The KInd Life Community Forum
Use this space to share stories, exchange ideas, ask questions, and contribute to our growing community!
How to do this and keep my abs?
Started
by Jenee Day
on December 29, 2012
Hi guys.
I'm a runner, mostly, but a year ago I cut back on that to focus on weight training. (I do eat meat.) This season I tweaked my diet and workout routine and I am seeing good results. There is one negative: my stomach is staging a revolt. I am constipated (sorry) all the time. It hurts in my back and my stomach, and recently I feel like I am having blood pressure issues. (Possibly related to the protein powder?)
I cannot LIVE if I cannot poop. lol No, but seriously. It's uncomfortable. Right now it's beyond uncomfortable, I'm not going every day, not even every couple of days.
In the past I've been able to do vegetarian for long stretches (2 yrs at longest) and vegan for short ones (4-6 months), but I always end up frustrated because on that diet my body gets 'softer'. I can't figure out how to have the tight, fit body I want AND the kind-to-my-tummy diet. I am aware of athletes like BB and Rich Roll, but I don't train all day or do "ultra" anything so what works for them won't necessarily work for me.
I need help/pointers/links, anything you have. Is it possible to have "ripped" abs and be vegan? I'm sure it is, I'm just not sure how to do it. This is the 2nd time I've felt this bad, and believe me, it is bad. I am miserable. There has to be some other way.
Thanks in advance!
If your concern/problem is protein, then I'll suggest you look into vegan protein supplements, and be sure to give your body some extra time for adjustment. Experiment with different supplements, make sure you're eating enough of the right stuff, and don't give up!
Have you tried senna tea or other natural laxatives? I've also heard magnesium supplements may help (and definitely lots of water!)
Thanks for the suggestions and replies, I appreciate them! And thanks for the links, KMM. Flightless, I ended up buying some "smooth move" tea and praise God, it worked. I am still working on phasing meat and whey powder out completely, and in the mean time I have increased my daily fruits and veggies. And water, yes, lots of water! I think I must not have been well hydrated before, and if you'd have asked me I would have said I was fine. But I've upped the water intake dramatically and seen a positive change.
Again, thanks everyone!
Jenee, I found when I got rid of Wheat, my digestion worked much more smoothly. I'm a totally plant based eater (no animal products at all) and do CrossFit upwards of 6 days a week. Wheat and Soy were my gut's bad guys. I don't use protein powders, except for once in a while "Vega" drink if I need it, but find I don't need as much protein as everyone claims. I have been Veg for a lot of years, but this is the first time I've tried massive strength training and endurance at the same time. Now I don't have 6pack abs or anything but I'm working on it. And have built more muscle in the past 3 months than I've had my whole life.
Sharing this story to say it is possible to stay strong and fit with a veg diet as well as have energy and keeping your poop flowing. The trick is to find the right foods (and wrong foods) for you. Sounds like the upping your fruits/veggies/water has helped as well as the tea. but if you need any more pointers let me know.
7 Comments