Vegan diets. Let's do it.

[Eric L]

I have seen results in people who are on this kind of diet and it is impressing me so far.

The breaking point in my new found interest was when I went to a party last week. A girl there told us she was a vegetarian. Her. Skin. Was. Amazing. All other girls there had nice skin, but hers was simply amazing.



I have seen another girl on this forum express herself with some photos by showing us what it did for her skin. Amazing.

This, on top of every other benefit, is just simply enough for me to want to try it. I am working on a fitness project at the moment. Basically I will take myself from 200lbs to 180lbs and try to manifest the biggest physical change in myself that I will ever go through. I thought I would go on a vegan diet for this, and now, I am convinced- and have chosen to do it.

My question here is, being a vegan- what would you have liked to know before starting this diet? Is there some advice you can give to someone who is new to this? Books? Audio books?

I will read all of Steve's articles regarding this tonight - any additional tips and tricks are welcome!

I will be logging this diet and workout regimen extensively- once I am done, I will share what I've learned and the results I have had. The skin in my face isn't as smooth and as healthy as I'd want it to be...I'll be giving this a shot and hope to get good results. I have already put a lot of work into this little fitness project...the level of detail and consistency I will put into this is HIGH. The more detail I can manipulate, the better.

Anyone who has similar interests and would like to, possibly, follow what I am doing is welcome. I will log everything and direct you as best as I can! This will be a learning experience above all else.

[russianrocket]

Or you can eat normally, but healthy? Doesn't take a vegan diet to be healthy. You are just assuming that her skin is like that because she is a vegetarian ( which by the way is different then vegan). For all you know, all the other girls eat like complete trash, or drink alcohol all the time or a number of other things. As a vegetarian, she is just more careful with what she eats. There for better skin then the girls that don't care what they eat. I've met plenty of people who eat a very well rounded diet, yet have very nice skin and are extremely healthy.


cause and effect. It's not always obvious.

[theorique]

I took my weight down to 170 from 215 this way. Check out my blog posts.

Goals: A case study

Following a vegan diet improves your health and the environment

Let me know if you have specific questions based on what you read - I can go into more detail but I didn't want to write 5000 word essays.

Hope this helps.

[russianrocket]

Originally Posted by theorique

I took my weight down to 170 from 215 this way. Check out my blog posts.

Goals: A case study

Following a vegan diet improves your health and the environment

Let me know if you have specific questions based on what you read - I can go into more detail but I didn't want to write 5000 word essays.

Hope this helps.

"I never read the labels of foods that I ate"

What made you lose weight wasn't the vegan diet. It was you eating healthy. Anyone that starts paying attention to what they are eating and choose the right types of food will be just as healthy as you.

Now show me a study of a person eating healthy as an omnivore and someone eating healthy as a vegan. Both can accomplish the exact same goals. When they use the word "omnivore" when they compare cholesterol levels of them and vegans, it has nothing to do with real science. What's to say that the omnivores they were testing actually ate healthy? They could be eating 10 pieces of bacon for breakfast every morning, then yeah, a vegan would have lower cholesterol no matter what they ate. The vegetarian can be eating a ton of eggs and cheese and dairy, then yeah, the vegan is going to have lower cholesterol no matter what they eat.

Come and check my cholesterol. $10 says it's as low as yours?

I'm sorry, but your blog is 100% biased and should not be taken as fact.I mean jeez, you are comparing the health benefits of eating vegan to " a lot of meat-based restaurant foods including hamburgers and steaks, and I drank several cups of coffee with cream and sugar daily." DUH.

[Eric L]

Now show me a study of a person eating healthy as an omnivore and someone eating healthy as a vegan. Both can accomplish the exact same goals. When they use the word "omnivore" when they compare cholesterol levels of them and vegans, it has nothing to do with real science. What's to say that the omnivores they were testing actually ate healthy? They could be eating 10 pieces of bacon for breakfast every morning, then yeah, a vegan would have lower cholesterol. The vegetarian can be eating a ton of eggs and cheese and dairy, then yeah, the vegan is going to have lower cholesterol.

I am with you on all levels. What I want to get out of this is a good understanding of normal diets and vegan diets and compare them in every way possible. I will be going balls deep into this. It is a project that I am working on - plus, I've been eating normal for the last 26 years, 'bout time I changed it up.

I expect to conduct countless hours of research and trial&error, the planning of this project alone will be long and precise - I will break down every aspect to the very word and it's description.

My understandings and beliefs right now are pretty solid- both diets work.

[ginkgo]

Originally Posted by Eric L

I have seen results in people who are on this kind of diet and it is impressing me so far.

The breaking point in my new found interest was when I went to a party last week. A girl there told us she was a vegetarian. Her. Skin. Was. Amazing. All other girls there had nice skin, but hers was simply amazing.



I have seen another girl on this forum express herself with some photos by showing us what it did for her skin. Amazing.

This, on top of every other benefit, is just simply enough for me to want to try it. I am working on a fitness project at the moment. Basically I will take myself from 200lbs to 180lbs and try to manifest the biggest physical change in myself that I will ever go through. I thought I would go on a vegan diet for this, and now, I am convinced- and have chosen to do it.

My question here is, being a vegan- what would you have liked to know before starting this diet? Is there some advice you can give to someone who is new to this? Books? Audio books?

I will read all of Steve's articles regarding this tonight - any additional tips and tricks are welcome!

I will be logging this diet and workout regimen extensively- once I am done, I will share what I've learned and the results I have had. The skin in my face isn't as smooth and as healthy as I'd want it to be...I'll be giving this a shot and hope to get good results. I have already put a lot of work into this little fitness project...the level of detail and consistency I will put into this is HIGH. The more detail I can manipulate, the better.

Anyone who has similar interests and would like to, possibly, follow what I am doing is welcome. I will log everything and direct you as best as I can! This will be a learning experience above all else.

Learn to eat a healthy vegan diet. Bread, pretzels and crackers are a vegan diet but a very unhealthy diet. Get plenty of greens and supplement with vitamin B--12. What is a healthy food? Dr Oz says that it is one without a list of ingredients. The above wheat foods have an ingredient list. Apples do not.

[ericabiz]

I would advise getting some testing done before you go headlong into a diet.

I was exhausted all the time and was a size 10 (5'5", 150 pounds.) I couldn't seem to lose the weight. Read a lot on here about how "meat makes you tired" and so I tried a pescetarian diet.

I enjoyed the diet, but it didn't help. I ended up getting several tests done as things got worse and was eventually diagnosed with Celiac disease--an autoimmune disease where your body attacks itself when you eat wheat, oats, barley, or rye.

Up to 15% of the American population is gluten intolerant, and vegan diets have a LOT of gluten in them.

Some people work well with a vegan diet; for others, it's a waste of time and may even be detrimental.

After I went gluten-free, I effortlessly dropped 12 pounds and went from a size 10 to a size 4/6 within a month.

The test I used to diagnose gluten intolerance was called "GI Effects" from Metametrix. It will also check for gut parasites (gotta get rid of those) and casein intolerance (a protein found in milk.)

I recommend consulting a nutritionist and/or doctor and having some tests run before you try any new diet.

-Erica

[Eric L]

russian, a normal diet is a diet we choose for ourselves. You choose to follow the trend, the point of view of others. Good luck with that.

I said I was doing this and you suggest I don't. Then he offers me help and ridicule him.

I did this to others in a thread of mine, I get it now, do you?

theorique, a sincere thank you! I will be reading that blog of yours.

[theorique]

Originally Posted by russianrocket

"I never read the labels of foods that I ate"

What made you lose weight wasn't the vegan diet. It was you eating healthy. Anyone that starts paying attention to what they are eating and choose the right types of food will be just as healthy as you.

In your view, what is the definition of "eating healthy"? Unless you describe specific foods to include and exclude, it's not really a meaningful phrase.

Originally Posted by russianrocket

I'm sorry, but your blog is 100% biased and should not be taken as fact.I mean jeez, you are comparing the health benefits of eating vegan to " a lot of meat-based restaurant foods including hamburgers and steaks, and I drank several cups of coffee with cream and sugar daily." DUH.

Why the combative tone? This is a blog post describing a personal experience, not a clinical trial. "Biased" or not, I did actually change my weight by 45 lbs over the past couple of years, with the main change in my eating habits going from omnivore to vegan.

[russianrocket]

Originally Posted by theorique

In your view, what is the definition of "eating healthy"? Unless you describe specific foods to include and exclude, it's not really a meaningful phrase.



Why the combative tone? This is a blog post describing a personal experience, not a clinical trial. "Biased" or not, I did actually change my weight by 45 lbs over the past couple of years, with the main change in my eating habits going from omnivore to vegan.

The reason it came off a little combative, lol is mostly because I've spent way to much time in those other meat eater/veggie eater threads. Also, because I want the OP to be as informed as possible about what he's doing. I pointed out the bias, because your site pretty much makes anything but vegan, out to be unhealthy. Or that vegan is healthier then everything else.

It's not about specific foods to include and exclude. Lets include all whole foods, and exclude all processed foods. We can even include mostly raw foods ( non veggie included) and exclude cooked food. THAT would be a great comparison diet between the two sides.

And also, as I already mentioned. The main change in your diet was going from eating out all the time and not looking at any labels, to eating food that you prepared yourself as well as paying attention to everything you eat. It just so happens that you excluded anything non vegan.

[theorique]

Originally Posted by russianrocket

The reason it came off a little combative, lol is mostly because I've spent way to much time in those other meat eater/veggie eater threads. Also, because I want the OP to be as informed as possible about what he's doing. I pointed out the bias, because your site pretty much makes anything but vegan, out to be unhealthy. Or that vegan is healthier then everything else.

My post is pro-vegan, no question about it. Rather than write a long post in response to the thread, I figured I'd just post the blog links. I do believe that, at least for me, vegan eating has turned out to be healthier than alternatives. Certainly, I'd ask the OP to try out different diets before choosing one that works for him - and if eating plant-based makes him feel terrible, then I'd recommend that he try something different, in consultation with his doctor.

Originally Posted by russianrocket

And also, as I already mentioned. The main change in your diet was going from eating out all the time and not looking at any labels, to eating food that you prepared yourself as well as paying attention to everything you eat. It just so happens that you excluded anything non vegan.

Yes and no. Prior to going vegan I did cook a fair amount at home, and I ate what I thought was reasonably healthy food (bean burritos, homemade smoothies, stir fries, etc). In mentioning all the coffee+cream and burgers, I was drawing attention to the most extreme, unhealthy things that got knocked out by going vegan.

Thing is, I still eat a certain amount of junk / processed food - chocolate, ice "cream" (coconut based), "chicken" nuggets. And I still eat out a certain amount, but it's less typical, probably because there are fewer options for a vegan. (At many places, that's just salad and fries - not exactly a healthy meal!)

[votoshka]

Since I started eating a mostly raw vegan diet (about a month ago) my skin has improved. I can't quite define how, all I know is that it looks better than it did before! I don't have fantastic skin (thanks to stupid freckles lol) but it's definitely better!

As for the post regarding gluten intolerance, while I don't disagree with what you say, my vegan diet really doesn't include bread etc. which I've pretty much cut out completely. So while a lot of vegans may eat bread and other wheat products, I don't. I think it's all about what you choose to eat in your diet. As someone else said, eat food without a label and you can't run into too many problems

[aelle]

Allright, Eric L, good for you! Let us know how things are going for you.
My #1 advice is to get a couple of good cookbooks. A new diet, no matter how healthy, gets old really fast if you're not enjoying yourself and pleasing your tastebuds. I am a big fan of Veganomicon (it's quite supermarket friendly) and the Asian Vegan Kitchen (some unusual ingredients and a bit labor intensive, but has some of the best recipes I've tried in my life). And eat your greens!

Ericabiz, I feel for you. My cousin has been diagnosed with Celiac too and her life until then was a bit of a nightmare. I'm glad you could find a diet that works for you now! But just so you know, it is entirely possible to be vegan and gluten-free - I know several people who do so myself.

[Eric L]

My goal with this diet is to supplement for the things that aren't easily provided by such a diet. Also, cutting out fabricated/processed foods. And, to choose foods with a low glycemic index. I will be training while on this diet. I will need veggies and fruits that are high in protein as I want to prove to the general public that anyone can add mass while being a vegan. I know some of you know this, but the amount of heat that is given to others regarding this isn't justified. To cut out salt and sugar, completely...basically...to not cheat and be strict for the entire duration of this project.

I will not be on an "all out vegan diet" I will allow myself to take supplements and the like to compensate for any lack of nutrients I am getting.

My goal is to reduce the time it takes to prepare meals and to become healthy. With a vegan diet, what I am thinking of doing, is buying 2 digital food steamers. I will put food in them at night and set the timers to cook them at the appropriate times. Steam cooking ALL my meals is about the simplest way of cooking for me. I have noticed that veggies and fruits don't make me all moody and grumpy after eating them...even when I eat more than I should. The food I am currently taking, is having a pretty strong and negative impact on me atm.

As for diets getting old, I don't really have a problem with that. I would most likely stick with similar meals for one week then switch it up...that's what I do most of the time.

Thank you all for the input.

[Karanime]

Originally Posted by ericabiz

Up to 15% of the American population is gluten intolerant, and vegan diets have a LOT of gluten in them.

Some people work well with a vegan diet; for others, it's a waste of time and may even be detrimental.

Actually, a lot of gluten is the sign of a bad vegan diet. When some people go vegan, they don't eat more vegetables, they just eat more carbs. I'm guilty of that. But that's not how going vegan is supposed to work.

Most stores that sell vegan foods also sell gluten-free foods. Many brands even mix the two.

/<3

[theorique]

Originally Posted by Karanime

Actually, a lot of gluten is the sign of a bad vegan diet. When some people go vegan, they don't eat more vegetables, they just eat more carbs. I'm guilty of that. But that's not how going vegan is supposed to work.

Most stores that sell vegan foods also sell gluten-free foods. Many brands even mix the two.

/<3

I think my personal ideal is a low-ish carb, mostly raw, vegan diet. I would drop the grains, eat LOTS of greens (kale, baby greens, spinach, lettuce), and an insane amount of fresh fruit salad. I'm talking several pounds a day, which would require lots of liquefaction. I don't have the patience to chew through so many leaves like a mountain gorilla.

Also, a substantial amount of nuts, avocado and coconut for calories and satiety. My first vegan experiment blew up because I was hungry all the time from eating low fat.

It would be logistically challenging and a bit hard to adapt my taste buds, but I think it would be the healthiest choice, at least for me.

And coincidentally it would be gluten free.

[Criseyde]

I'm with you. I have some milk in my fridge that I need to finish because otherwise it's a waste, but I've been contemplating a vegan diet for a while and I think I'm ready to take the leap. I went vegetarian 7 months ago and haven't looked back once.

I was reading this blog post earlier today, it might be of interest to you: Native American Foods – The Key To Good Eating in America Vegan Reader: Thoughtful Reading For A Compassionate Planet

[negtvenfnty]

Originally Posted by Eric L

My goal is to reduce the time it takes to prepare meals and to become healthy. With a vegan diet, what I am thinking of doing, is buying 2 digital food steamers. I will put food in them at night and set the timers to cook them at the appropriate times. Steam cooking ALL my meals is about the simplest way of cooking for me. I have noticed that veggies and fruits don't make me all moody and grumpy after eating them...even when I eat more than I should.

I sort of aimed to do the same thing. I dont like to cook, and i find that if i just have somthing on hand I am far less likely to eat out. So I got myself a crock pot, and I aim to regularly buy some beans and and an assortment of veggies and fill that pot to the brim and make a bean stew. This way I always have a hearty meal at hand and I can eat the stew for a week. My latest was pintos, tomato, squash, zucchini, carrots, mushrooms, onion, jalapeno, and a clove of garlic. Salt and pepper to taste. Yum!

I also eat cereals and fruits( i guess I need to work some leafy greens in there) and the occasional meat still, but tonight I had a bit of meatloaf and I have reduced my meat intake so much and it has been so long since i had beef, it just seemed so very unappealing. I felt as though there was a rock in my gut after I ate it.

[votoshka]

Leafy greens are easy to incorporate into a green smoothie. It's really one of the easiest ways to get your greens in a raw, fresh state, without having to chomp through heaps of green vegies. I will blend spinach, a banana, an apple and some frozen blueberries (sometimes I add some green superfood powder too) and it's surprisingly YUM (considering I actually hate bananas lol).

[russianrocket]

Originally Posted by negtvenfnty

I sort of aimed to do the same thing. I dont like to cook, and i find that if i just have somthing on hand I am far less likely to eat out. So I got myself a crock pot, and I aim to regularly buy some beans and and an assortment of veggies and fill that pot to the brim and make a bean stew. This way I always have a hearty meal at hand and I can eat the stew for a week. My latest was pintos, tomato, squash, zucchini, carrots, mushrooms, onion, jalapeno, and a clove of garlic. Salt and pepper to taste. Yum!

I also eat cereals and fruits( i guess I need to work some leafy greens in there) and the occasional meat still, but tonight I had a bit of meatloaf and I have reduced my meat intake so much and it has been so long since i had beef, it just seemed so very unappealing. I felt as though there was a rock in my gut after I ate it.

lol eww, if you are gonna eat meat, don't eat meat loaf. No wonder if was very unappealing.

[Creative]

I had my birthday party at Lush this year and six of my vegetarian friends and I went to have facials and make up. The lady doing the facials commented on how great all of our skin was. This is something that I'd not really noticed and reading your thread reminded me of this.

Two friends out of the group are pretty annoyingly unhealthy vegetarians and yet they have flawless skin. Maybe it is genetic????

I look forward to seeing your results!

[russianrocket]

Originally Posted by Creative

I had my birthday party at Lush this year and six of my vegetarian friends and I went to have facials and make up. The lady doing the facials commented on how great all of our skin was. This is something that I'd not really noticed and reading your thread reminded me of this.

Two friends out of the group are pretty annoyingly unhealthy vegetarians and yet they have flawless skin. Maybe it is genetic????

I look forward to seeing your results!

You might just be right. Maybe all vegetarians have a genetic pre
disposition to be healthier eating veggies then meat, and there for eventually gravitate towards veggies and subsequently become healthy from the new diet. The people who aren't healthy being omnivores just haven't realized that yet. And vice versa