The KInd Life Community Forum

I would actually switch out the soy milk for almond or rice milks....soy milk is highly processed and may make you feel bloated. As you'll read in the book, soy milk should be, if anything, a once-in-awhile indulgence. The more whole foods the better you'll feel. You should def pick up pre-toasted Nori sheets to make yummy wraps with veggies, rice, etc. Other whole grains too like millet, amarynth, barley to keep it interesting. And LOTS of dark green, leafy veggies to lightly steam like kale, collard greens, bok choy which you should try to eat at least 2 times a day. GOOD LUCK! I've been doing this for a few weeks and feel amazing

Hey Cindy! Nice to meet you. I definitely agree with the Almond Milks. Remember though to experiment. Everyone's tastes are also different. I tried some hemp milk and after the first drink I only finished off the carton because I didn't want to waste anything. Also, remember that you don't have to go get everything at once. Start with some basic staples. After a few trips shopping you'll have a healthy and consistent pantry. I'll keep some Amy's vegan burritos or cans of chili around in case I'm in a hurry also. You can also save yourself some money buy making some of your own items. For example, Veganese. If you already have the soy milk you can use just a few other items that you probably already have and make your own. A good recipe is:

http://vegetarian.about.com/od/saucesdipsspreads/r/veganmayo.htm

Cook a few cups of beans at a time and put them away. It's not that hard to heat something up as you need it and beans are cheap. Same thing with rice. Try checking if you have any asian grocers in your area. You'll find a lot of different veggies there that you might not have thought of otherwise. For example: at the nearest Whole Foods (about an hour) from me, they don't have lemongrass. But the guy 10 minutes away does. It's all a journey, enjoy the ride.

Haven't really had any comments except from my wife. You have to take it all in a stride though.

Nicolina is right about other people making comments- Don't listen. Being vegan is the best thing I've ever done for myself (I've been for 2 years now). People react strangely to people who choose not to hurt animals because they aren't ready to face the facts of their choices. Anyway, when I first went vegan, I didn't know about seitan- and if you're going through a meat detox, it's the greatest. If your grocer doesn't carry it (mine doesn't- I live in rural PA)- google it and you can make it out of wheat protien. WHen I was new to being vegan, I relied on foods that I likes already- stir fry, burritos, soups, oatmeal- those were my staples. Once you go through the initial change, you're going to LOVE being vegan!!!

Hi Kelly,

Try going slow adding the fiber. Keep track of your intake and add it slowly over a few weeks unless you are ok dealing w/ the bloat till it goes away. I'm able to eat a very high fiber diet. I laugh when I hear the recommended daily intake because my daily intake is 2-3 times that on most days. Hang in there, it does get better unless something else is making you bloat.