Vegan Challenge Anyone?

I’m vegan since mid-summer, and a quite active person. That will be a good challenge for people who question themselves about what to do in order not only to be more aware about the resources we consume but also our place on the earth towards other sentient beings. One going on a vegan diet should slowly transition to eat. You can slowly decrease your meat consumption and dairies, and include more nutrients-rich foods – that calm the need for meat. Here is a small guideline you guys can follow
#1- Start by adding more whole grains into the diet
#2- More veggies
#3- Less red meat, then less fish, then finally the dairies

No rush, especially if you consider it as a new (2013) Lifestyle :)

For those of you participating who would like to drink vegan on NYE, or in general…

http://www.barnivore.com/

I’m in. This sounds fun, and I’ve been curious.

@jamesroemer,
1- Yah, make sure to slowly transition, you are more likely to suffer from deficiency is the diet is not solid. What do I mean by that : well simply put if the total intake is not sufficient (calorie deficit) considering an extra micro-nutrients deficit (vitamins and minerals), then it’s no good.
Look at my previous comment for the transition.
The only thing which is cumbersome to get into a vegan diet is the Vitamine B12 you can find in several seaweeds and meat only. If you don’t consider seaweeds into the diet at all (but eh, isn’t also the challenge about discovering new foods? :-) then consider a B12 supplementation. If you fear not to have enough dietary micro-nutrients intakes, you can also consider a vitamine complex (
Vitamin B1, B2,C, A, D3, E)

2- The diet doesn’t make you gain weight, it’s the calories surplus (Expenditure lower than intakes). Will you need to eat more whole-grains? Definitely, since the intakes not only will allow you to maintain your weight (or gain if you plain to gain muscles) but also ensure the total macro-nutrients requirements are met (dietary carbohydrates, lipids and proteins)

@jamesroemer, I agree what Razique said. It mainly comes down to calories in versus calories out. However, you can be really healthy on a vegan diet…you can also be really unhealthy. Just skip all the junky food (or have it only on occasion). Or make your own ‘junky’ food using wholefoods. As Razique said – whole grains, and also healthy fats such as avocado, nuts and seeds will help keep calories up without having to eat crap loads.

Also, as he said – B12 is an important nutrient to ensure you get. There is no harm in taking a supplement if you feel more comfortable with that. People also feel iron can be an issue, but I used to be anaemic when I ate meat, and haven’t been since I went vego (except when I didnt eat enough at all due to other reasons). You just need to be aware of iron sources – I think some nuts (maybe brazil nuts but don’t quote me) are high in iron, as is molasses, and cacao powder. Protein won’t be an issue (although many think it will) if you eat enough nuts, seeds, and green leafy veggies.

There are so many healthy, yummy and nutritious choices to make when being vegan. (I think half the reason I am writing this is also to psych myself up ha ha). I think you just have to be prepared, as it seems you already know!

If you like food, like me, then you can have a great time experimenting with different recipes. I found it helpful to find alternate versions of the stuff that I really thought I would miss. Such as for me, I know I’ll miss milk, therefore I experiment with nut milks. I will also miss chocolate, but as long as I’m not lazy I can now make really yummy healthy chocolate at home.

@razique, oh that’s a really good site! Thanks for posting it…in favourites now =oD

I agree, it does really make you think about your diet! When I originally went vegan I was so unhealthy in some ways. It is only now that I am getting a bit older that I am really conscious about nutrients, and when I have experimented with being Vegan again, and raw, I have really put effort into thinking about what I am eating. Lack of prep can set you up for failure I think (which what happened with me).

@adamd, awesome, thank you very much!

@collinsj2009, Having a partner is the best way for this challenge to work. What do ya think? Staying accountable is critical for any challenge.

@collinsj2009, I am going to try and not consume red meats for a while and see how that goes. So I’ll half go in on this with you haha :)

@deafening, Thanks for your reply, I might just try cutting out the meat from my diet like you say, that way it won’t be that expensive. So in a sense I would just be like a vegetarian then. Should I also replace cows milk with soya milk?

@heedthem, give them time to get to the things that aren’t dietary. Even I can’t get away from somethings… *sigh* damn you glues!!!

I’ve been vegan for 2 years. I will never look back. i feel better, my GI upsets are next to non-existant now and mentally I feel more “clear”.

be forwarned.. a lot of people will try and push your button on the subject of being a vegan… stay strong :)

@scott3600,You should do whatever you feel comfortable with. As a vegetarian, I did eat eggs and cheese, but chose to use Almond milk over cow’s milk. I also did not eat anything with animal broth or fat in it, but I used honey everyday. There are no strict guidelines.

@seeker88, You can get your protein from beans, nuts, seeds, lentils, whole grains, and the easily accessible soy. However, since you lift weights, you might want to try to find a vegan protein supplement.