I am a 7 Month Vegetarian so far. I felt great for the first 4 months but lately I need some help.?

Question

As I said I am new to the Veg. thing it is just that I felt great for the first 4 months but then I felt like I was having almost panic attacks over the last 3 months. My parents took me to the doctor first and the blood work came back with a fasting blood sugar 103. They told me not to eat any cake or pop or anything. I was then sent to a school counsler to cover my mental health. I am not sure if being a veg. can cause mood swings or not. I am generally a happy person and I can't find a real reason for my problem. Yea, I have stress but I have as of late felt hungry all the time and I eat about 100x a day. Yea, I have lost 20 lbs but I am not underweight. Just with being a veg. I guess I ate less calories! Is anybody have advice for a newbie veg. I only have one friend that is one since he was 5 so I copy alot of what he eats. (he could blow away in the wind). I am also trying to work out to see if that helps.

Answer 1

Congratulations on having the personal strength to become a vegetarian. I admire the thought behind it, but I also have a great love of Whoppers. I have a few suggestions (my brother is a vegan, and he had a few difficulties in the beginning, so I do know a little about it, even though I am not vegetarian.) First, since you are still growing, I think you should develop a relationship with a dietitian. Your school probably has one. Secondly, I would get your blood iron level checked. Anemia is common in new vegetarians. Also ask your doctor to recommend a good vitamin supplement. Lastly, educate yourself as much as you can. Read books, look up vegetarianism on the net, talk to healthy vegetarians - Learn everything you can. Good Luck

Answer 2

A 103 fasting blood sugar is fine. I assume you are a teenager so anxiety is at its peak during this time of your life even if you are traditionally a positive person. I highly recommend starting a beginning Yoga practice 3 to 5 times a week lasting between 20 to 40 minutes to work on deep breathing, relaxation, posture and muscle tone. A vegetarian diet is healthy as long as you eat often enough and get a variety of whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and either soy milk or animal milk if you are not a vegan. You should add a quality (Spirutein is a good brand) soy and whey protein shake to add more calories and protein to your diet. You may also need to add a iron and a B vitamin supplement. Make sure that you are eating from each food group every three hours. You have made a great decision but it takes practice and a scientific approach to be healthy.

Answer 3

You didn't say whether you are vegan or not so I'll assume you still eat dairy and eggs? A move to a meat-less diet shouldn't make you feel tired or really affect you adversely in any way as long as you are ensuring that all the nutrients you were getting from meat, you are now finding from other sources - this means iron, protein and essential fatty acids. If you eat plenty of green leafy vegetables, you should be able to keep your iron intake up and beans are very high in protein. Vegetarians really should eat plenty of legumes and beans (a lot of 'fake' meat made from soy products can provide protein).
If you think you may be lacking vitamins or minerals then perhaps take a daily supplement in addition to your diet.

Answer 4

A big problem with a lot of new vegetarians is that instead of replacing meat, they just eat everything at the table instead of it so they end up living off of "side dishes". You need a good replacement and full meals. Try tofu or other protein sources. There are plenty of meat alternatives at your local grocery store (boca, morning star farms, gardenburger) that go great with family dinners and are super healthy. Also, start taking a daily vitamin. Most of the time, mood swings can be attributed to nutritional defecits.
If you want some ideas, try: http://vegkitchen.com/

Hope you feel better soon.

Answer 5

My suggestion to you would be to seek out a naturopath or dietician. These people can help you choose the right supplements for what you are lacking as well as point you in the direction of some foods that you can get some of these vitamins from. My sister is a vegetarian and she tried being an octolacto vegetarian and got really ill. She went back to eating chicken and fish and is healthier than ever! Good luck.

Answer 6

My daughter had similar problems when she tried it at 15. She couldn't continue. Think about adding dairy, tofu, and eggs back in. Also, make sure you are getting enough calories from good food sources. Vegetarianism is not an excuse to eat only french fries. Be very careful.

Answer 7

Are you kidding? of path you like supplementations, have not you been seeing a doctor? If no longer, you may decide for to be seeing a doctor for prevalent verify united statesto make certain your toddler is healthful and arising in many cases. they could have the potential to tell you what kinds of supplementations you may decide for to be taking. have you ever considered adoption? via fact i'm sorry, yet you do no longer sound mature sufficient to be having a toddler, and not in basic terms via fact of your age. Your different questions have been additionally a solid indication which you mustn't attempt to boost a toddler.

Answer 8

your body is probably still adjusting to having no meat in it. There are certain foods that look and taste like meat but their vegetable. Those might help your body adjust better.

Answer 9

Good luck, wish I had the will power. I just can't leave my milk and eggs off.

Answer 10

I tried it once..it lasted 6 days, I felt HORRIBLE..tired nervous and depressed