Resources and Information for New Vegetarians/Vegans

Ok folks, here is the place to put all your best tips for those considering a veg*an lifestyle.  Feel free to add links, copy and paste replies from other threads, or anything you think would be useful to a newbie. 

 

Tlcm

How do you keep on a healthy weight being vegetarian/vegan. I eat alot of whole grains but still don't gain weight and I am underweight by about 5 pounds. I have a dietician too, and I am still underweight. I struggle to keep on weight. It seems that the only thing that does keep it on is eating lots and lots of grains. I have to eat liek 14 starch to keep it on. They are mostly whole grains but once I cut the starch down the weigth starts falling off and its getting in the way of my health with my menses being scanty.

Q

Q

I've been vegetarian and at times vegan for 35 years and I've also been a registered dietitian for the past 15 yrs. My suggestions for a newcomer and also for the seasoned veg*an are: Vegetarian Resource Group (www.vrg.org) (be sure to check out their booklet, "Vegetarianism in a Nutshell"), and Vegetarian Times ( www.vegetariantimes.com ) in addition to the very best first timer's classic, "Laurel's Kitchen", which I bought in 1976 when it was in its first edition!

Pcrm.com is great too

Hey Amy:

 

My name is Maritza and I am vegetarian. I have had psoriasis since I was twelve and it has spread greatly on my scalp. I was reading about psoriasis and its relationship to gluten making it seems as though that could be a culprit. I was going to try the diet for a month taking out wheat to see if it cleared a little. My question is what would be a recommendation for a good gluten free low GI bread. I was looking at brown rice bread but the fiber content is so low. Is there any good breads that are good sources of fiber and GF. I bought one but did not realize it was made with eggs and so has added cholesterol. I was using the Ezekiel bread and love it but it has gluten. Is brown rice bread low glycemic and is this a good nutritional supplement?I hate gluten free but I will do anything to try to diminish my psoriasis.Thanks

 

-Maritza

You might look in to spelt or millet flour breads as well. They should be gluten free.

To add weight, you might consider some more starchy vegetables... Potatoes, sweet potatoes, winter squashes, etc. But unless you feel bad, I see no reason to worry about your weight. 5 lbs under doesn't seem like a huge issue.

Take a look at Dr. McDougall

www.drmcdougall.com

He may have some specific suggestions for skin problems. Totally vegan.

I am finding that me protein is always low. I am 2/3 raw and don't want to add fish to my diet. What r my options for building up my protein?

Well, you really only need 0.8g of protein per 1kg of normal bodyweight daily.

Beans, rice and potatoes are excellent sources of protein. Yes, they aren't the best raw, but you said you are only 2/3 raw. So these should suffice.

Lppoiuytrewewqa

Poipo

Anybody mention Engine 32?

I'm a lacto-vegetarian, no meat of any kind or eggs. The best advice I have received is to make sure you get plenty of protein from other sources and complex carbohydrates. One of the best sources of protein that I've found for someone still eating dairy is greek yogurt. It has two to three times the protein of regular yogurt. It is an acquired taste and texture, but if I can learn to love it I'm convinced anyone can!

I guess imma pescatarian vegan... Not by choice. My mom will only buy soy products if I at least eat fish. I don't eat anything else though:P I love dr campbells research, and forks over knives is my favorite documentary:)

I guess imma pescatarian vegan... Not by choice. My mom will only buy soy products if I at least eat fish. I don't eat anything else though:P I love dr campbells research, and forks over knives is my favorite documentary:)

L

Watch FORKS OVER KNIVES.

Original Post by choopie:

Any other wheat/gluten free vegans out there?

I'm looking for a cookbook/and or recipe ideas.

Hi! I'm working towards being a vegan gluten/wheat free gal- I have just discovered this magazine and website with some good recipes: www.livingwithout.com

I plan on getting a subscription asap! I use a lot of brown rice replacements for normal vegan/vegetarian recipes as well. Whole Foods is awesome for that!

Original Post by raheku7:

I am finding that me protein is always low. I am 2/3 raw and don't want to add fish to my diet. What r my options for building up my protein?

Raw Protein powder from Whole Foods- tastes good, is made from sprouts and is vegan! :)