Vegan diet

[henlady]

Just recently I've been hearing a lot about veganism and how much healthier this is.  I haven't eaten meat for 30 years and I have been wondering whether I could/should take the next step to veganism .  Anyone have any experience good or bad?

Thanks 

[LessToLose 4lbs Restart April 2024]

Hi Henlady, I went vegan just after Christmas and I love, love, love it! 

I have been an on again, off again vegetarian for many years, but always thought I needed to eat eggs for protein and milk for calcium.

After my son gave me The Starch Solution for Christmas and I watched the documentaries Forks over Knives and Cowspiracy, I decided to go vegan overnight.  I was worried I would gain weight, but the opposite has been the case.

I do find I need to eat slightly more calories than I would have otherwise thought (just 100 more) or what is recommended by the BMI calculator, so bear that in mind.

I am never hungry and absolutely love my food. 

I learnt that everything has protein in and I know I get enough because I am gaining muscle.  I also put the occasional random day into a nutrient calculator online, like chronometer.com and it confirms I get enough nutrients, which is encouraging to know.

I could rave on forever about it, but will stop here, lol!

[bakersdozen in reply to LessToLose]

LessToLose   that means you cut out fish and poultry. Just wondering . As I can't eat red meat and eggs sugar and dairy but I do cheat here and there. I must learn from you some discipline skills! Seriously I find as I am cooking separate meals than sometimes I do cheat. 

[LessToLose 4lbs Restart April 2024 in reply to bakersdozen]

Yes, it means no meat, no fish, no milk products, no eggs. 

Once I saw what intensive farming was doing, believe me, no discipline was involved, I just couldn't be part of it any more. 

As for fish, it feels immoral for me to be eating it as we are over-fishing the seas to the point that there will be no sealife left in 2048 if we carry on at this rate.

I know I sound a bit extreme and slightly nutty, but hey-ho.

I used to enjoy cheese, but cheese is no more (sniff).  It is good for my waistline, I suppose!

Luckily I love vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts, beans and lentils - yum!

Oh, and an important note for new vegans, you need to take some supplements just to be on the safe side, I take Veg1 from the Vegan society and it covers my B12 needs and I also take a vegetarian Omega 3 from Boots for brain health.

[bakersdozen in reply to LessToLose]

That is the trick! I was trying to give you a compliment that you are disciplined! LOL!

[LessToLose 4lbs Restart April 2024 in reply to bakersdozen]

Aw, I spoiled it - thanks Bakersdozen, you are so kind!

[Scotslass13 in reply to LessToLose]

Hi LessToLose I agree the Starch Solution is a revelation. Dr John McDougalls website is great, lots of recipes and info for anyone interested.

drmcdougall.com

[henlady]

I'll miss cheese!! But I'm sure I'll survive. I've struggled with soya milk in the past. It always curdles in coffee and I'm love my porridge so am a bit worried about that.  

[LessToLose 4lbs Restart April 2024 in reply to henlady]

I drink my coffee black, but there are other milks now, almond milk is delicious and there is rice and oat and hemp - so try them out to find what works for you.

I have found that life without cheese isn't so bad and so far, I haven't bothered trying out the vegan alternatives yet.

There is something called nutritional yeast that has a cheesy flavour, aka "vegan dust" which you sprinkle on things, but it isn't the same as cheese.  It smells a bit like Wotsits.

[henlady]

Just signed up to the 30 day pledge with the vegan society!  Hopefully that will be a good start to a life long change. 

[LessToLose 4lbs Restart April 2024 in reply to henlady]

Ooh, well done and good luck - if you have any questions, just ask!

[Hidden]

Hey. I've been wondering about going vegan, if only part time as I  am a meat eater at the moment but I'm really intrigued by the health benefits of going vegan. I bought myself the 'Thug Kitchen Cookbook' a  couple of weeks ago and it's all vegan recipes and they seem quite different. It's quite a no fuss cookbook and lighthearted in the sense the recipes are a bit sweary (not for those easily offended haha). If I find some recipes I really like in it then I'll be sure to share them on here. Good luck with it all

[LessToLose 4lbs Restart April 2024 in reply to Hidden]

Ooh, I must get that book, it sounds like fun (I am a bit sweary myself) - I like to try new recipes.

The health benefits to a vegan diet are phenomenal, my digestion is a million times better than it was, my skin is clear and my eyes are brighter.  My BP has gone down (although the weight loss has helped there) and my asthma is improved.

Hearth health is another area that a vegan diet is recommended for and reduced risk of certain cancers.

[Hidden in reply to LessToLose]

They've got some recipes online, it's an american thing so they use cup measurements a lot but I've not found conversion too hard:

thugkitchen.com/archive

I have a form of IBD so the improved digestion is really important to me. I'm a student as well and I know I'll save a bit of money if I'm just buying veggies especially from the greengrocers.

[LessToLose 4lbs Restart April 2024 in reply to Hidden]

It is great for IBD, so I hear, but maybe make a gradual change so your digestion copes better.

[IndigoBlue61]

Even without going the whole way I firmly believe we eat far too much meat . . . I make many meat free meals, and encourage others to do the same. It's healthier, cheaper and more ethical. good luck henlady  😊

[LessToLose 4lbs Restart April 2024 in reply to IndigoBlue61]

Yes, when I was growing up, the portions of meat we ate were minuscule against what we eat today.  We just shovel it in, without thinking and it is terrible for us in such quantities.

Meat free meals several times a week is a great idea Anna, everyone should do it for their health, indeed.

[henlady]

Can I just say a big thank you for all the replies, especially LotToLose.  Given me lots of food for thought - pun intended. 

Xx

[LessToLose 4lbs Restart April 2024 in reply to henlady]

You are welcome, Henlady, keep us posted on how you get on!