Yogini--

I was a vegetarian (lacto-ovo) for 8 years, and try to cook from scratch as much as I can. When I can't, I try to make choices that are still "as close to grown as possible"--ie, fresh bread from a bakery, instead of from the grocery store. Things in boxes in my cupboard are DH's cereal (Kashi), oatmeal, and tea. I also buy whole-wheat pasta...I'm not going to try making pasta! :lol: All of our foods are "color free" (no artificial colors) because DH is sensitive to them. I try to be very very careful with sugar, too.

I began eating meat again about 2 years ago, and I have to admit that I feel much, much better and stronger now. I lift weights heavily and have for many years, and I just couldn't get enough protein for my muscles without additional carbs, eating only plant proteins (I don't like eggs THAT much!). Eating meat again, for me, was the right choice.

That is not to say that I disagree with your choices, or I'm arguing in any way! What I'm trying to say is that I've been on both sides--eating much like you, and eating meat (but with the same other limitations). People don't have to eat the exact same thing that you eat to support you. Some threads die quick, some threads people have a lot to say. You just have to keep talking. :) It's not your choices--those are personal, and individual! Don't get discouraged, just keep contributing. :)

I have been reading this thread and I have learned so great things! I am not eating vegan but I try and eat whole foods and healthy. The only thing I see to watch for are those Fat Free Dressings. They usually have High Fructose Corn Syrup in them and if you're eating them often, that could be contributing to slow weight loss. Just thought I'd toss that in there since you're diet sounds way healthy in every other way!

Connie

Yogini, Welcome to the group. I second what Liz said about how everyone is on a different plan. While we are all on different plans that are as unique as our personalities, we all have the same final goal. To become healthier. I am not a vegetarian by any stretch of the imagination, so I can not offer advice in that direction, I can offer support when you hit a wall, or just as a listening post. This group is wonderful in terms of support.

If you've felt that you didn't fit in other places I am certain you will find yourself right at home here. I struggled for a while to find a niche too. Once I'd lost a decent amount of weight I didn't have quite as much in common (in terms of weight loss) with those at the beginning of their journeys but I couldn't relate to those who were maintaining just yet either. I read the threads of the 100lb club for sometime but hestiated to jump in since I didn't have quite 100 pounds to lose. But, after spending some time here I realized that it offered the support, experience, and advice that I needed to reach my ultimate goal and so I made my first post. There is such a variety of personalities, plans, struggles, ideas, etc. that not a day goes by that there isn't SOMETHING posted that I relate to and appreciate. I learn something new every single day!

jawsmom - 79 lbs lost! holy cow! that's awesome!!! do you have any before after pics?

Thanks, Dana! I have looked and looked and I don't have any before pictures. I always ran from the camera and if I was forced into a picture I made sure somebody or something was in front of me! I do feel a lot better, that is for sure.

And, hey, 18 pounds is nothing to sneeze at. I bet you feel better already too!

It sounds like you have a great plan. I always admire vegetarians/vegans because to me that is the ultimate in eating discipline. Plus the planning and preparation that goes into it, WOW.

My stepson wants to see what it's like to eat as a vegetarian and I told him one of these weekends we would give it a whirl.

question: I've been doing some research online about vitamin B12 (I don't near enough) and noticed that vegetarians have a hard time with this too. Do you at all take a supplement?

Hi Yogini - I'm sorry you're feeling a little left out. As everyone else has pointed out your plan is excellent. I'm not following you're diet/eating plan (I can't live without meat) but I sure do know what it feels like to struggle and have to lose 100 pounds. We're all here to support and help each other. Keep right on posting!

~Dee

As far as the struggles I have...I LOVE to eat! Sure, I eat healthy food but I just eat too mcuh of it and at the wrong times (I have odd hours so I could easily eat a full dinner when most are going to sleep).

I have discovered I am an emotional eater...eat when happy, sad, angry, frustrated...you know the drill :( I have been doing a great job of controlling it lately but I am always wanting to eat more. :^: I am really soul-searching and looking to the roots of all of this.

Thanks for your input and support!...I will be looking to see about an OA meeting nearby :) and you are right- we are all in this together, regardless of how we get there, we all are on our way!

Yes, B-12 is the only nutrient not "naturally" supplied by a vegan diet. I take a sublingual tablet. However, deficiency is common amongst omnis and we all need to be sure we get enough!

It IS very diciplined (now if I could jsut put the fork down :lol: ).

That is so cool that he's interested and you are open to trying it out for him! Let me know if you'd like any ideas :)

Newfiedarling, Jawsmom, Howie, Charbar, Mousie, ChocLabLover, BarbyGirl, Scale Challenged and all the others here, thank you all so much for your very valid points and support.

I will post more and keep at it and it helps knowing you all are here with me. I really appreciate the warmth and wisdom you all share so freely!

Charbar, I'll get to your question as to why I am vegan when I have a bit more time...I am off to teach a yoga class (which is a good thing because it keeps me from eating, :lol: ).