life. You create healthier habits by default, with limiting your options and cooking more at home. And if your concerned about protein, there are vegan protein powders, however, the "recommended" protein levels are sometimes really outrageous and can always be found in plants. If you are training or are concerned with muscle building look up Thomas Tadlock on YouTube. You can also follow @badassvegan and @domzthompson on IG. These are all vegan body builders. They present first hand experience and factual information. It was the best decision of my life. I'm happier, less stressed, my anxiety did a complete turnaround. Losing weight and saving animals and contributing to the betterment of the planet was all a bonus for me. I've recently started working out with a trainer. I'm building muscle like crazy. I'm so much stronger. Not to mention exercise for me, has been so much easier now that I eat a majority of plant based, whole foods. I'm sure it's different for others, but this has been my experience so far. I would never tell someone to go vegan, I can only share the positive effects it's had on my life. Some other healthy subs-bragg nutritional yeast, bragg liquid aminos, Mykind B-12, Ovega-3.
The truth is, most people aren't concerned with their lack of vitamins, until the discussion of a vegan diet comes up.6 -
OP, I've been vegan for ten years now... more actually. I highly don't recommend any type of restrictive diet unless it fits your lifestyle, ethical stances, etc. Becoming Vegan is an ethics based decision regarding the treatment of animals, their suffering and welfare etc. It does not have anything to do with diet, and has everything to do with giving up all sources of animal products or any item that results from animal products, testing, exploitation, etc.
This sounds like, to me, you heard a news article about the "Magic" of plant based dieting and wanna get you some of them vegan super-powers.
Well, after a long time of doing this, there really aren't any super powers and nothing helps with health better than a varied diet, no matter what your WoE.
Plant based diets and Vegan diets can lead to some pretty serious deficiencies if you don't know what you are doing, are educated on what your body needs, etc, and that only addresses nutrition and not adherence issues that stem from all restrictive diets.
Ultimately, if its not for health or ethical reasons, I don't suggest drastically changing your way of eating, at least not all at once, as it doesn't create a sustainable situation which is far more important than how "perfect" or popular the type of diet is.
*Edited for grammar.7 -
CindyA2268 wrote: »mortuseon_ wrote: »Alatariel75 wrote: »For what reason? If it's for ethical reasons, go for it - there's lots of resources. If it's for weight loss reasons - there is no advantage to a vegan diet over any other for weight loss, and it requires a lot more diligence to ensure you're getting a balanced diet and usually requires supplementation.
Actually, plant based diets requires little diligence to get a balanced diet and very little supplements. The only work required is checking food labels to see if foods are actually vegan. But really everyone should be reading labels anyways to know what they are putting in their bodies.
I disagree - if you're training a lot, it can be more challenging to get enough protein, complete amino acids etc etc. Not saying it can't be done, but it definitely requires more consideration on a plant-based diet.
Actually any diet requires more diligence when a person is training to ensure the are not only getting the protein and amino acids but that they are getting them from the right sources.
I think the point is that it's pretty easy to get...say 145 grams of protein in with an omnivorous diet...much more difficult with a vegan diet, particularly without a lot of supplementation. Vegans also need to be supplementing B12. They're also should be supplementing EHA/DHA omega 3 since they obviously aren't eating any fish.3 -
Wow you all help me out a lot. I have a few stomach issues so I wanted to give it a try.1
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ItsJustJay11 wrote: »Wow you all help me out a lot. I have a few stomach issues so I wanted to give it a try.
Sometimes stomach issues have nothing to do with food. Get that checked. Otherwise, have you considered an elimination diet? Also keep in mind that if you increase your fiber suddenly, as usually happens when you eat vegan, you may experience even more stomach issues so watch out for that and make the increase gradual if you still plan on trying vegan.0 -
I’m vegan! Have an open diary! Just got on NFP 3 days ago! I’m a HCLF vegan! Not a junk food vegan!! Not a lot of mock meats! Mostly high carb starchy foods like rice and beans! Fruits and vegetables! I’m not afraid of bread or white potatoes! Or pasta!1
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Oops! MFP0
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ItsJustJay11 wrote: »Wow you all help me out a lot. I have a few stomach issues so I wanted to give it a try.
An elimination diet like whole 30 would likely work better to identify food sensitivities...that's what that diet is designed for.0 -
I went vegan just over a year ago - one of the best decisions I ever made.
My only wish is that I made the change sooner. I made the decision for ethical reasons and thought I'd have to work extra hard to get the same progress with lifting but it's really been no issue. Progress has been better than ever, not going to say that's due to Veganism as lots of things to consider but it certainly hasn't harmed things there. I didn't lose weight, I stayed the same for most of last year, only losing weight when I decided to come back here and make it happen. Lots of people do lose weight, plant based foods are generally less calorically dense than animal products. If you don't want to lose weight I suggest getting your favourite recipes and just veganising them so you're eating basically the same things as you are now. There are also lots of calorically dense vegan foods out there! If you do want to lose weight, it'll probably be easier for you, as long as you don't go mad for accidently vegan snacks haha!
I supplement for iron because I was low even when eating red meat nearly every day, but having tracked vitamins etc on cronometer I'm fine for everything else. A lot of people could do with a B12 supplement but that's general advice for anyone, not specifically vegans. I get more than enough via B12 fortified foods, cereals, plant milks, nutritional yeast and marmite. I suggest using something like cronometer for a little while to see how you're doing as far as micronutrients go but if you're eating a well balanced healthy plant based diet you shouldn't have anything to worry about, it's just to double check.
If you want to see what I eat my diary is public, or feel free to add me on here. I just eat what I like to eat and try and fit it around calories/macros, not going to say it's always the best, but it's there if you want.
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CindyA2268 wrote: »mortuseon_ wrote: »Alatariel75 wrote: »For what reason? If it's for ethical reasons, go for it - there's lots of resources. If it's for weight loss reasons - there is no advantage to a vegan diet over any other for weight loss, and it requires a lot more diligence to ensure you're getting a balanced diet and usually requires supplementation.
Actually, plant based diets requires little diligence to get a balanced diet and very little supplements. The only work required is checking food labels to see if foods are actually vegan. But really everyone should be reading labels anyways to know what they are putting in their bodies.
I disagree - if you're training a lot, it can be more challenging to get enough protein, complete amino acids etc etc. Not saying it can't be done, but it definitely requires more consideration on a plant-based diet.
Actually any diet requires more diligence when a person is training to ensure the are not only getting the protein and amino acids but that they are getting them from the right sources.
You might want to give this a read. From a blog of a vegan ultra marathoner.
http://www.richroll.com/blog/slaying-the-protein-myth/
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