any Vegans out there? Anyone watch Vegucated?

[memyselfandcoffee]

So I am considering going Vegan. I have been a vegetarian on off and since I was 10. Currently I eat meat only when I visit my parents house about 4 times a year, I have probably eaten meat maybe 4-5 times in my own house as well. So I dont love meat and I am happy to give up. Last night I watched Vegucated- which is documentary that goes intot how awfully animals used for food are treated- its pretty horrifying

 

So I m trying to find info, like what supplements I need ie B12 and calcium ect. Can anyone point to some good books, where I might get some good info

 

I think I can manage the transition, but if there are any vegans out there,  some vegan living tips would be appreciated

 

I also need to lose weight, and wouldnt say no to more energy-- so I am wondering if going vegan will help with this.

 

I know this a grad school forum not a diet forum, but it would helpful to hear from other busy grads on how to make vegan lifestyle work? and what to expect ect.

 

I am also interested in starting a discussion on the ethics of animal consumption, or if any of you have watched vegucated

 

Many thanks, 

 

Elise

[sys88]

Deva multivitamins are great. For B12 make sure to get a sublingual. I take a Vit D2 (for winter), B12, and multi. Omega-3 sometimes. B12 is the only one that is absolutely non-negotiable. You MUST take a B12 vitamin. Even vegetarians should be taking B12 if they don't consume that much dairy (eggs have terrible bioavailability).

Eating fewer calories will help you lose weight. Some people find it easier to consume fewer calories on a vegan diet, but it's really a matter of calories in - calories out.

Learn to cook. It will make sticking to the lifestyle sooooo much easier. Crock pots make delicious food for days and are great for a busy lifestyle.

If you have any specific questions feel free to ask.

[NewGrad123]

Great post, I just wish it had more activity. I have been vegan for about 8 years now, and I love it. That being said, I also love to cook and garden. Gardening may be hard when I'm in grad school. Its something I do worry about. If I am unable to find the space, I will most likely try and join a community garden or community crops program. Growing my own food has been a wonderful meditative experience. One of the best places to look for vegan recipes and info can be found here http://www.theppk.com/

 

I have never really been into supplements, but have taken some b12 before. I was under the impression it was from a plant source. If I can find the info on it I will update this post. As far as food bills go, it will only be as expensive as you make it. On the cheap side, I usually buy 2 pound packs of organic dried beans from a local health food store for between 2 and 4$. Weekly soups are great any time of the year. It only really becomes expensive when you don't like to cook.

 

If anyone has any questions, please feel free to message me. I am not the sort to try and force my opinions on other people, but I do enjoy sharing recipes and information to anyone willing to listen!

Edited January 29, 2014 by NewGrad123

[NewGrad123]

Also wanted to throw this out there. Many vegetarians enjoy cheese and eggs. There are some alternatives available that really come close to the real thing.

 

For vegan cheese check out http://us.daiyafoods.com/    This really makes a awesome pizza and is soy free!

 

If you like eggs, try finding recipes for scrambled tofu and buy some black salt.

 

Also, it is very cheap to buy organic soybeans and a soy milk maker. Tofu making kits are readily available. If your more adventurous, grow your own soy!

[microarray]

I've been vegan for 7 years now.

 

A great resource for learning about nutrition (good for both vegans and vegetarians) is Becoming Vegan http://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Vegan-Express-Edition-Plant-based/dp/1570672954

 

While I have over 20 cookbooks, I always turn back to these two 1000 Vegan Recipes and Vegan Planet by Robin Roberton. They're complete and have so many great recipes! 

 

If you're ever concerned about nutrition and want to make sure you're on the right track, my friend Matt Ruscigno is a wonderful registered dietician who's been vegan for 17 years. http://truelovehealth.com/about/

 

He was also an author/dietician on Appetite for Reduction http://www.amazon.com/Appetite-Reduction-Filling-Low-Fat-Recipes/dp/1600940498 Since you are trying to lose weight, this may be the best place to start.

 

Really there's no secret with losing weight - count calories and work out. However, i struggle with weight myself and know how difficult this is. Best of luck to you!

 

 

As far as supplements go, I take an Omega supplement that has both epa and dha. I take Ovega http://www.amazon.com/Ovega-Non-fish-Omega-500mg/dp/B004LL7AXE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1390973986&sr=8-1&keywords=ovega

 

I also take a b-complex. I like this one by Jarrow http://www.amazon.com/Jarrow-Formulations-B-right-Complex-Capsules/dp/B0016003Z0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1390974038&sr=8-1&keywords=b+complex+vegan

 

 

I love Daiya cheese, too! Toffutti cream cheese and earth balance (butter) are 2 other favorites. There are also many great vegan ice creams and chocolates! Once you start learning how to read labels, you'll probably be surprised by how much stuff is vegan that you probably already eat.

 

In addition to the PPK here's a couple of other food blogs i like:

 

http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/

 

http://bakeanddestroy.net/recipes-2/

 

http://veganyackattack.com/

 

 

If anyone wants vegan beauty recommendations (or anything else), feel free to message me.