New Vegan -help please

[Susezan]

Hello I am starting my second week of veganism. I am a 40 year old female, with addisons disease. I became a vegan to start a life style change by getting in shape, lose weight, (169 now I have lost 7 pounds) I have also quit smoking, and I am currently using patches, this is not my first time quitting, but this is the only time I have lost weight at the same time.. I am taking a multivitamin and a B vitamin everyday.

I read Dr. Fuhrnam's Eat to Live, and that started me down my path. I strive to eat 1 pound of fresh veggies and 1 pound steamed or cooked. I also eat unlimited amounts of fruit which is usually 5-7 servings peer day. I try to eat a cup of beans per day, and I eat rice and oats. (not very much though)

Last week I felt great, tons of energy. This week I am feeling a little week, and tierd. I admit I am not eating all my beans. Could this be the cause? Is losing 7 pounds in a week,with no real exercise normal? Will it continue like this? Is it safe?

[aelle]

Hey susezan, and congratulations on your decision to get healthy!

During my first year or so of veganism, I lost around 20 kilos. Very quickly at first, and then slower (close to 10kg the first month, 6 months for the last 5), but all naturally and without particular restriction on my side. I did have at least 20kg to lose though, and I settled down at a weight that is much healthier for me (60-something kg for 1.62m). So if you were indeed overweight, I would not worry about the weight loss unless it keeps going beyond reasonable territory.

About the fatigue: typically, lack of protein does not make me feel tired, it makes me feel ravenous. What makes me tired (apart from the usual stuff like not enough sleep (duh!), sugar or caffeine rushes, unusual stimulation during the day, etc.) is lack of iron. Drinking a green smoothie (with about a cup of fresh spinach or other leafy greens, bananas and seasonal fruit) every morning has really helped. But you've undertaken so many changes in your life recently, I would not start doubting the diet so fast! Take some time to get acquainted with your new lifestyle, don't worry and tweak things slowly.

[Susezan]

Originally Posted by aelle

Hey susezan, and congratulations on your decision to get healthy!

During my first year or so of veganism, I lost around 20 kilos. Very quickly at first, and then slower (close to 10kg the first month, 6 months for the last 5), but all naturally and without particular restriction on my side. I did have at least 20kg to lose though, and I settled down at a weight that is much healthier for me (60-something kg for 1.62m). So if you were indeed overweight, I would not worry about the weight loss unless it keeps going beyond reasonable territory.

About the fatigue: typically, lack of protein does not make me feel tired, it makes me feel ravenous. What makes me tired (apart from the usual stuff like not enough sleep (duh!), sugar or caffeine rushes, unusual stimulation during the day, etc.) is lack of iron. Drinking a green smoothie (with about a cup of fresh spinach or other leafy greens, bananas and seasonal fruit) every morning has really helped. But you've undertaken so many changes in your life recently, I would not start doubting the diet so fast! Take some time to get acquainted with your new lifestyle, don't worry and tweak things slowly.

Oh I am not doubting the diet, just curious if I was doing it properly I will definitely try adding spinach to my morning smoothies!

[Lena Carpenter]

Susezan, first thing came to mind after reading your post, without reading aelle's response, was that you would benefit from adding in some green-leafy vegetables. Those will give you more minerals, protein, and give you an energy boost. I always aim for about a pound, but I'm also mostly raw. You could start where you are at and figure out what amount is comfortable. Salads are always delicious, but if you don't care for the taste of greens just yet, green smoothies (fruits+green-leafy vegetables) are outstanding! Here's an article about them: The First Green Smoothie | Raw Family

[russianrocket]

Originally Posted by Lena Carpenter

Susezan, first thing came to mind after reading your post, without reading aelle's response, was that you would benefit from adding in some green-leafy vegetables. Those will give you more minerals, protein, and give you an energy boost. I always aim for about a pound, but I'm also mostly raw. You could start where you are at and figure out what amount is comfortable. Salads are always delicious, but if you don't care for the taste of greens just yet, green smoothies (fruits+green-leafy vegetables) are outstanding! Here's an article about them: The First Green Smoothie | Raw Family

but a lb of greens only has 4 grams of protein.

[Lena Carpenter]

Originally Posted by russianrocket

but a lb of greens only has 4 grams of protein.

You see, the best advice ever given is one based on experience. Many people report that their cravings and hunger diminish, while increasing greens in their diet, which was my experience as well. Protein is a very minor part of it, that could possibly be a contributing factor for healthfulness of greens. The whole food specifically is what brings results, not individual components of it.

[russianrocket]

Originally Posted by Lena Carpenter

You see, the best advice ever given is one based on experience. Many people report that their cravings and hunger diminish, while increasing greens in their diet, which was my experience as well. Protein is a very minor part of it, that could possibly be a contributing factor for healthfulness of greens. The whole food specifically is what brings results, not individual components of it.

only reason I mentioned it was because you said greens would increase protein intake

[Lena Carpenter]

Yeah, should I specify exact amount next time?

[Lena Carpenter]

Sorry for series posts, but to address both Susezan and russianrocket here, if you are worried about protein (which I'm not, for myself or Susezan) greens are still a good source of protein. While they add "only" 4 grams or so, they also add very little calorie count, so they don't replace any major part of your diet that you have already, just add to it, thus you could say those 4 grams come at a very cheap price calorie wise. To repeat myself once again, greens are a great addition for various reasons, including but not limited to their energy giving and alkalizing properties. My husband, who is not vegan, find his green morning smoothies very helpful for his energy levels.

Good luck!