Veganism with limited soy? During pregnancy?

868 Views 2 Replies 3 Participants Last post by Lucious, Jan 23, 2008

Trancic

Discussion Starter · Jan 23, 2008

My doctor recently recommended a mostly vegetarian diet for me (he still encouraged me to eat fish, so not really vegetarian) in an effort to boost my fertility. To make a long story short, my husband has a chromosome abnormality that has lead to multiple miscarriages (we only recently discovered the cause). Sticking to any diet won't resolve the chromosomal issue, but it can regulate my hormones and improve our odds of conceiving (even with a 50% chance of loss).

Back on point--in an effort to learn more about vegetarianism, I've come across a number or resources that have me considering veganism for ethical reasons. Meet Your Meat, The Food Revolution, and the like, all pose pretty convincing arguments for kicking animal products for good.

I was wondering how difficult it is to maintain a healthy vegan diet with limited soy use; I'm supposed to restrict it. I also wonder if you know how maintainable it is during pregnancy, when your protein needs increase. I know that you can get plenty of protein while maintaining a vegan lifestyle, but I'm not sure how much more difficult it is without relying on soy.

Just wanted to add that I realize simplicity shouldn't be a deciding factor when considering a change like this, but I'd like to know what I can expect.

I hope this makes sense! Sorry so long!

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bekajoi

· #2 · Jan 23, 2008

You don't have to touch soy at ALL if you don't want.

Rice or nut milks for that, (and for ice cream!), use other beans for eating... you don't have to touch tofu... can use oils for cooking in place of butter/shortening... egg replacers can be bananas to applesauce to a boxed egg replacer product.

You could be vegan and soy free if you wanted.

Many of the convenience foods are soy-based, I'll admit. But if you have access to a good health food store you should be able to find what you need without the soy.

Also, with regards to pregancy... most ppl eat more protein than they NEED. It is not hard to get the right amounts. If you are feeling low, spoon of peanut butter or handful of nuts or dried seasoned chickpeas, etc.

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Lucious

· #3 · Jan 23, 2008

I avoid soy as much as possible, and I don't feel deprived at all. There's great substitutes such as rice milk. And seitan works great in the place of tofu or tempeh.

I don't find it difficult at all to find protein, in fact, I find I eat more protein than I can handle! Nut butters, legumes, whole grains are all loaded with protein.

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