30Dec/101
What are good resources for a balanced vegan weight-loss diet?
I have been a vegan for about 4 years, but I am still significantly overweight. I recently joined a gym, but I need help with my eating habits. I don't eat sweets very often, but I am sure I overdo my carb intake. There are so many resources online that help plan out healthy meals, but I cannot find anything for vegan meal plans. I really need help balancing my diet. I live in a very small town, and there are no specialty stores here. Even finding tofu can be daunting. We have basic fruits and veggies (the most exotic fruit I have found at the grocer is a mango). Thank you!
December 30th, 2010 - 17:02
First: Congratulations on being vegan!
Eating carbs is the easy way out! Believe me, I know! You should try to more beans, mushrooms, whole grains, nuts, and of course fruits and vegetables. The key is to make sure you are eating enough of those things so your body is not craving vitamins…because when it does the first thing you run for is chips, bread and any other carb you can get your hands on. I find that eating fruit in the morning (as much as you need to feel satisfied) is really helpful with boosting the metabolism! You poo more too! I like eating a small amount of nuts, along with veggies and hummus, and maybe a few flaxseed chips as a snack before lunch. I also like to pop corn on the stove, and season it with nutritional yeast, salt and pepper and use vegan butter, like Earth Balance.
Check out some recipes:
http://www.simpleveganrecipes.co.uk/
If you don’t have much time (or you’re lazy like me) the best thing to do is buy frozen veggies like broccoli, avacodo, beans, medleys, corn, peppers, onions, artichoke hearts, or whatever you like; season the veggies and eat them in a wrap. I also eat vegan burgers in wraps….so good!
Good luck! Don’t give up! What you are doing is a great thing and the world could use more vegans!