Foodie Question

[Michelle]

I have recently watched Forks Over Knives and I have decided to just adopt a plant based way of eating. ( no meat , dairy.. nothing with a face or a mother etc.)

I feel fine and I have lost 8 lbs. in a week... I drink massive amounts of water and eat Tofu for protein.

I have received so much negative comments from my family and friends. " You won't get enough protein" how are you going to get enough calcium?" "You are going to get yourself sick." "you need cholesterol" ... and on and on

I am so confused... everything I have read and heard tells me that I am doing right but people want to blame every sneeze. yawn, or tired feeling on this diet.
I was always tired before this and was anemic before this diet.. but I love this way of eating! What should I tell my family/friends?

[Meyou]

If it was me I would just tell those that have "issues" with it very little. We eat a whole food organic diet with no processed foods and I hear it all the time. We only eat meat 1-2 times we week and you would think it was child abuse for some people!! I just don't say much and I pack stuff for us to eat if I don't think there will be options we can work around.

[daycarediva]

People are anti anything that they don't understand. TRUST ME. Dh and I were your average once a week McDonald's eating, overweight, high blood pressure and high cholesterol americans until 2 years ago. Dh has lost 45lbs of fat (and gained back quite a bit as muscle) and I lost 60lbs. We are now considered 'health nuts/fanatics/freaks' by everyone in our families.

How? We just changed what we put into our bodies. For us, it was dh's dr report of needing BP meds and cholesterol meds and that he was pre type 2 diabetic. I started walking everyday with dh and the kids, then did the couch to 5k, ran a few 5ks and half marathons, and last year started heavy weights 5x/week. Dh does a LOT of cycling and races and has been doing an intense body building regime for 18months or so now.


My dh was vegan, and an amateur bodybuilder. (He is now vegetarian, no reason other than he really loves dairy!) His protein requirements are RIDICULOUS and he manages with just plant based protein and protein supplements (shakes).

Do you take a multivitamin daily? There's all of your calcium needs.

As far as cholesterol is concerned:

Foods don't actually contain good cholesterol but rather increase the presence or effectiveness of good cholesterol. Omega-3 fatty acids increase the level of good cholesterol because they lower the levels of triglycerides -- compounds that help to eliminate HDL cholesterol from your blood, according to Health Central. Foods with omega-3 fatty acids include dark green vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, kale, spring greens, cabbage, parsley and Brussels sprouts. Deep water fish such as cod, tuna, salmon, sardines, trout, halibut and mackerel provide high levels of protein-packed omega-3 fatty acids, which increase good cholesterol. Soy products and walnuts provide omega-3 fatty acids, as well as protein and other nutrients. .

http://www.livestrong.com/article/267214-healthy-food-sources-of-good-cholesterol/

The heck with the haters, GOOD FOR YOU! You did something AMAZING for yourself. Be happy when you feel better, look better and have SOOOO much more energy than you ever have!

[MNMommy2]

Better to be a HEALTHY health nut/fanatic/freak rather than an unhealthy "normal" person. Our society's dietary habits are SO out of whack!!

Let your results speak for you. Why should you have to defend yourself? They aren't defending their bad choices, I am assuming. If you do it the right way, you have nothing to worry about! Just get your supplements in and eat a huge variety of food and you will be good! Nuts, quinoa, etc...

But, some people will never get it. Some will just be jealous. Expect this and you will be fine.

My in-laws always tease me about my eating habits, but guess who is the only one with all of her numbers in a healthy range. happyface They are all diabetic or pre-diabetic.

[Willow]

Losing 8lbs in one week is pretty extreme. I would be terribly concerned about that no matter how bad your eating habits were before.

Did you consult your doctor and the kids' pediatrician before starting this new way of eating?


Being anemic isn't something to play around with. Now that you've cut out meats you do need to not only find a way to make up for the deficit your new diet has created but the deficits your body was suffering from even when it was a part of your diet.

Is say consult doc, consult a nutritionist to go over what you will be eating what what you may need to supplement with, and then tell any well intentioned family and friends that you're taking the necessary precautions to keep your family healthy.

[SilverSabre25]

I wouldn't personally use tofu or anything soy based as a primary protein source as high soy consumption is linked to endocrine issues and too high levels of estrogen. And if I were you I would stick with organic tofu, which is at least less likely to be directly GMO (genetically modified). But beyond that, your body your choice.

I think everyone needs to eat in whatever way makes them healthy and feel good. Sure there are philosophical arguments on all sides, but what it comes down to is that each person has different requirements; nothing is one size fits all.

Good luck!

[MNMommy2]

I agree on the tofu--I have been a vegetarian for a long time and have never really eaten tofu. I just think it is nasty.

Don't just jump in blindly obviously, do your research, read a lot of books, talk to a like-minded doctor, take nutrition classes, etc. Whatever it takes to do it right!

8 lbs is not too much depending on how much you currently weigh.

[daycarediva]

As far as the anemia goes, most people eating a traditional American diet are starving on a macronutrient level. That's why their bodies tell them to continue to eat, and therefor, over eat.

I was ferrous sulfate and ferrous gluconate for anemia everyday along with 1mg of folic acid, all were 'prescription strength'. I no longer need those and now only take a prenatal (they're really good for your hair/nails!)

[Michelle]

wow! thanks guys!:hug:
A lot to think about and read about.

I am so excited about this and I really don't miss meat or milk ... especially chicken on the bone! I have 32 more lbs to go but I am sticking with this for life... not just a diet to lose weight.

So I guess I am a vegan?
vegetarians consume dairy but vegans don't? :confused:

as far as being anemic... it's just one of those things that I think is better than eating animals that can cause cancer (according to Forks over Knives) and being overweight (in my case) not saying anything about others...
I take iron pills and multi vitamins but I am always exhausted ... and I was before this ...

[Michelle]

I agree on the tofu--I have been a vegetarian for a long time and have never really eaten tofu. I just think it is nasty.

Don't just jump in blindly obviously, do your research, read a lot of books, talk to a like-minded doctor, take nutrition classes, etc. Whatever it takes to do it right!

8 lbs is not too much depending on how much you currently weigh.

have you ever tried to "fry" tofu with Pam?
If you get the really firm Tofu.... it's really good this way, with a little seasoning.

[Willow]

Vegans don't consume or use any animal products or byproducts.....meaning your Pam spray, soaps, leather, cosmetics, butter etc.

I think it's hilarious that people watch one tv show and that's enough research to declare meat causes cancer . I get the ethical reasons you're shooting for this Michelle but biologically our bodies were designed to eat meat. Would be like saying cows can get cancer from pasture grass......

The origins and any artificial influences can play a role in whether what we are designed to eat can harm us but on a very basic and pure level, that would never be the source of something like cancer.



Silver, way back when was it you I was talking about GMO with? I got the opportunity to discuss the topic with a top biological engineer with Cargill Corp....picked his brain on it ALL. What he shared made a lot of sense if you're like me and always thirsty for more information

[Michelle]

People are anti anything that they don't understand. TRUST ME. Dh and I were your average once a week McDonald's eating, overweight, high blood pressure and high cholesterol americans until 2 years ago. Dh has lost 45lbs of fat (and gained back quite a bit as muscle) and I lost 60lbs. We are now considered 'health nuts/fanatics/freaks' by everyone in our families.

How? We just changed what we put into our bodies. For us, it was dh's dr report of needing BP meds and cholesterol meds and that he was pre type 2 diabetic. I started walking everyday with dh and the kids, then did the couch to 5k, ran a few 5ks and half marathons, and last year started heavy weights 5x/week. Dh does a LOT of cycling and races and has been doing an intense body building regime for 18months or so now.


My dh was vegan, and an amateur bodybuilder. (He is now vegetarian, no reason other than he really loves dairy!) His protein requirements are RIDICULOUS and he manages with just plant based protein and protein supplements (shakes).

Do you take a multivitamin daily? There's all of your calcium needs.

As far as cholesterol is concerned:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/267214-healthy-food-sources-of-good-cholesterol/

The heck with the haters, GOOD FOR YOU! You did something AMAZING for yourself. Be happy when you feel better, look better and have SOOOO much more energy than you ever have!

I need your dh to talk to my dh! ::::
My dh will demand 4 egg omelets every morning and If he can't get it here( he doesn't) he will go to a resaturant and get it most of the time! He puts maynaise in his spagetti to make it taste better! and he HAS to have cheeseburgers almost every night! I can't stand it anymore... I am so worried about his health I beg him to play tennis with me, walk, anything... and he says that working in the daycare is enough exercise for him every day

[Michelle]

I wouldn't personally use tofu or anything soy based as a primary protein source as high soy consumption is linked to endocrine issues and too high levels of estrogen. And if I were you I would stick with organic tofu, which is at least less likely to be directly GMO (genetically modified). But beyond that, your body your choice.

I think everyone needs to eat in whatever way makes them healthy and feel good. Sure there are philosophical arguments on all sides, but what it comes down to is that each person has different requirements; nothing is one size fits all.

Good luck!

wow! tofu is genetically modified?
jeez! I had no idea.. on the package it says soybeans and water

[Michelle]

Vegans don't consume or use any animal products or byproducts.....meaning your Pam spray, soaps, leather, cosmetics, butter etc.

I think it's hilarious that people watch one tv show and that's enough research to declare meat causes cancer . I get the ethical reasons you're shooting for this Michelle but biologically our bodies were designed to eat meat. Would be like saying cows can get cancer from pasture grass......

The origins and any artificial influences can play a role in whether what we are designed to eat can harm us but on a very basic and pure level, that would never be the source of something like cancer.



Silver, way back when was it you I was talking about GMO with? I got the opportunity to discuss the topic with a top biological engineer with Cargill Corp....picked his brain on it ALL. What he shared made a lot of sense if you're like me and always thirsty for more information

didn't know Pam was an animal byproduct... :confused:
I am not giving up soap!!!
I guess I will just not use any labels as to what I am eating... just love the results so far...
Also, I didn't just watch a TV show and that's it... I did the research too.
Obviously I have a lot more to learn

[Willow]

didn't know Pam was an animal byproduct... :confused:
I am not giving up soap!!!
I guess I will just not use any labels as to what I am eating... just love the results so far...
Also, I didn't just watch a TV show and that's it... I did the research too.
Obviously I have a lot more to learn

Not all Pam products I'm sure, but watch your ingredients. Several contain animal fats.

Same with soap. Plenty are vegan, but many are not.


If cancer is a concern of yours avoid products like Pam just on the basis of it being super unnatural and very processed. A drizzle of olive or grapeseed oil will work just as well