Anyone Vegan or Raw Vegan? (protein, chef, meat, tasty)

[arguy1973]

I tried being a vegan for about three days, and I felt gr8 after the 2nd day, until the need for a big greasy cheeseburger kicked in, How did yall hang with it?

[mrdude]

Originally Posted by cinderobyn

I am neither, but beans and lentils, peanut butter, etc are good sources of protein...

but they're not complete, balanced proteins. the only "quality" proteins are from animal sources, or you could get something like soy protein isolate which has amino acids added to it, but i'm not too sure if vegans would like processed powders. but still, low quality protein is better than no protein...

Originally Posted by DawnW

If you read a lot of Vegan literature you will find that most Vegan experts believe that the recommended amount of protein in an American diet is WAY too high and our bodies don't actually need that much protein.

Some grains contain a lot of protein. Quinoa is excellent for protein. Even fruits and vegetables contain protein.

I have read several books, but really like McDougall the best. He is a medical doctor and I respect that he is not only a medical doc but a Vegan expert.

Dawn

how much do most vegans believe is an acceptable amount?

[DawnW]

But who told you that? I don't believe that is true.

Protein in the Vegan Diet -- The Vegetarian Resource Group

Dawn

Originally Posted by mrdude

but they're not complete, balanced proteins. the only "quality" proteins are from animal sources, or you could get something like soy protein isolate which has amino acids added to it, but i'm not too sure if vegans would like processed powders. but still, low quality protein is better than no protein...


how much do most vegans believe is an acceptable amount?

[DawnW]

Well, here is the thing.....DH has bad cholesterol and could be a candidate for heart problems. I have bad cholesterol and could be a candidate for diabetes. I also struggle with weight.

The thought of a greasy cheeseburger makes my stomach churn now.

Dawn

Originally Posted by arguy1973

I tried being a vegan for about three days, and I felt gr8 after the 2nd day, until the need for a big greasy cheeseburger kicked in, How did yall hang with it?

[JeepGirl118]

I have been looking heavily into switching to a raw diet. I am sort of without direction - are there any books that anyone could recommend to help get started with meal ideas and so forth? I spent a lot of time earlier today discussing this with the nutrition store this afternoon - I am liking it more and more that I learn about it. I would like to begin this next Monday. Thanks!

[DawnW]

One of the best books out there right now is the 80-10-10 book.

Amazon.com: The 80/10/10 Diet: Books: Dr. Douglas N. Graham

Dr. Graham is also a frequent visitor to VegSource.com. Click on "raw" eating.

Also check out ReallyRawRood.com/forum. Great folks on that forum.

Dawn

Originally Posted by JeepGirl118

I have been looking heavily into switching to a raw diet. I am sort of without direction - are there any books that anyone could recommend to help get started with meal ideas and so forth? I spent a lot of time earlier today discussing this with the nutrition store this afternoon - I am liking it more and more that I learn about it. I would like to begin this next Monday. Thanks!

[JeepGirl118]

Thank you!

[elfyum]

Vegan here! 5 years
Used to eat more "junk" vegan food - all the fake meats etc
Now I eat only fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, beans, tofu, pasta, rice, etc.
It's awesome! I actually adapted to this new healthy eating from a book called The Dragon's Way - excellent!
It is Traditional Chinese Medicine...
And although I have looked into a raw diet, & know people that feel very good on it, I could never do it, & according to TCM, the stomach is warm in nature & it is best to eat cooked food. From experience, I agree...
Wow- maybe THAT'S it!!! I've been hardly sleeping lately - seems like I'm full of energy - & never thought about it being my increased chi! Wow! Try it! Wild!

[dgoboy204]

Originally Posted by DawnW

Well, that is my biggest struggle with raw. I can't seem to really stick to it. I have to have some grain.

Dawn

Hi Dawn and JeepGirl and others ... just curious how its going? Have you any good things to report on your changes in diet?

I had the great experience of working for a raw/living food restaurant and eatery for a while ... the raw breads we made were the best I have ever experienced! Some of the best meals I have ever had were pot lucks at the eatery - angel hair zucchini pasta with pesto sauce was amazing. Raw soups (making one now ), raw pizza, raw ice cream ... it really opened my eyes to what is possible with my diet. And some of the people I met who spent some time eating raw (or mostly raw) had some great experiences to share about their lives.

This being said, I agree with some of what Elfyum posted: we are different bodies and different things may be good at different times ... I personally struggle to eat all raw, but do much better just by eliminating all processed stuff and limiting starchy foods. I try to stay close to the Blood Type Diet, with raw added in.

Maybe try steaming first, then work into raw, or make a "green drink" everyday - just put some fresh veggies in a blender with water and blend, then drink throughout the day - this is really helpful for me. For motivation, try rawfoodinfo.com "before and afters". Thanks for the 80-10-10 info.
Good Luck and Best Wishes

[lilypad]

I am just trying to get to Vegan, let alone RAW Vegan! But have been looking at the raw food "cookbooks", ha! When I am in areas that support a vegan way of life (i.e. CA or Portland, OR) is much easier to stay on the path. There were so many wonderful health food stores, classes, etc. when I lived in Portland, sure do miss that. And harder to have that way of life in beef capitals like Texas! But only eat meat once/week. I think the problem with long time vegan diet is lack of B12, usually only found in animal products. I take a sublingual supplement for that. And do feel so much better on vegan and raw food diet, much more energy and alertness.