new vegetarian...body changes?

[AppleGirl]

Hi, I decided to transition to vegetarianism (hopefully veganism one day) 3 weeks ago. I allowed myself a bite of chicken the first week bc my friend who's a vegan suggested it was better to wean yourself off meat gradually, but I'm still trying to do it quickly. Since then I haven't had any meat at all, but I've noticed a lot of changes in my body, some good some not-so-good.

Good changes: weight loss, better moods, queasiness when I see meat.

Kinda questionable changes: Quicker digestion (it seems), hunger pains (even when I'm full, my body seems unable to be satisfied - even though the thought of meat kind of grosses me out now, is my body still craving it?, also, for the women out there, I've noticed drastic changes in my "monthly"

I'm really sorry if anyone thought this was too much information, but I'm kinda worried.

Anyone else experiencing strange body changes?

[Michael]

It might help to post what you're eating. It's possible that even though you're eating enough you're not eating a well-balanced diet and your body is craving something it's not getting.

As for the "monthly" thing, we have a women's health issues forum (where only women can post), that topic would probably best be discussed there...

http://www.veggieboards.com/boards/forumdisplay.php?f=112

[froggythefrog]

You're only 3 weeks into this, so as far as the stomach pangs are concerned, it's quite possible that your body is still getting used to eating something totally different from what you've put in it before. If that's the case, the stomach pangs will probably back off in a bit. I don't know if this will help your stomach discomfort, but if you take acidophilous, this will help increase your intestinal flora and your body will have an easier time digesting foods, and you should have less bloating if you're experiencing any now.

If your stomach is still "hungry" then, like Micheal stated, your body may still be craving something. If you've done something like cut out meat, but now you're eating tons of green leafy vegetables, you'll probably want to consider adding some fats and carbs: for example, chickpea salad, consisting of mashed chickpeas, vegenaise (just like a good eggy mayo without any eggs or dairy), and dill pickle relish (mix together, put between two slices of bread, and head for the mouth!).

Please let us know what you're eating. This way, we can help you out and make suggestions.

Also, I second that you post in the women's forum.

Congratulations, by the way, on going veg! :up:

[Jobey]

This is the just the begining...in a few more weeks that third nipple will start to sprout :p

[zoebird]

when most people give up meat, they are loosing a number of vital nutrients that need to be replaced in other ways through diet. usually, you're loosing fat, protien, heme iron (which is more absorable than non-heme found in vegetables), b12, and a myriad of other micronutrients.

So, in your diet, you need to make certain that you're getting enough protien (beans, nuts, seeds, pulses), and enough fats (nuts, seeds, oils such as olive, coconut, flax seed, hemp, etc). If you don't consume any animal products (eggs and dairy), you'll need to consume more vegetables rich in non-heme iron and possible increase your vitamin C intake to increase absorption. You'll also need to fortify your diet with b12 fortification, the best of which is to take a 1000 microgram sublingual tablet daily.

your body is probably processing and passing hte food more quickly because of your new-found higher fiber content. this may alos be leading to stomach pains, as the body learns to process this amount of fiber. It will pass in a few days/weeks.

If you are experiencing hunger pains frequently, it is likely because you aren't getting enough fat and protien with your meals. Many new vegetarians practice 'nutrition by subtraction'--eating what they would normally eat without the meat. So, for example, if you normally eat chicken with rice and broccoli, you would eat just rice and broccoli. Well, no wonder you're hungry--that's nto a balanced meal. Instead, practice 'nutrition by addition'--start with a whole grain, then add beans, nuts, or seeds to it (sometimes, i add all three--for example, curry with mixed veggies, chick peas, cashews, and watermelon or pumpkin seeds). next, add in your vegetables. make sure that you add some fats to your meal (at least 1 tblsp of fat with each meal). If you're ovo-lacto, consider adding a moderate amount of dairy (for example, 1-2 tablespoons of cream is great in curries; or add a chopped hard bioled egg to your salad).

This will help you feel more satisfied and make certain that you're getting enough nutrients.

[zoebird]

also: re your menstrual period.

many women notice changes in their periods when they go vegetarian. this can be due to any number of things--for instance decreased use of processed food products containing additives and preservatives that can negatively affect the cycle; increased use of soy products which can be healthy in the right amounts for some women, but may also have a great impact on thyroid function and cause loss of menstruation altogether (use caution and moderation); increased activity levels which seems to help decrease symptoms of pms and related.

[waliak]

When you first take meat out of your diet, the body takes the opportunity to detox (to throw off all the chemicals and hormones and stuff that were in the meat, and the uric acid that was stored in your joints, etc.). The body's acidity/alkalinity is also changing. The female body uses the monthly period to help detox. So if things are particularly severe, you might want to see a (vegetarian) doctor to help monitor your progress, or to prescribe vitamins/minerals you might be needing. Also, any huge change in one's life releases stress hormones, which will calm down after a while as your body and mind and spirit adjust, but until then can cause late, early, or irregular periods. But detoxing and the "stress response" are normal body responses.

[pseudo_vegan]

This is the just the begining...in a few more weeks that third nipple will start to sprout :p

:whip: Don't scare the newbies!!

I'd add my $0.02, but seems everyone else has it mainly covered :)

:nigel: Cheers!

[FreshTart]

As Michael said, please post what you're eating. It will help a lot.

The hungerier faster is a common thing. Meat takes a long time to digest and it's heavier, so it gives that full and heavy feeling. So you need to eat foods that give that heavy in your stomach feel, that take longer to digest (vegetables are in and out before you know it) and you'll feel fuller, longer.

[lauratiara]

Congrats btw!
Your body is just getting used to your new (and superior) diet.
I didn't experience any problems when going veg, probably because I was young and i did it reeeeeaaaaaaaallllllly slowly. I have close friends who experienced stuff you mentioned, specificaly going to the can WAY more than expected.
Your body will adjust (their bodies did), and I would suggest trying to eat whole grain foods to keep you fuller longer. (choose whole wheat bread and pasta instead of white) Also, nutritional yeast is your friend. Buy it and put it on everything. (pizza, pasta, stir fry, your lover)


http://store.foodfightgrocery.com/iveandipo3ti.html

[Virtue23]

I think you're body may just be adjusting to your veg diet. When i first went veg*n, I felt bloated for the first few weeks which i attributed to the addition of soy products to my diet in the absence of meat. Not that I overdid it on the soy, but I think my body was just not used to it.

So, I'm thinking it should balance itself out after a week or so. Also I agree, you should post what you're eating. Good job on going veg, btw. :up:

[CountessKerouac]

Definitely post what you're eating. Other than that, your body should start to feel okay soon. Congrats! :nana:

[Tofu-N-Sprouts]

Hi, I decided to transition to vegetarianism (hopefully veganism one day)


Congrats - and just seconding what others have said - come join us in the "Womens Forum" - there's lots of great advice and some threads already started that may be helpful...

[Michael]

:whip: Don't scare the newbies!!


Scare? I've been enjoying my third nipple. :cool:

[Jobey]

Scare? I've been enjoying my third nipple. :cool:

Haven't we all?

*twists it*

[CountessKerouac]

I think Michael's third nipple is dead sexy. :boobies: :boobies: :hump:

[crystalteacup]

About the period, all of a sudden a few months 'into the world of veg' mine got very light, but then it returned to normal. So, it's just part of the change. I had initial weight loss, too, but mine's back now as well.

[imjennwhoareyou]

About the period, all of a sudden a few months 'into the world of veg' mine got very light, but then it returned to normal. So, it's just part of the change. I had initial weight loss, too, but mine's back now as well.


ohhhhh so that was veg*n related ... I had no clue...

[AppleGirl]

Wow, thanks for all the great information. The women's stuff that some of y'all mentioned is probably what I'm having.

As for eating, I've been actually eating more protein than usual. I've been experimenting with different soy products. I also eat a lot of strawberries, whole wheat grains, yogurt. I've also been trying out different vegan products like soy cream cheese and stuff, since I want to work towards veganism one day. The only really unhealthy thing I've been eating is a lot more ice cream and soy ice cream. Since giving up meat, I can't seem to control my sweet tooth as much. I don't think I have enough control to be dieting and transitioning to vegetarianism haha.

Example of some of the foods I eat (in no particular order):

Balance bar, wheat bagel with vegan cream cheese, Lightlife Smart Chili or Meatless sausage, fruit salad with mangoes/strawberries/ lychees, sauteed mushrooms, Soy Delicious ice cream, maybe a small tofu dessert.

I drink mostly water, with an occasional glass of vanilla soymilk. I eat the same amount of calories daily as before. I try to keep a balance of about 30-40-30 fat-protein-carbs, so I vary foods as I go throughout the day to meet a rough ratio like this.

Thanks so much for the great responses...this is a really nice forum. So glad I heard about it! I grew up an avid meat-eater in Texas, so my decision was purely ethical for the animals, and I'm still really glad I've stuck to it. I used to be one of those people who thinks they could never give up meat, but it's definitely worth it, and it hasn't been that hard for me not to eat meat.

[FreshTart]

You barely eat. That's why you are hungry :) Not nearly enough fibre.

[AppleGirl]

The things I listed isn't an exhaustive list of the food I eat, just rough examples of the things I eat. The breads I eat are fiber enriched, with about 14 g fiber per serving, so I usually get a fair amount of fiber, about 25-30g, which has always worked with my body. I eat the same amount as I used to, which used to satiate me. Should I try a fiber supplement? Maybe more breads? What are some really good meat substitutes out there?

[FreshTart]

Try eating real food :)

Are you on a zone diet? You aren't eating many carbs. Carbs are your friend!!

Add beans, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds to your diet. They help fill you up.

[Elizabeth_Cade]

Hi, I decided to transition to vegetarianism (hopefully veganism one day) 3 weeks ago. I allowed myself a bite of chicken the first week bc my friend who's a vegan suggested it was better to wean yourself off meat gradually, but I'm still trying to do it quickly. Since then I haven't had any meat at all, but I've noticed a lot of changes in my body, some good some not-so-good.

Good changes: weight loss, better moods, queasiness when I see meat.

Kinda questionable changes: Quicker digestion (it seems), hunger pains (even when I'm full, my body seems unable to be satisfied - even though the thought of meat kind of grosses me out now, is my body still craving it?, also, for the women out there, I've noticed drastic changes in my "monthly"

I'm really sorry if anyone thought this was too much information, but I'm kinda worried.

Anyone else experiencing strange body changes?


As a result of going vegetarian, I found out I am purple/blue colorblind. My diet didn't cause it at all. I just never found out until afterwards.

[FreshTart]

I didn't know women were able to be colour blind.

[LadyFaile]

i think it's possible but very rare. i could be wrong though