Thinking about vegan...?
autumnpennell
Posts: 196 Member
Hi guys,
Well, I love my meat, but I just got done watching a documentary called "Forks Over Knives", and I'm sold that animal based proteins and dairy are not good for me. I just found a pretty good vegan website it looks like... called... vegweb.com. Just wanting some opinions from others who have tried vegan and what they think!! Also, is it a lot of work to switch over?
Well, I love my meat, but I just got done watching a documentary called "Forks Over Knives", and I'm sold that animal based proteins and dairy are not good for me. I just found a pretty good vegan website it looks like... called... vegweb.com. Just wanting some opinions from others who have tried vegan and what they think!! Also, is it a lot of work to switch over?
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Replies
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Hi! First feel free to add me. I talk about being vegan on my site. Anyways, I was just like you. I was a country girl who LOVED her meat.
My husband was vegan and when I got married I switched for him. It is actually not as hard as you think. Krogers is an amazing store. I cook mock meatloaf, mock chicken sandwiches, eat mock ice cream. Etc! Kroger has so many options for vegans. AND most resturants (including taco bell and burger king) have vegan friendly things, you just have to ask for them.
If you have any specific questions or concerns, feel free to ask. I'd love to help if I can. Way to go trying to be healthy. even when it is hard. 0 -
Hi! First feel free to add me. I talk about being vegan on my site. Anyways, I was just like you. I was a country girl who LOVED her meat. My husband was vegan and when I got married I switched for him. It is actually not as hard as you think. Krogers is an amazing store. I cook mock meatloaf, mock chicken sandwiches, eat mock ice cream. Etc! Kroger has so many options for vegans. AND most resturants (including taco bell and burger king) have vegan friendly things, you just have to ask for them.
If you have any specific questions or concerns, feel free to ask. I'd love to help if I can. Way to go trying to be healthy. even when it is hard.
thanks so much for reply! yes, i actually live on a farm myself, and we sometimes have steak once a week! but like i said, i just watched this documentary and i'm actually willing to give it up because i was so convinced that it's not all that great for me.... but okay, i will add oyu!0 -
I'm vegetarian ... I eat very little dairy, eggs, etc. but I don't say no to them all the time.
Anyway, I thought it would be sooo hard (I mean chicken is soooo good and burgers YUM). BUT I have found some really good replacements. VeggiePatch fake chicken nuggets are a great replacement. I also get veggie burgers from M and M meat shops (sounds bad but they are the best product I've found) are amazing!!! I would choose these over a regular burger any day. As well, Tofurky has some great products - veggie dogs, fake lunch meats, and more. I have only been vegetarian since last October, so I'm looking forward to making a fake Tofurky turkey in October for Thanksgiving
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I have started using spices a lot more in my cooking as well. A lot of veggies.
As well, I eat a lot of beans. Chickpeas are my personal favourite ... we just put spices on them and bam they are amazing ... just look for some recipes
I eat a lot of oats as well.0 -
I love being vegan and there are tons of resources out there for tasty healthy vegan food.
I was vegetarian for a few years as a teenage and then I met my son's father who is Vegan. . Now all 3 of us are vegan in the immediate family and it's spread to a few of our friends and my Mom.
http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/ is kind of like my bible.
http://www.theppk.com - The Post Punk Kitchen - has some fun recipes, some healthy, some. . very not. (She is one of the authors of Vegan Cupcakes Take Over The World. . So)
I will say this and it may be weird. . but i loved the taste of meat/cheese, but I don't miss it at ALL!
Just don't ask what happens when I get my vegan harvarti cheese (by Daiya - great for a vegan cheesey treat) . . It ain't pretty!
If there is any questions or anything I can help you with, please feel free to ask. I hope you add me!0 -
Hi guys,
Well, I love my meat, but I just got done watching a documentary called "Forks Over Knives", and I'm sold that animal based proteins and dairy are not good for me. I just found a pretty good vegan website it looks like... called... vegweb.com. Just wanting some opinions from others who have tried vegan and what they think!! Also, is it a lot of work to switch over?
The China Study has a lot of flaws (epidemiological, animal studies, etc.) so you shouldn't really jump to any conclusions from it. Plus, Campbell is heavily biased.
http://anthonycolpo.com/?p=129
http://beyondveg.com/billings-t/comp-anat/comp-anat-8e.shtml
http://www.cholesterol-and-health.com/China-Study.html0 -
You could read a load of primal and paleo stuff to get switched back?0
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One documentary shan't convince you....
Watching one Michael Moore mockumentary does not make you an unemployed protestor protesting every thing while driving an SUV and sipping a Starbucks....0 -
Lots of great links above - also check out www.happyherbivore.com for lovely recipes. Her books and meal plans are great too!0
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I've been vegan for about 6 months, and before that I was veggie for 7 years. It's the best thing I've done, I've lost loads of excess weight and I feel really healthy. I do it for ethical reasons, but the health is a wonderful bonus. I couldn't turn back now.
Good luck!0 -
I became vegan last October and LOVE it. My skin is clear. My energy has increased. I am at the wonderful age of menopause and guess what NO SYMPTOMS. Changing has been a piece of cake (vegan cake lol). Please add me as a friend.0
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The China Study has a lot of flaws (epidemiological, animal studies, etc.) so you shouldn't really jump to any conclusions from it. Plus, Campbell is heavily biased.
http://anthonycolpo.com/?p=129
http://beyondveg.com/billings-t/comp-anat/comp-anat-8e.shtml
http://www.cholesterol-and-health.com/China-Study.html
No offense, but all the sites you listed are far more heavily biased than Campbell's book, which actually doesn't advocate a pure vegan diet anyway. He states that trace animal ingredients in your food are fine, but try to avoid them. Two of the three sites you posted are the separate sites of two authors who have written one web based-criticism, both of whom seem to have a love of dietary cholesterol. Neither has a Ph.d (well, yet, in one case.) Campbell has the endorsement of many, many MD's and other academics. In addition, Campbells studies have been peer reviewed, although his book has not. I'll bet not one of the authors you link to can say that.
If you want to eat meat products, go ahead, but these sites do not change my mind about the book.
EDITED for grammar.0 -
To the OP:
Some people find the change hard, others find it easy. It just depends. Many people had luck doing the changeover in stages, especially if throwing out all the food in your fridge at one time might be too expensive an option. Some people start with Lacto-Ovo vegetarianism then start cutting out milk and eggs later.
Good luck!
Chris0 -
I've been vegan for a couple months, and vegetarian for 25 years before that. Personally I feel great and have no desire to consume animal flesh or secretions again. My reasons were mainly ethical but health was a factor as well.
I have always had awful sinus allergies that lead to infections several times a year. Doctors have recommended eliminating dairy (it's known to cause inflammation in the body) but I wasn't ready to hear that message at the time. This allergy season I've been vegan and all I've had to put up with are some itchy eyes every once in a while. No congestion, no medication! My husband and parents (and pretty much anyone who knows me) have been shocked.
And as a bonus: A shoulder injury that I sustained in Oct, treated with physical therapy in Feb/Mar (unsuccessfully because the issue was finally traced to severe joint inflammation), and was referred to an orthopedic for steroid injections (didn't go because I didn't like the idea of steroids), well, it has now resolved itself. I no longer have pain and have regained almost full range of motion.
One of my biggest suggestions for new vegans like myself is to check out some vegan food blogs and get into the kitchen. I've been having so much fun cooking a variety of healthy plant-based meals for myself and my family. Sure it takes some effort, but so do most things worth doing.
Most importantly though, I like the way I feel living a compassionate life.0 -
I've been vegan for 5 years and can honestly say I'm better at 47 than I was at 37 I didn't find it particularly hard to switch over, just different. I find that I cook a whole lot more and eat out a whole lot less. There are some tricks but lots of help online, and of course feel free to add me (I know most of the tricks at this point haha), I'd love to have other vegans to compare notes with! 0
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Hi guys,
Well, I love my meat, but I just got done watching a documentary called "Forks Over Knives", and I'm sold that animal based proteins and dairy are not good for me. I just found a pretty good vegan website it looks like... called... vegweb.com. Just wanting some opinions from others who have tried vegan and what they think!! Also, is it a lot of work to switch over?
I was vegan for three years. All that soy did me in. It's not that healthy of a food item to consume in large quantities. At the time, most of the soy foods available were highly processed with elevated sodium levels. I also relied on grains and dairy a lot which, I now see, was not very healthy for me.
I was in great shape but not healthy. I hope you have better luck than I did.0 -
I think you should do more research before you make a decision. Don't make such a huge life change based on one documentary.
If you do decide to become vegan, do a lot of research on how to get all your nutrients. Getting enough protein can be more difficult. And unless you want to eat your veggies with the dirt still on them, you'll have to take a B12 supplement.0 -
I actually talked to my doctor about this today. Meat isn't the bad guy. However, I'm still sticking to vegan just because it's easier to me. Just eat lots of fruits and salads, but always throw in some egg whites or some form of protein. If you don't, you'll just start burning muscle instead of fat which is kinda defeating the purpose lol0
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The reason I said Campbell is biased is because he ignores the data that does not fit his agenda. Gotta sell books somehow I guess. So why exactly do you think those websites are biased?
The China Study has a lot of flaws (epidemiological, animal studies, etc.) so you shouldn't really jump to any conclusions from it. Plus, Campbell is heavily biased.
http://anthonycolpo.com/?p=129
http://beyondveg.com/billings-t/comp-anat/comp-anat-8e.shtml
http://www.cholesterol-and-health.com/China-Study.html
No offense, but all the sites you listed are far more heavily biased than Campbell's book, which actually doesn't advocate a pure vegan diet anyway.He states that trace animal ingredients in your food are fine, but try to avoid them. Two of the three sites you posted are the separate sites of two authors who have written one web based-criticism, both of whom seem to have a love of dietary cholesterol. Neither has a Ph.d (well, yet, in one case.)
Without appealing to authority (because the fact that Campbell has a PhD means nothing), can you specifically point to something you disagree with? Or do you just believe Campbell over them because he has more pokemon gym badges... er.. credentials?Campbell has the endorsement of many, many MD's and other academics. In addition, Campbells studies have been peer reviewed, although his book has not. I'll bet not one of the authors you link to can say that.
Most of Campbell's claims are not published within the peer-review process.
The book/documentary claims statistical significance for a lot of the data when the actual data does not support it.
And can you address the fact he mostly relies on animal studies/epidemiology?0 -
Just to clarify, protein is not at all difficult on a vegan diet, as long as you're getting enough calories. It doesn't call for a lot (or even any) soy necessarily. Like any other diet, when properly planned, plant based diets are nutritionally complete -- and like any other diet, you do have to limit processed foods.
One of the things I love about it is that if you stick with whole fruits and veggies and whole grains, you can pretty much eat as much as you want and easily stay within calorie limits. I eat all day, 6 or 7 meals like a hobbit and am losing weight. I did have to switch away from the vegan junk food though, and yes it definitely exists lol0 -
The reason I said Campbell is biased is because he ignores the data that does not fit his agenda. Gotta sell books somehow I guess. So why exactly do you think those websites are biased?
The China Study has a lot of flaws (epidemiological, animal studies, etc.) so you shouldn't really jump to any conclusions from it. Plus, Campbell is heavily biased.
http://anthonycolpo.com/?p=129
http://beyondveg.com/billings-t/comp-anat/comp-anat-8e.shtml
http://www.cholesterol-and-health.com/China-Study.html
No offense, but all the sites you listed are far more heavily biased than Campbell's book, which actually doesn't advocate a pure vegan diet anyway.He states that trace animal ingredients in your food are fine, but try to avoid them. Two of the three sites you posted are the separate sites of two authors who have written one web based-criticism, both of whom seem to have a love of dietary cholesterol. Neither has a Ph.d (well, yet, in one case.)
Without appealing to authority (because the fact that Campbell has a PhD means nothing), can you specifically point to something you disagree with? Or do you just believe Campbell over them because he has more pokemon gym badges... er.. credentials?Campbell has the endorsement of many, many MD's and other academics. In addition, Campbells studies have been peer reviewed, although his book has not. I'll bet not one of the authors you link to can say that.
Most of Campbell's claims are not published within the peer-review process.
The book/documentary claims statistical significance for a lot of the data when the actual data does not support it.
And can you address the fact he mostly relies on animal studies/epidemiology?
Epidemiology has its place.
The issue with the China Study is that the epedemiological data does not support Campbell's conclusions in any way shape or form. For a proper evisceration of the book, look at Denise Minger's site:
http://rawfoodsos.com/2010/07/07/the-china-study-fact-or-fallac/0 -
Point of view from a vegetarian here: While I would love more people to stop eating meat, there is no reason someone should become vegan or vegetarian for health reasons. You should look into the restrictions and what you would need to be eating to get appropriate macro and micronutrients before deciding to go that route.0
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The reason I said Campbell is biased is because he ignores the data that does not fit his agenda. Gotta sell books somehow I guess. So why exactly do you think those websites are biased?
Masterjohn states on his site that its purpose is to promote the health benefits of dietary cholesterol. He even states he cured himself by eating meat and organ meat. That is a bias, but like Campbell he states his.Without appealing to authority (because the fact that Campbell has a PhD means nothing), can you specifically point to something you disagree with? Or do you just believe Campbell over them because he has more pokemon gym badges... er.. credentials?
First- an appeal to authority is when I use the statements of an expert in one area to prove a claim in another. Celebrity endorsements being the usual example. Recognizing the expertise of someone who has spent time getting credentials, appointments and doing research on a subject and then offering their conclusions is not me "appealing to authority." That is the definition of an "expert", whether you agree with them or not. However, you seem to have some disdain for academic credentials in this case, I am not sure why you so quickly discount them.
Secondly is the odd burden of proof you insist I adhere to in this debate. You make a few statements, post a few links, but assert I must provide a written response at length under parameters you impose. How about I just ask that you look at several responses to the criticisms leveled the book, including several addressing the issues raised by Denise Minger's analysis (as an example)of the data and call it even?0 -
The issue with the China Study is that the epedemiological data does not support Campbell's conclusions in any way shape or form. For a proper evisceration of the book, look at Denise Minger's site:
http://rawfoodsos.com/2010/07/07/the-china-study-fact-or-fallac/
I actually agree with you. To me, a flaw in Campbell's analysis of the China data is that it is unlikely that anyone in China was eating as strict a Vegan diet as Campbell advocates. Odds are, like most Chinese, they ate a little meat with a meal, more as a condiment or flavor enhancer than a main dish. The results in that context are very similar to the conclusions reached by many other health and medical organizations- many of us eat more meat than we should, we ought to cut back on meat (not eliminate) and eat more vegetables. Nothing controversial there. In fact, I suspect high levels of dietary cholesterol could be more of a factor than his (admittedly weak) connection between animal protein and Western diseases. However, I still like the book despite the flaws, and science is all about specialists reviewing each other's work. At some point Campbell will be supported or refuted, and life goes on. However, Campell is no Vegan, he freely admits to experimenting on rats, and even says that trace amounts of animal products in your food won't harm you. Not much of a "vegan" agenda there.
Personally, I am vegetarian, not vegan. I try to eat as vegan as possible, but I include dairy and egg every now and then. I respect vegan as a choice, but as I said, you do have to be more careful. As far as I am aware, all vegetarian cultures of the world (India being an obvious one, for example) included dairy and/or eggs. There has never been a pure vegan-diet civilization. That means you must make sure you include foods with B12, iron, and a few other nutrients on a regular basis (nutritional yeast is a good source) to make sure you don't have problems. This is not a "natural" way to eat, in the sense that our ancestors probably didn't worry about getting all their nutrients. They likely ate some meat, when they could get it, unlike today. I'll just think that meat is an optional component in the human diet. There is no nutritional component in meat than can not be found in other sources.
Chris0 -
vegweb is such an awesome website!!!
-"all that soy did me in"-ofcourse it did! if you are gonna go vegan, try not to make the mistake most peeps do, being vegan doesnt mean eating soy all the time there are many more options for a well rounded diet. too much soy really isnt good for you, everything in moderation:)0 -
I read Eat to Live and was convinced that was the way to go. Excellent book. I did the Vegan thing for two weeks, and decided that life without cheese wasn't a life I wanted to live. Also, I actually do well with a higher fat intake than Eat to Live recommends. Since then I've done a total 180 and am now doing more of a low carb thing because it controls my sugar cravings and binge eating, but obviously different things work for each person! I would suggest the Eat to Live book though for that eating plan, it had some good recipes and great info. I would NOT recommend their forum, you have to pay to just read it...but if you pay at the lowest level, you still can't post! Awful!0
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Hi guys,
Well, I love my meat, but I just got done watching a documentary called "Forks Over Knives", and I'm sold that animal based proteins and dairy are not good for me. I just found a pretty good vegan website it looks like... called... vegweb.com. Just wanting some opinions from others who have tried vegan and what they think!! Also, is it a lot of work to switch over?
You have to really examine what you eat and how often in the begining. Some people wean off meat and animal products and some will just decide to be vegan overnight. Others are vegan 6 days out of the week, ect.
I decided to become vegan after I found out I had a dairy allergy. Dairy was causing me so many problems for years and I didn't know it so when I went off it I felt so much better. I live in a small town so regular food in dairy-free options was sparse so most things I did find were vegan so that's how I made the switch and realized I didn't really eat meat much anyway. I am still transitioning. I do not eat dairy period, or eggs, but I do have meat once-twice a week and then some weeks with none.
You may find transitioning easier when you try some substitutes like soy, almond or rice milk. Or cheese replacements like daiya. Be aware that anything that includes 'casein' is dairy. There are also many good fake meats out there like bocas, morning star and gardein. I actually can find these are regular stores I go to that aren't healthfood stores.
I hope this helps!0 -
You can do a lot of good for the environment and your body by just reducing your meat intake. It's not really necessary to go 100% to reap the benefits. Meat has moved from the main dish to a condiment here.0
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Hi guys,
Well, I love my meat, but I just got done watching a documentary called "Forks Over Knives", and I'm sold that animal based proteins and dairy are not good for me. I just found a pretty good vegan website it looks like... called... vegweb.com. Just wanting some opinions from others who have tried vegan and what they think!! Also, is it a lot of work to switch over?
You have to really examine what you eat and how often in the begining. Some people wean off meat and animal products and some will just decide to be vegan overnight. Others are vegan 6 days out of the week, ect.
I decided to become vegan after I found out I had a dairy allergy. Dairy was causing me so many problems for years and I didn't know it so when I went off it I felt so much better. I live in a small town so regular food in dairy-free options was sparse so most things I did find were vegan so that's how I made the switch and realized I didn't really eat meat much anyway. I am still transitioning. I do not eat dairy period, or eggs, but I do have meat once-twice a week and then some weeks with none.
You may find transitioning easier when you try some substitutes like soy, almond or rice milk. Or cheese replacements like daiya. Be aware that anything that includes 'casein' is dairy. There are also many good fake meats out there like bocas, morning star and gardein. I actually can find these are regular stores I go to that aren't healthfood stores.
I hope this helps!
yes! that does help! i have decided i am going to go vegetarian first. i don't think it's the weening myself that is hard so much as knowing everything that i'm eating. because i was going to just go vegan, i bought some soy milk and soy yogurt, and the next day failed that quickly when i put creamer (with milk in it) in my coffee without realizing. so yeah, for now i'm just not eating meat while i continue to inform myself about how many things have dairy in it and just what i can replace all those things with. i am a college student home on summer break, but it's not like i have a lot of money to go out and buy vegan groceries. i kinda have to make due with what's in my parents' fridge here at their house. so, yeah. but thank you your post was very helpful! (along with everyone else's)0 -
Going vegan was the best decision I've ever made. But being vegan does not necessarily equate to being healthy because there is a lot of vegan junk food. I eat whole, unrefined foods. Fruits, vegetables, beans and intact whole grains (i.e. brown rice, quinoa). There are tons of resources. Check out:
Engine 2 Diet
Eat to Live
Get Healthy, Go Vegan
Vegsource.com
Fatfreevegan.com
And anything by Jeff Novick, Dr. Joel Fuhrman, Rip Esselsytn, Dr. John McDougall, Dr. Neal Barnard, Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn0 -
I'm very slowly transitioning myself after a massive vegan / meat eating debate plus watching 'Food That Kills' (which you can find on youtube in its full version). I got myself a book called 'The Complete Idiot's Guide to Plant-Based Nutrition' which is like my new BIBLE. It's really incredible and makes it all so easy.
Although I wouldn't call myself a 'real' vegan because I still plan to eat meat when i'm really really craving it - I won't completely deprive myself of anything, just avoid it as much as I possibly can!
It helps to get some 'mock' meat foods such as meat free mince and meat free burgers so you can still have a lot of the meals you enjoy without the filth that is meat on your plate.
Milk is also easy to substitute if you go for nut milks. I like Almond milk on my cereals and hazelnut milk in my coffee.
Chocolate is probably the only thing i'm really struggling with but I am working on it
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