Maybe you’ve put on a few pounds and want to see if going vegetarian part time will help you pare down a bit, or have just decided that you want to be healthier.
Whatever your reason, you might want to take this in stages and get rid of the junk food first, before you go veggie. Why? In my opinion, if veganism isn’t quite for you and you’re one of those folks who needs “just a little meat” to feel satisfied, you might end up reaching for the chips to help take care of increased hunger pangs. And it’s also often true (as it was in my case) that even if being vegetarian *is* for you, you’ll feel “hungrier” at first on a vegetarian diet than you do on one with some meat in it. In that case, it’s not really true that you feel “hungrier,” only that it’s a lighter way of eating and that feeling full feels different as a veggie than it does as a meat eater. Until you get used to it, though, you’ll likely be eating more, so it should be healthy food and not junk.
Finally, junk just isn’t good for anyone no matter how you slice it, whether you’re a veggie or a meat eater. Occasional sweets, or chips and soda, are fine as treats once in awhile, but more and more Americans are eating them in vast quantities. (And yep, veggies, that goes for soy ice cream, too. It’s as “bad” for you and as high in sugar/refined carbs and fat as the real stuff, the only difference being the dairy vs. soy base, so moderation is still the key, just like with the non-veggie stuff. Terribly disappointing, I know. ;-) )
While it’s true that going vegan or vegetarian likely lowers your overall calorie intake and increases your fiber intake so that you can probably “get away” with cheating on junk food or refined carbohydrates more than you would otherwise, it’s still not a good idea to do so a lot. Health is the key either way, so drop the junk. You’ll feel better for it, whether you decide being veggie is ultimately for you or not.
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Another great post, Kim. Just last night, Brian and I were talking about how surprised he was that had actually GAINED as opposed to lost weight, since cutting out meat and poultry. I'm sure it has to do with the fact that I have been indulging in more bread and cheese than I did when I ate meat. Also, I have eaten out more in general since falling in love (love pounds!) and haven't been exercising regularly like I used to.
ReplyDeleteYour post also makes me laugh at articles that I've read in publications like Veg News that insists all vegetarians are lean paragons of health. When one of the most popular vegan cookies are well over 400 calories EACH, it's clear that non-animal derived junk is still junk and can still lead to weight gain.
I've done Weight Watchers for over 2 years now and . Weight Watchers taught me how to notice and change very ingrained patterns so it helps with cutting out meat. But, an adjustment still takes time. As I continue to refocus on eating well and moving more, I'm sure I'll have my "vegetarian weight loss" then! :)
Thanks, Joselle. Congrats on the overall weight loss with Weight Watchers. It doesn't surprise me a bit that you've gained a little with your intro to veganism. You're right that you'll lose it as you adjust. And if you need to go back to eating a little meat, you'll probably lose some then, too, since I think folks who need a little meat probably overeat sometimes to try and satisfy that urge if they're trying to go completely vegan and it's not right for them. :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas and yes I agree give up the junk! Love your blog by the way, keep up the great posts! My Vegan Blog
ReplyDeleteThanks, Audio! You have a great site; love the chocolate pudding one. :-)
ReplyDeleteI have found that the less I have things the more I am used to not having them and less I crave them. Fortunately, I have always loved fruits and veggies. I didn't realize I had weight to lose but I've been satisfied and still lost about 7 pounds! (It hasn't even been a month yet since I went veg).
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the weight loss, ChrissyJo. It's pretty easy on a vegan diet, isn't it? I find, too, that if I actually eat junk food like chips or lots of white flour, at first I find it very salty, have indigestion, etc., but if I eat it for a couple of days, I start to crave it. So it doesn't take much! But if I stay away from it, I don't even miss it.
ReplyDeleteafter reading skinny bitch I realised vegan was the only way to go to actually feel good about yourself. but you're right, even being vegan or vegeterian you can still end up gaining weight. I find alcohol the hardest to get rid off :)
ReplyDeleteGreat article, I wish there are more people realise this. I have been a vegetarian for almost 3 years now, and at the beginning so many friens of mine were telling me that I would get into serious health problems, well I would agree with them, if I were only eating cookies and chips
ReplyDeleteThat's true, Dawei! Good for you on being a vegetarian. I don't think most people realize that "most" vegetarians (not all, most) are also pretty health conscious, and our diets in general are more mindful and therefore healthy. I know I'm aware of every single thing I put in my mouth!
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