So I’m into my 4th week of eating a plant-based diet. The first three weeks were pretty easy. I had no cravings and was satisfied. Now that I’m in my 4th week, I’m finding it more difficult. All of a sudden I’m missing cheese and fast food. Also, my mom has been doing this diet with me and she’s decided that after next week (when she completes her 4th week) she is quitting and going back on Weight Watchers. I feel a little disappointed and isolated. Out of everything I’ve read, I’m convinced that a plant-based diet is the healthiest for me (and for most people). The research is there in black and white. But I feel like I need the support of another person eating the way I do. Right now, I’m cooking two separate dinners – one for me and one for Mango. But it hasn’t bothered me since I’ve had my mother’s support. Not to mention, this diet involves a lot of cooking and preparation. My mom has been doing a lot of it for both of us. Miss Tangerine is very mobile and I hardly have 5 minutes to myself, leave alone time to constantly cook. If my mom stops this diet, and I’m the only one around eating this way, I’m not sure how I’ll found the time to prepare all of my meals (and still cook for my husband). I’m feeling a little disillusioned. Therefore, I’ve decided to make two lists – a pro list and a con list.
The Pro List:
- This way of eating is very healthy, especially for my Crohn’s Disease. I believe this is the only way to go about it treating my Crohn’s without having to take medications.
- I have way more energy since eating this way.
- I’ve lost 6 pounds in 3 ½ weeks.
- I’m not hungry.
The Con List:
- It’s a lot of cooking and preparation
- There aren’t restaurants in the area where I can eat – so my husband and I can no longer enjoy our weekly dates at restaurants.
- I miss cheese.
- I miss being able to share ice cream or snacks with my husband.
So there you go – 4 pros and 4 cons. Any advice?
I am a big fan of everything in moderation…. what about simply going veggie, vs. vegan? You could make a lot of your hubby’s food in the same manner as yours, and just add his meat portion in last (eg, pasta with sausage and peppers, for you just peppers, or peppers and a legume). You’d still be reducing your animal protein consumption, but with a little more freedom.
Hey Abrah!
Congrats on the new course of action! I’m a semi-vegetarian myself having eliminated most animal meat (beef, pork, lamb, turkey) and only eating chicken at restaurants if that is the only option. I still eat a lot of fish & seafood but I also cook a lot with tofu and veggies. Most of the reason is due to my father who is a vegan 100%. My mom started making two dinners about 20, 25 years ago — one for us, one for my dad. My dad’s food was delicious! Plus I had a bad experience with a fast food burger in college and gave up red meat right then and there.
I’m more than happy to be your long-distance support buddy as you figure out how to alter your diet to suit both your health and family needs. If you want some more inspiration, you should check out my friend Heather’s blog: http://veganheartdoc.blogspot.com/. Heather Shenkman is a cardiologist and a vegan. She talks a lot about the heart benefits of a plant-based diet. She is strict vegan. (I am not even close.)
Oh, and a little bit of olive oil is good for the heart. You need some oils in your diet to help your heart.
Good luck!
Sarah
Do what you can. You have done more than most people can do (meaning me). Yes it is lots of work but anything you can cook/do is better than not doing anything at all. Over time you may find it becomes easier and easier to build up to what you’ve been doing the last 4 weeks. Also, you need to adjust to the babies new challenges. You seem to have supporters so be well and prosper in your endeaver.
Baby steps are ok. Peace
My advice would be what a lot of people are suggesting- try and find some in between ground. Can you find some local organic sources of healthy dairy? It might make your life a little easier yet still give you many of the health benefits if you try for a vegetarian lifestyle versus a vegan one. You could find some food to eat out with M. Oh and if you decide to stick to the vegan thing- Tofutti cuties. SO good- totally saved me when I was dairy free because of Henning’s sensitivities.
Do the best you can. We have to follow a diabetic diet in this house. More foods are allowed now than were allowed when I first met H. Several restaurants have vegetarian choices. Eating out has always been a treat for us bec. of H. diet & now bec. of our budget. There are plenty of other fun activities that we do. You are fortunate to have the family support that you do especially bec. Tangerine is so active now. Have you tried Tofuti? I make our own ice cream. I have practically given up cheese, which I love, for health reasons-ice cream too. Once in a great while, I have about 1/8 oz. or less of cheese. trust me I used to snack on cheese & cooked with it regularly. Not any more. reason my cholesteral was slightly elevated. My mom has been taking Lipotar for almost 40 years. I would rather do it naturally & I have succeeded. My dr. told me that she would have done the same thing. I did this all on my own. Yet I do make ice cream for H. Also call our cousin-she is very willing to advise you any way she can. SOmething in the middle might be good for you. I like the idea of cooking a vegetable stir fry & then adding chicken/fish for Mango. Please stick to controlling your Crohns naturally. You can do it for your health . If you need some ideas, let me know. LOL
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