The KInd Life Community Forum
Use this space to share stories, exchange ideas, ask questions, and contribute to our growing community!
Afraid to gain weight!
Started
by Jeanne Royer
on November 10, 2009
HI!I have been practicing a high protein, low calorie, diet for almost two years and have lost weight successfully. However, I have never 'loved' this diet... I was never a big meat eater and it was a struggle to live this way. I used mostly protein shakes to get through. The kind diet makes so much more sense and fits with how I would naturally be inclined to eat however now I am so afraid of gaining weight on the carbs that I am afraid to commit! I have tried it for a few days but find myself very 'puffy' in the middle.... and the middle is where I need to lose my weight! I have never been able to achieve my ideal weight and body despite small successes along the way and now at '40' I am craving a life change rather than a new diet! I have watched and respected Alicia for years and the book as reaffirmed what I know in my heart is right for me but I find these fears of weight gain a real wall to break through. Has anyone else experienced this? Changed from high protein to vegan? I am inclined to start out superhero but I can't get some of the items from the book locally so until I can get them ordered I'm just trying to keep it simple and do what makes sense for now. Does anyone have a meal plan with ingredients more easily found at a Publix :)Thanks!
I am like you and ate a ton of protein and very little carbs. My daily diet was basically chicken, with veggies and proteins shakes. On this diet I was always tired and found that I craved things alot. I have been vegan for abot two weeks and have actually lost weight. I feel satisfied, do not crave sweets and find that all the fiber really feels me up so I actually eat less. I totally recommend you just try it for a couple weeks. I think you will be much happier.
Hi Jeanne. I've read on other forums that its typical for the body to be a little bit bloated when you switch from high protein to the kind diet as the carbs and whole foods are more likely to make you retain water at least at first. As your body detoxes though you should stop retaining water.
Personally, i have always struggled with my weight, and i have found that my weight isn't changing drastically since moving from a traditional diet to the kind diet. I have lost two pounds in two weeks. which i am happy about, but i am just not seeing any drastic weight loss, or gain thank goodness.
Maybe it would help you to do more protein at first and really measure out your grains? A cup of rice, or a cup of another grain is enough for each meal, and try to eat more vegetables and beans. Brown rice should be easy to find at Publix, as is straight up beans, lentils, etc. Most nights I don't have time to make a complicated meal, so I make on of the vegetable dishes and then have some beans and rice with seasoning on them. I find I am eating less because i am fuller. I am also trying to stay away from dried fruit like raisins, because i tend to overeat those. Good luck!
I lost a lot of weight and I ate a higher protein diet but was very happy when I switched to a vegan diet. I didn't gain weight but unfortunately I didn't lose weight either. If The Kind Diet doesn't work for you, Eat to Live is a pretty good plan as well to follow for vegans trying to lose weight.
I as well have ate a not really high protein but low carb with protein at every meal and protein shakes with fruit as snacks. I too have been afraid of gaining weight so I'm gradually switching over by doing more tempeh, tofu, beans, and seitan in place of my usual turkey, chicken etc... I think if ur scared maybe doing it gradually will let u see how ur bodys going to react. So far I feel great. i ate millet for the first time the other night and loved it with grilled tofu. I also have been doing brown rice with black soy beans and a big salad for dinner alot. I don't miss the meat at all and I hope to be meat free in a few weeks.
Jeanne, I think the key is balance and moderation. So many people who decide to go vegan supplement the loss of protein with carbs, and if weight loss or weight management is what you seek, that kind of supplementation definitely won't do the trick.
My suggestion is to eat 5-6 small meals a day with balanced nutrition. Make sure when you're eating carbs, you're eating whole grains, or complex carbohydrates, and you're also getting a good mix of proteins from beans, nuts, and leafy greens and soy if you choose to do so. The feeling of being "puffy" in the middle may be your body's initial response to the dietary change (it may even be a little gas from the fruits and veggies which will subside once your body gets used to them), but once you get everything worked out and balance back in your diet everything will fall into place.
If you're looking for meal plan ideas I suggest going to www.vegetariantimes.com where they have literally THOUSANDS of recipe ideas, many of which can be made vegan by switching out olive oil for butter etc... But planning your meals is necessary and something that will help you stay on track.
You'll notice your energy increase and you'll just feel better all around so stick with it! You've made exactly the right decision!
~j
Thank you all!!! This is so helpful and encouraging! I'm excited to try your suggestions and will update with future results!
I am afraid to gain weight too, but it sounds like those in the "know" are encouraging so, best of luck to you. I look forward to your updates and will be thinking positively about the changes for both of us. :)
Hi Jeanne!
I've lost 65lbs since going vegan - but it wasn't just because I went vegan that I lost the weight, I also made the choice to not only change what I was eating, but how I was eating.
You can be vegan and gorge yourself on soda, oreos, french fries, vegan mac & cheese and cupcakes...but you're not going to be losing weight on a diet like that :P Even some vegan foods that are good for you can be high in calories and if you eat too much, you'll also gain weight.
Like Jenni mentioned above, moderation and balance is the key.
If you do some research on portion size and learn how to balance your plate, that's half the battle. I usually follow this method - Cut your plate in half. One half should be veggies. Then cut the other half in half. 1/4 should be protein (beans, tofu, etc) and the other 1/4 should be complex carbs (brown rice, whole wheat pasta, etc.)
Thanks Tracie... the portion sizes on the plate is so helpful! I try to also write down what I eat when I eat it and it helps to make me more aware and mindful especially when it comes to the 'easy foods'... they can really add up if you aren't careful!So far so good and I'm feeling great!
14 Comments