Vegan Diet

Another thing you have to deal with as a vegan is comments from others, unfortunately. My friend who is vegan gets rude comments from others, although she never comments on others' food choices. I am not vegan, but eat a healthful diet and although I don't comment on what others are eating that happens to me sometimes too. So be prepared to ignore those.
I second the comment to do a lot of reading.

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Another thing you have to deal with as a vegan is comments from others, unfortunately. My friend who is vegan gets rude comments from others, although she never comments on others' food choices. I am not vegan, but eat a healthful diet and although I don't comment on what others are eating that happens to me sometimes too. So be prepared to ignore those.
I second the comment to do a lot of reading.

If you go fully vegan you'll want to be conscious of getting nutrients that are typically deficient in vegan diets, such as B-12 and vitamin D. I'd suggest including a lot of superfoods such as spirulina and seaweeds, chia and hemp seeds, coconut, bee pollen, and supplements if needed. Meat eaters would benefit from these foods too, but their diet leans more toward excessive toxicity while vegans lean more toward excessive deficiency. Vegan diets free of processed foods tend to be cleansing, which is what most people need in the short term, but depending on how a person's body is operating they may not absorb enough of some nutrients on a typical vegan diet and develop problems later. You can read books by vegan authors and diet promoters to learn more about nutrition and recipes. Gary Null is one popular vegan author.

The wording of your question suggests that you are not yet familiar with what veganism is (not being critical, just an observation), so I'm wondering what your reasons are for wanting to go vegan. If you read somewhere that's it's healthier or that it's going to help you lose weight then I'd suggest slowing down and re-evaluating before you completely fill up your refrigerator with cheese and meat substitutes.

If you want to maintain (or improve) your health and get the most out of this then I'd suggest you do a lot of reading first. There are certain nutrients that are difficult to obtain (it's not just about protein) and you need to be aware of how to get them in adequate amounts, on a regular basis. Vitamin B12 is a good example of this.

When I tried it a few years back I read a book called Becoming Vegetarian, by Vesanto Melina. At the time I didn't realize that the same author also co-wrote a book called Becoming Vegan. Anyway, the book gave a lot of great nutritional information and recommendations as well as recipes.

Personally it was not a good choice for me because I have such a tendancy to become anemic. I've tried all the vegetarian sources of iron but what my body really needs is a weekly dose of red meat. Its just so much more readily absorbed when it comes from meat. Everyone is different though. Many people (myself included) feel fantastic for the first few months of going vegan but I suspect it's from the inclusion of much more vegetables than that person is used to eating. I still LOVE vegan recipes because I find they include lots of fresh herbs and interesting ingredients, but I don't restrict myself anymore.

If you want more information about nutrition and how the body absorbs nutrients (it'snot just about what the food contains, but whether or not those things will be absorbed, gut health, etc.) you should check out Nourishing Traditions, by Sally Fallon. It's definitely not a guide to becoming vegan, just a great book about nutrition.

Some great vegan recipe books are Veganomicon and The Vegan Gourmet. Bear in mind you will likely want to purchase some new items for the kitchen like a high quality blender (spend money on a good one-it's worth it), food processer, and a Spiral Slicer.
PM me if you want some tried and true recipes. I've been there and still use many of my favorite recipes on a regular basis (alongside my very rare sirloin, of course !) best of luck.

My husband is a "cheating" vegan. He will go vegan for months and then eat something that is not vegan and he has no problems with it. He is healthier do to his allergies when he stays on a strict vegan diet. I am not vegan and neither are our 2 children, but with his choices we do eat a lot of vegan based meals. I love veganaise, I have never liked mayonaise, but will put veganaise on a lot of things. We get sprouted grain pasta and bread (I personally do not like the bread), the sprouted grain is a whole protien. We also eat quinoa and mix it in things. It is a hard diet to start or at least it intimidated me, but I have found several dishes that I love (vegan mashed potatoes, black bean burgers, wraps, hummus). Someone earlier mentioned the veganomicon and we use it and we use the website myvegetariantimes.com ~ you can search for vegan recipes. I also (as did someone else) recommend the Physicians Committe for Responsible Medicine is actually kicking off a 21-day vegan program, I did that in January and it helped a lot. There are also many different types of milk out there (who knew?). Personally I like rice milk for my cereal (thin like skim), my son drinks chocolate almond milk everyday with his breakfast and my toddler get rice milk (fortified to ensure she gets all the nutrients she needs at one) or hemp milk. There is also soy milk, oat milk, etc... Vegan cheese ~ let's say I was surprised. I did not find it bad at all. Good luck if this is what you want to do, just make sure that you are getting all of the nutrients you need. A vegan diet done correctly can be healthy, but a vegan diet done incorrectly can be very unhealthy.

You may want to start out as a vegetarian first and work your way to vegan. My daughter is vegan and it takes alot of reading labels. To be a true vegan you need to give up all dairy, eggs, along with any kind of meat/ fish of course. No more honey or beeswax either. You have to watch what bread you eat, margarine, tea, salad dressings etc.. these are all things that could have animal products in them, there are so many. Don,t sub. meat with tons of carbs. You still need to eat a balance diet. I would make sure to read alot before you go full vegan. Plus eating out is harder. When we eat out my daughter usually gets a salad and brings her own dressing. She will eat rolls or french fries at a resturant sometimes.

My husband and I went vegan after being confirmed meat-eaters. Funny, though, that now we are pescatarian. We still don't eat much dairy, and our kids are used to soy milk, but we do eat eggs, some dairy, and fish (though not every day).

The hardest part I found was replacing what I'd been used to (but then, I'd been used to STEAKS). Eating out would still be a trial if I were vegan, for I know of few to no restaurants that offer anything I could eat. Mexican food was and still is my stand-by, and even Taco Bell allows me to take off sour cream and cheese and replace the meat with refried beans, and I still eat it that way. (Yum!)

One word of caution: if your husband decides it's not for him, don't let that discourage you if you really want to eat vegan. It won't be that hard to adapt what you eat to serve both of you. I also know many who are vegetarian or vegan, but whose spouses eat differently sometimes (going out or eating at work, etc.). Do what you feel is right for you and your health. Good luck!

Please take a look at WestonPrice.com before you decide this.
best, k

Before you jump on board you have to know a few things about yourself. Are you a type A blood. Then vegan is perfectly suited for you. If you are type O
do not do it.
I was vegan 12 years. The cartelige in my knee gave out my doctor offered me a very fine surgury or I could eat red meat. I chose the latter. My knee repaired itself and I went back to a fine active life. I eat organic food since my 20's and raised my family on organically grown food.
There is a book on the topic Eat Right for Your Blood Type by Adamo.

Vegans eat NOTHING that comes from or contains any products from an animal -including fish or shellfish -basically any living thing. This isn't exclusive to meat but any dairy, eggs, anything flavored with chicken or beef stock, etc. Vegetarians still eat dairy products and eggs -just no meat. I've known a few vegetarians who also ate seafood/fish, but that's not true vegetarianism.

What do you mean "youve been told you "have to" give up all meat and meat bi products?"

That doesnt really explain what your looking for.

Im vegetarian, have been for over 15 years. Ive gone vegan a few times, but during both my pregnancies i ate fish, or took fish oil. I personally like my cheese , but could do without anything else. I like soy milk, and soy butter. Im sure peta will send you a free starter pack for going vegan. I dont think vegans are malnourished. Nobody needs meat, not eating it is better, and meat is actually harmful.

But what makes you want to give up dairy?, Does your diet now seem bad? Sorry im just curious, I love what i eat.

check out "vegan with a vengeance" and the "veganomicon", both great vegan cook books

also check out the brand "tofurky" and "vegenaise"

I was Vegan for about a year. Unless you eat impeccable, just know that you will have to supplement A LOT!! I found that after that year, I had actually gained weight as a result of eating too many carbs. You have to learn how to balance your fruits/veggies and grains really well or you'll find that to fill yourself up, you turn to a lot of rice and grains. It's not a bad thing to go vegan, it's definitely a lifestyle. I realized for me personally the vegan route wasn't a healthy choice for me, I needed to balance (sparingly) with some form of lean protein, I usually stick to white meats and fish. I still don't drink cows milk, I drink Hemp and I stay clear of Soy for many many reasons. Just try it for 30 days and see if it's something you could stick with.

Talk with your doctor first. The vegan diet my not be right for you. One of the side effects of not eating meat is not getting enough b-12 vitamins.

B12 is required for your red blood cells to form and gro, so oxygen can be carried your tissues. B12 also helps to build your immune system. Also, ensuring your B12 intake is sufficient is the number of nervous, mental and emotional disorders that occur if you're not getting enough .

My friend was told by her doctor her problems were hormonal but after taking some b12 supplements (as to my research advice), she is back to herself and looking/feeling great.

Before you change your diet so radically think about what you're looking for. I'm not saying don't do it...but it's hard. If you are against eating animals that's one thing, but if you just want to change your eating habits/diet that's a whole other thing, in my opinion. I go vegan once a year (during lent) and I had a very good friend who was vegan for a few years, and it's really hard. Yes, being vegan means absolutely no animal products/biproducts. You have to read every label and become very familiar with how animal products are "hidden" in the ingredients, like knowing that whey protein comes from milk, etc.

I know some people who are pescetarians, they only eat fish, no other meat and they are very healthy and love their choice. You could consider going vegetarian or you could just make a change to add more fruits, veggies and whole grains to your diet. Personally I wouldn't invest in a whole lot of cookbooks, foods, etc., until you're sure this is the lifestyle for you. This sounds more negative than I want it to and I'm sorry, it's just that it sounds like you're unsure and asking questions, so I just want to say as a meat/dairy lover who gives it up for 40 days, it's not easy! Good luck making your decision.

Every body is different. What works for someone won't necessarily work for another. If you try it and feel great, then your body 'works' with a vegan diet. If you get anemic, or feel a loss of energy or get sick a lot, then you probably need fish and dairy back in your diet. You may also feel great for a year or two...and then start having problems.

I have a friend who is vegan. She said she was doing it because she felt it was better for the planet. Why, I asked. She said that so much resources went into growing corn for the cattle, etc. I countered with 'what about grass fed beef (grass is natural for cows; corn is not natural for cows and causes lots of health problems. ) and besides, land that is not tillable (can't be planted) can be used to graze cows as grass doesn't need flat land to grow (like corn does-for the tractors). Besides, grass doesn't need fertilizer, etc, to grow - and a lot of other plant based foods (that vegans and non vegans depend on) need fertilizer (and most fertilizers unless you go organic, are petroleum based). If it's not petroleum based, it's probably animal manure...and should vegans eat something that used animal manure to grow it? A very interesting, detailed and personal book is 'vegetarian myth' by Lierre Kieth. I am reading it slowly since it is so full of information, etc. Another good book is 'eat fat to lose fat' by Mary enig...about the importance of fat in our diets.

Over the years I have been a veg...and always came back to meat. It's what my body needed.

I would suggest a two or three week vegan "fast". Its noncommittal and you get to just try it out. Look up a recite for cashew pimento cheese! yum! My husband and I felt great doing this. In the end, it took more commitment than we were willing to give it. One of my best friends went vegan because her then boyfriend (now husband) was. It worked great for him, but i think it has not done good things for her. I think she eats too much sugar to compensate and has put on a good 20. I now have settled on a semi vegetarian diet (I only eat the kosher meats on occasion though I'm not Jewish. I just think it God's blueprint for disease prevention, prevention of cruelty to animals, and sustainability ((even more so with vegetarianism and even more so with veganism))). I agree with another poster, you don't have to be a perfect vegan. Maybe just be one at home but not impose it on family and friends when eating socially. Or incorporate 3-4 vegan meals to your week to cut down on consumption of meat/dairy, but don't be strict about it it you find you don't have that level of commitment. Best of luck.

try out also:
Garlic Aoli vegan mayo
Miso Mayo
avocado sushi hand rolls
garbanzo bean salad (sliced grapes, celery, vegan mayo, onion) in pita bread

I also want to try a vegan diet, but am going to wait until after my baby is weaned.

I've tried almond milk (which is delish) to replace cow's milk. Still not sure what I'm going to do about other dairy products though.

I think you basically have to eliminate anything and everything related to animals; so you're going to be eating things like fruits, veggies, lentils, nuts, seeds, grains. Check out some natural foods stores for ideas. And be prepared for trial and error in the taste dept. Some things that are 'healthy' taste pretty nasty! lol

Good luck :o)