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Ready for a change

Started by Leigh on January 30, 2011
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Leigh said #1 Jan 30, 2011 at 2:02pm

Hello everyone, I am Haleigh and I live in northern California. I am now 20 years old and was diagnosed with depression and anxiety when I was 14. I have been on antidepressants since then but my depression has not really gone away. I have been slowly stopping the medicating because I do not believe it is making me better. When I read about Alicia's book I felt a connection because I want to do this for my health, my future, and my love for animals. I am moving out on my own at the end of the month and I hope to surround myself with vegan foods and healthy choices. I am ready for a change to hopefully minimize my depression and make life happy again.


I have a couple questions if anyone could answer for me I would really appreciate it!


1. Can the foods in the book like Miso soup be prepared ahead of time for the entire week?


2. If so, how should I store it? (Plastic containers, glass containers?)


3. How should I reheat it? (Is a microwave recommended or reheating over the stove?)


4. Alicia mentions taking a B12 supplement. Is this necessary? If so, does it come in pill form? Do you take it daily?


Thanks so much for taking the time to read this and answer!


Haleigh

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Hazel said #2 Jan 30, 2011 at 2:26pm

Leigh -


1. Many can be prepared ahead of time, though I try not to keep leftovers for more than three days. Miso is best if you just make a big pot of veggie soup, or whatever you're adding it to, and add it one bowl at a time, remembering not to boil the miso.


2. I would recommned glass over plastic containers


3. I would also reheat on a stove, as there are negative theories about microwaving food.


4. Alicia suggested, and most would suggest, taking the sublingual form, any health food store should carry it. For most people, taking it a couple of times a week should be sufficient.


Also, I hope you are not reducing your medication without medical guidance? Good luck to you. I hope the diet change helps with your depression and anxiety.

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Leigh said #3 Jan 30, 2011 at 4:12pm

Thank you for your response! I would just like to clear up that I am NOT reducing my medication on my own. I see a psychiatrist who prescribed the medications and is monitoring my reduction carefully.

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theplant rx said #4 Jan 31, 2011 at 11:47am

Hi, Leigh-


Welcome and Congrats on your decision to take control of your life. Positive changes await you! I am a physician who advocates a plant-based (vegan) diet. Thus, I am going to answer questions from a medical perspective. ( I should be clear though I am not providing medical treatment nor is this a substitute for consulting with your own physician -- sorry t=for having to say that, but I'm sure you understand smiley-smile.gif).


1. I agree with Hazel, although I will add I always make extra and freeze it in individually portioned containers so that when I don't have time to cook I can thaw something and it without a lot of work. Now that being said, you are probably fine for longer with air tight containers but I operate on the premise better safe than sorry.


2. I like glass for foods that are not going to be in the fridge any longer than 2 days or so. Ay longer I use air tight plastic ones. Of course, one should always consider the environmental implications - I am looking at it from a health perspective.


3. Stove is always best, although I don't think microwave is bad.


4. It depends on how balanced your diet is whether supplementing is "necessary" or not. That being said, I tend to err on the side of caution. I agree with Hazel and Alicia, sublingual is great but inhalation forms and injections are good too. :)


Hope this helps! Best wishes and Kindest Regards, Jenna (www.theplantrx.com)



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