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weight gain?
Started
by fefita
on May 17, 2012
I really love my diet and some of my health problems have improved...but I have gained weight since cutting out dairy (I was already vegetarian). I am not sure why (maybe higher fat/calorie content in some dairy replacement, eg almond milk over skim milk or coconut milk yogurt over lowfat stonyfield yogurt?) and am looking for tips to lose the weight and avoid this in the future. Thanks!
I have a simlilar problem. I was on a mostly meat and cheese diet for years and could lose 2 lbs a week with 1500 calories when I needed to. I again need to shed about 15 lbs., but now that my diet is plant based I can eat 1000 calories and nothing happens. I think it's the carbohydrates, mostly in fruit juice in veggie smoothies that I drink daily??? I try to cut the carbs but it's hard with plants. I am going to try the veggie smoothie without fruit juice, or with as little as possible, but it may be harder to get down without it. I think I'd rather keep my extra 15 pounds and be vegan but ideally I want both. If I actually gain weight at this low of a calorie intake then I will be very sad, not to mention hungry.
Marlies opinion:
In the midst of hoping to lose weight I would first suggest to cut out the yogurt for a while. Almond milk(unsweetened) is good, but try only 3/4 cup-ish a day, Or less?.. Maybe put some in a healthy smoothie with some fruit. But don't have anymore.
If lunch consists of a grain (brown rice, quinoa, millet) plus some beans and some veggies with no Bad toppings and supper consists of those same types of things... You really should be losing weight. A green smoothie for supper is awesome... Throw in some kale, carrots, little bit of OJ, pineaple, green grapes, frozen mango and some ice cubes=super good.. I know this diet does't really recommend tropical fuits, but i love them. I was having a fruit smoothie with oats, flax/chia/hemp seeds in it and a green smoothie for supper everyday for a long time... I lost 10 lbs without trying. my snacks in between meals consisted of a few almonds and/or a homemade healthy cookie. Add a little bit of exercise and you should be all good! If you do the 2 smoothies-a-day thing just make sure you're still getting enough protein.. (there are some good vegan protein powders)
I also take flaxseed oil, B12 and vitamin D.
Once you've lost the weight you should be able to eat normal as long as you're focusing on healthy things; veggies, grains, healthy proteins.. lately I've been loving Miso soup for breakfast.
Just letting you know what worked for me........... hopefully thats helpful.
Good Luck !
I add coconut water to my morning green smoothies. It helps reduce the fat intake and it is very hydrating :) Try that substitute!
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