Anyone on a pant-based/vegan diet for health reasons?

[VillainV]

I have a few friends that have recently switched to some variations of raw/whole/plant-based/vegan diets for health reasons, and many have observed some pretty amazing health benefits from improved digestion and blood sugar (ie: no longer pre-diabetic) to improved mental health (able to go off anti-anxiety meds/anti-depressants), to weight loss or improved body composition. Many of these people are completely sane, non-fanatical, normal people, so when they rave about health benefits it gets my attention.

My H and I have had a range of health issues pop up, including weight, sleep apnea, digestive problems, anxiety/depression, joint health, pre-diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, etc. H in particular is on a lot of different medications, and while some of the antidepressants he may be on for life, I think we both feel like we could improve our overall health.

My questions are these:

1. Has anyone switched to this kind of diet and noticed any positive or negative changes to their physical or mental health?

2. What diet do you follow and why?

3. How did you adopt this diet (gradual vs. cold-turkey), and what was the hardest part? What foods do you miss?

4. Any good books for normal people (ie:non-crazies) that could help with adopting this kind of diet?

5. Anything else I need to think about or consider?

[icedcoffee]

I have not, BUT anytime I switch to healthy eating I feel better. I don't think you necessarily have to go to the extreme of plant based which is so hard to do long term and eating out. I would personally start with clean eating.

[sugarbear]

No, because I exercise a lot and want more protein in my diet. We also avoid soy, which is really hard to do in a vegan diet. But we cleaned up our diet and removed all processed foods. We all feel much better.

[lilafowler]

I’m giggling at “pant based” diet.

[VillainV]

Apr 14, 2018 9:03:54 GMT -5 lilafowler said:

I’m giggling at “pant based” diet.

Ha! iPad typing fail.

[dreamcrisp1]

I eat a mostly plant based diet. I am pescetarian. I switched recently because I’ve always wanted to do and finally decided to take the plunge. I did it cold turkey but I also never really ate a lot of meat, especially in the last 1-2 years. Mostly chicken so that is hard but it’s not impossible.

It hasn’t been long but my body does feel better. I did eat very heathy before but your body just feels better when it’s getting healthy food and not processed food. I hate salads so it’s been hard figuring out meals but Pinterest has everything. We have a plant based ahop down the street that specializes in plant based food that’s similar to meat. Yam chops, etc. Yay for living in a hipster city! That helps.

The only dairy I eat is cheese. I stopped eating all other dairy years ago. I use coconut milk. Dairy makes me sick and makes my body feel terrible. I get sooo bloated from it.

[penguingrrl]

My sister does this and feels great. I’m not sure if she follows a set out diet plan so to speak. But she always hated dairy and now eats very little meat very infrequently. They don’t cook meat at home but will occasionally eat it out. They’re stricter about avoiding processed food, and making vegetables the primary focus of their plate.
She’s been doing it for 3 years and maintained a very healthy pregnancy through it (and avoided PIH/borderline pre-e despite having had that with her first). She also spends all summer doing triathlons and has found that her performance has improved quite a bit since changing her diet. She’s a medical student and generally suspicious of fad diets, but feels that this is evidence and science based, which is fair since humans didn’t have access to a steady stream of meat for their diet until the past half century.

H and I are working towards this and I do feel healthier. I still eat some dairy because I can’t live without occasional cheese, but he went cold turkey on dairy and feels great.

[isabel]

I agree with those that said cutting out processed food makes the biggest difference. If you're eating a fair amount of processed foods (basically anything that isn't meat, vegetable, fruit, or plain grains), you might try working on that first. I personally see a massive difference when I cut out processed foods. Better energy, more even temperament, my body feels less sluggish and like it's just performing better.

I'm not the type of person who will ever cut meat/fish though, so grain of salt and all.

[wambam]

I tried for about two months last winter. I was already feeling healthy but I wanted to try for more environmental reasons. My body did not react well. I smelled so bad that my H asked me with no jest of something died in my car. It was a worthy experiment, but don’t beat yourself up if it doesn’t work out. More fruits and vegetables and less sugar and processed foods is great, no matter what the framework is.

[cabbagecabbage]

I’m considering it due to my janky hormones, matbe plant based with occasional meat. I was pescatarian for a few years but kept myself chubby on fresh mozzarella, pasta, and booze. I could give up dairy pretty easily now but my main concern is also soy. I ate a lot of tofu in those days and now I try and avoid soy for hormonal reasons.

I’m meeting with a new doctor who’s an internist and a vegetarian and I’m going to ask her some questions.

[VillainV]

Apr 14, 2018 10:09:51 GMT -5 wambam said:

I tried for about two months last winter. I was already feeling healthy but I wanted to try for more environmental reasons. My body did not react well. I smelled so bad that my H asked me with no jest of something died in my car. It was a worthy experiment, but don’t beat yourself up if it doesn’t work out. More fruits and vegetables and less sugar and processed foods is great, no matter what the framework is.

I feel like every time I try to add more fruits and veggies to my diet, I have a similar result. I don’t know if I just need to give my body more time to adjust, or if I’m picking the wrong food to try to transition...maybe if I added in probiotics?

[runwny]

Yes, I’ve had excellent and amazing results in the past.

However, I feel like diets are all a matter of trial-and-error. For instance lentils are plant-based but cause major bloating for me so those are out. I’m not a fan of soy or other odd substitutes so I mostly would just stick to fruits, vegetables, nuts, and brown rice (I don’t really care for wheat pasta or oats/oatmeal - trying to also limit grains). We use a lot of spices so I don’t feel deprived or anything.

Lately I’ve being trying paleo but eggs are making me sick to my stomach so I think I’m just going to go back to my version of a plant-based diet.

I think it’s worth a try and I’d suggest playing around to see what works best for you and your stomach.

[kellykapowski]

Honestly I’m not eating a vegan or plant based diet. But I actually have recently gone into a pant based existence. So, I’m answering even though you didn’t mean to ask this. I decided after years of swearing by dresses and heels, I’m over it. Pants are comfier, heels are stupid, and I’m just gonna accept the pant life.

If you have any pant related questions, holler.

Oh! I have been eating more fruits and veggies lately because I’m nursing still and dd is allergic to dairy and eggs. I have a LOT of gas because of it. A lot. It’s painful and just as dumb as heels.

Anyway, I’m not helpful. Carry on!

[goldengirlz]

Due to a health reason, I’ve been experimenting (on the advice of my doctor) with cutting gluten, sugar and soy. I’m already a vegetarian.

The hardest part is when you don’t have control of the menu, i.e. if you’re traveling (like stuck in an airport) or you go to a business event and the choices are chicken or pasta. Or if you’re at a party and spread is wings, pizza and cake.

You always have to carry food because there will be situations where you will not be able to eat anything provided. And that can be not only logistically challenging but awkward in social/professional settings.

I also don’t really feel any different and I haven’t lost weight.

[sonrisa]

Apr 14, 2018 9:03:54 GMT -5 lilafowler said:

I’m giggling at “pant based” diet.

'These pants aren't fitting right. Diet time!'

[VillainV]

Apr 14, 2018 11:31:28 GMT -5 kellykapowski said:

Honestly I’m not eating a vegan or plant based diet. But I actually have recently gone into a pant based existence. So, I’m answering even though you didn’t mean to ask this. I decided after years of swearing by dresses and heels, I’m over it. Pants are comfier, heels are stupid, and I’m just gonna accept the pant life.

If you have any pant related questions, holler.

Oh! I have been eating more fruits and veggies lately because I’m nursing still and dd is allergic to dairy and eggs. I have a LOT of gas because of it. A lot. It’s painful and just as dumb as heels.

Anyway, I’m not helpful. Carry on!

I’m totally all for pants — the stretchier the better!!!

[doctoranda]

1. I felt like I had more energy.

2. Lacto-ovo vegetarian - as I read about oncologists suggesting that this might be better than eating meat & better for environment & animal welfare. The latter over time became prime for me.

3. Cold turkey. The first weeks were hard because I had horrible gas that was also super stinky otherwise it wasn't hard. In the beginning I would miss pate and prosciutto-type meats but after a few years I didn't miss those things anymore.

4. Mediterranean Vegetarian Feasts; The Vegan Table; www.forksoverknives.com - pinterest has great veg recipes too! Also if you love a particular dish and you type vegetarian .... (insert dish) into google you will most likely find a veg version for it.

5. It is easier if you enjoy cooking and like to try out new recipes. Also, it helps if you enjoy different vegetables. A lot of Asian cuisines and Mediterranean recipes are vegetarian friendly. Roasting or BBQ-ing (in a little basket) vegetables with some olive oil and garlic + whatever else spices you like is great for easy eats. Almost every restaurant is willing to hold the meat (and cheese) on whatever menu items. Also there are some vegetables that have a ton of protein and so do nuts and seeds so do not worry too much about the protein you don't have to eat soy. If you exercise a lot you can look at: www.nomeatathlete.com/

Good luck!

[averyjessup]

I went vegan (except a load of people I know have rescued battery hens who do lay eggs, and I eat those) in October and as far as how I feel, I love it, but holy shit does it take a lot of effort as far as planning meals and cooking. But I lost a lot of weight almost immediately and have loads of energy, sadly the one thing that I didn’t see an improvement in was hormones, but oh well. And full disclosure, occasionally I get drunk and eat cheese and twice I’ve eaten beef from a local farm.

[namasteak]

underwaterrhymes Didn’t your family try veganism a few years ago?

[underwaterrhymes]

Apr 14, 2018 16:07:20 GMT -5 namasteak said:

underwaterrhymes Didn’t your family try veganism a few years ago?

I was! But no one else in the family, which is why I’m not anymore. It’s too hard and expensive for me to cook multiple meals because my kids subsist on chicken nuggets, pizza, and air.

But I LOVE eating vegan and do it as often as I can. One day I hope to get back into it more fully.

[VillainV]

Apr 14, 2018 16:25:44 GMT -5 underwaterrhymes said:

Apr 14, 2018 16:07:20 GMT -5 namasteak said:

underwaterrhymes Didn’t your family try veganism a few years ago?

I was! But no one else in the family, which is why I’m not anymore. It’s too hard and expensive for me to cook multiple meals because my kids subsist on chicken nuggets, pizza, and air.

But I LOVE eating vegan and do it as often as I can. One day I hope to get back into it more fully.

This is one of the reasons I’m reluctant...

[underwaterrhymes]

Apr 14, 2018 16:30:02 GMT -5 VillainV said:

Apr 14, 2018 16:25:44 GMT -5 underwaterrhymes said:

I was! But no one else in the family, which is why I’m not anymore. It’s too hard and expensive for me to cook multiple meals because my kids subsist on chicken nuggets, pizza, and air.

But I LOVE eating vegan and do it as often as I can. One day I hope to get back into it more fully.

This is one of the reasons I’m reluctant...

I advise easing into it.

Cook a few vegan meals and find ones you love. Even that makes a huge difference in the way I feel, and it has an effect on the environment too.

I can recommend a ton of different blogs, cook books, and recipes if you’d like.

This one was a big hit with H and my youngest:

veganyackattack.com/2016/12/27/savory-tomato-cobbler/

[underwaterrhymes]

Oh, and to address more of your questions:

I cut out beef and pork in 2009. I don’t miss it and I won’t ever eat either again. (I miss bacon in the abstract, but not enough to eat it.) Beyond Meat makes outstanding vegetarian burgers that remind me so much of hamburgers I don’t miss those at all. And there are really good vegetarian sausages too.

Three months after that, I cut out chicken. Then three months after that, fish. I added seafood back in because I missed it and H was struggling with a vegetarian diet.

I added poultry back in 2014 as it was easier to cook for a family of 3. Since then I’ve occasionally been vegetarian or vegan, but I keep coming back to the ease of poultry. I feel great either way.

I will say right now I’m the healthiest I’ve ever been on a diet that consists of lots of fruits and veggies, whole grains, Greek yogurt, and poultry and seafood. I try to cook at least three vegetarian or vegan meals a week and avoid processed foods. (Although today I had two salted dark chocolate caramel squares.)

I think, though, any steps you make to eat less red meat, more local and fresh foods, and lots of veggies and fruits, will benefit you from a health perspective, and the planet too.

[HRH Queen Dick I, Orphan]

I notice that pantsparty has studiously avoided this thread.

[Chuppathingy]

Apr 14, 2018 8:34:39 GMT -5 VillainV said:

I have a few friends that have recently switched to some variations of raw/whole/plant-based/vegan diets for health reasons, and many have observed some pretty amazing health benefits from improved digestion and blood sugar (ie: no longer pre-diabetic) to improved mental health (able to go off anti-anxiety meds/anti-depressants), to weight loss or improved body composition. Many of these people are completely sane, non-fanatical, normal people, so when they rave about health benefits it gets my attention.

My H and I have had a range of health issues pop up, including weight, sleep apnea, digestive problems, anxiety/depression, joint health, pre-diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, etc. H in particular is on a lot of different medications, and while some of the antidepressants he may be on for life, I think we both feel like we could improve our overall health.

My questions are these:

1. Has anyone switched to this kind of diet and noticed any positive or negative changes to their physical or mental health?

2. What diet do you follow and why?

3. How did you adopt this diet (gradual vs. cold-turkey), and what was the hardest part? What foods do you miss?

4. Any good books for normal people (ie:non-crazies) that could help with adopting this kind of diet?

5. Anything else I need to think about or consider?

I went vegetarian about 2 years ago on the advice of my doctor. His reasoning was that, with the severity of my endometriosis and ovarian cysts, it would help to keep my levels of estrogen in check. I didn't know this prior to changing my diet, but the prevalence of soy feed means eating animal products can really raise your estrogen levels.

I didn't go fully vegan because I am fatally allergic to peanuts and all tree nuts, and I can't rely on soy for my protein because it contains so much estrogen. Instead I severely limit my egg and dairy intake to 1 serving of either, but not both, per day and buy specifically grass fed brands.

I had to go cold-turkey to make the switch but got used to it after about a month and still don't miss meat. The thing I actually miss is being able to drink my coffee with milk, but I've gotten used to black iced coffee with a little raw sugar.

Because I need to stick to grass fed egg and dairy products, the hardest part is grocery shopping. I'm lucky to live in an area with a lot of options, but I honestly think it would be easier to find options if I was able to go full vegan sometimes. I need to go to multiple stores every week and just tightly since grass fed equals expensive in my experience.

I have noticed a lot of positive changes. In the 1st year I went down 3 sizes from a 22 to a 16. That was before I joined Weight Watchers and started exercising so I attribute it pretty much entirely to the diet change. I even went down a shoe size. Now I'm doing Weight Watchers and exercising as well, and I find it's a lot easier to feel full with out going over points this time than it was when I was on the program in college, though it's been so long that I can't be sure it's the first change. I'm not sure about mental health affects, but I think I do have more energy.

Unfortunately, I don't know of any books I can recommend. If you want me to I'd be happy to PM you my favorite recipes to help you start though.

[underwaterrhymes]

Books I enjoyed;

The China Study
The Omnivore’s Dilemma
Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows
Eating Animals

Recipe books I love:

Moosewood Restaurant Cookbook
Any of the Oh She Glows cookbooks
Issa Does It
Thug Kitchen (although I hate the name)

[underwaterrhymes]

Vegan Dad is a great website although I’m not sure he updates it frequently anymore.

Oh she Glows is awesome.

I also loved Vegetarian Lunchbox. She doesn’t update anymore and didn’t really post recipes, but you can get a LOT of ideas for what to eat. Plus, her H wasn’t a vegetarian, so it was helpful to me in ways to live as a vegetarian in a non-vegetarian household.

Also Minimalist Baker and Oh My Veggies.

[pantsparty]

Apr 14, 2018 17:54:24 GMT -5 HRH Queen Dick I, Orphan said:

I notice that pantsparty has studiously avoided this thread.

I can't condone cannibalism.

[namasteak]

Costco carries pastures eggs for $3.75/dozen! That’s about $2 cheaper than I’ve seen anywhere else.

[namasteak]

Veganomicon is a great book.