Is ketosis possible on a high protein vegetarian diet?

Question

I plan on adding fats from high fat vegetables, nuts, seeds and healthy oils. My main protein source will be from assorted brown and wild rices, along with an assortment of high protein beans for a complete amino acid profile.

I think it should be possible. Any advice or experienced opinions out there!

I have no problems adding eggs, the 'Vega' brand protein powder, or other non- meat alternatives, besides tofu. Im actually a meat-eater - Im just switching up my diet as I am looking forward to losing another 30 lbs before July 2007, and am looking to an alternative diet for a few monthes.

Seaveral years ago I read the book, 'The Anabolic Diet', and am interested to see if I can 'mimic' it through vegetarian means, most likely lacto-avo.

Initially I plan on shedding @ another 30 lbs of bf, then I'll use the diet for anabolic gains while crosstraining with swimming and weight lifting. Im at 230 lbs right now, and want to build back up to @ 225 at 10 % bf, after I take off the flab.

Ive already lost 30 lbs through diet changes, fiber intake , probiotics, parasitics, oxygen supplements, water intake, swimming 3 miles a week, and in the initial phase of the weightloss, weightlifting. I plan on upping my miles to 5 a week in order to reach my goal of 200-205 by July. I started in December 2006, with the goal to lose 60 lbs; Im half way there now, and am tweaking my program to take off at least 2 lbs a week, for the next 14 weks. Some people say its unhealthy to lose more than a pound a week, yet I feel great and am not really pushing myself to the point of complete exhaustion 7 days a week.

Answer 1

Yes, you can. And never mind the naysayers that mix up ketoacidosis with ketosis. We are naturally built to be going in and out of ketosis all the time, and do, as our bodyfat regulators kick in when needed to burn the fat stores (it is supposed to be TEMPORARY storage of the fat, not permanent) and ketones are the natural byproduct of this breakdown, called lipolysis.

That being said, I think you are mixing up the "complete amino acid profile" that one gets by mixing cereal grains and legumes, with "majority protein percentage". When you mix these carbohydrate heavy food sources, the *majority* of the macronutrients in that serving are still carbohydrate, which switches on insulin and does not allow ketosis, though what little protein you get out of it *is* very high quality and represented by each amino acid, just not enough *of it*. Easy on the nuts & seeds in the early stages, too; they are still carb heavy and better saved for well into weight loss or early maintenance, and tapered in; flaxseed meal can be very helpful though, and its carbs are mostly soluble fiber, very helpful, as are the excellent O3 oils.

Here's a site that's supported by the best clinical practitioners of the "art" and the authors of the original Protein Power plan, the Drs. Eades, always helpful:
http://www.proteinpower.com/

Plenty of forums with food advice (and excellent recipes).

The good quality fats are excellent, as are the eggs and alternative sources of protein such as tofu, some tempeh, good quality seitan, etc. Fish now and then for the excellent EFAs At least until you're ready to return to the "dark side" with us meat eaters .

Answer 2

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Answer 3

You can, but it is really unhealthy if you are looking for a diet. Ketosis is an unhealthy process that you are forcing your body to go through.

TIME magazine just had an article on how high-protein/low-carb diets in fact do not work better than any other fad diets. While people lost more than by using the other fads, they, on average, lost about 10 instead of 7 lbs..

"Unhealthy metabolic state (ketosis). Low carb diets can cause your body to go into a dangerous metabolic state called ketosis since your body burns fat instead of glucose for energy. During ketosis, the body forms substances known as ketones, which can cause organs to fail and result in gout, kidney stones, or kidney failure. Ketones can also dull a person's appetite, cause nausea and bad breath. Ketosis can be prevented by eating at least 100 grams of carbohydrates a day."
~http://women.webmd.com/guide/weight-loss-high-protein-low-carbohydrate-diets
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If this is still what you want to do, then good luck. You can reach ketosis on a veg diet. Here is a list of vegetarian protein sources.
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-GXLd3H0hc6klMFe3HeGqSDn7SVlgijZ53gHnrrlGNoFgNut5?p=12

If you change your mind, the best way to loose weight is to lesson the amount of calories you take in during a day. Make little choices throughout the day to eat foods with fewer calories. Find a nice exercises video you can do when you have free time.
:)

Answer 4

Become an expert in precisely what you’re doing. Learn how and why things work and you’ll have faith that they will. Check out a podcast known as Cut The Fat, and pay attention to it when you’re exercising.

Answer 5

If you eat when you’re pressured, try munching on pumpkin as well as sunflower seeds. You’ll need to help chew more, which will dissipate a few of that energy, but without adding calories.

Answer 6

Become an expert in just what you’re doing. Learn how and why things work and you’ll have faith that they can. Check out a podcast termed Cut The Fat, and listen to it when you’re exercising.

Answer 7

store bought salad dressings can be packed with calories make your own vinaigrette and store it in a small spray bottle to coat your greens without over dressing them

Answer 8

It’s Friday brunch time and you just can’t stop going back for seconds. But hang on! Stop for a minute and suck on an extra strong mint. The flavour will put you off that next plate of chicken korma/roast beef/sushi medley.

Answer 9

Don't just stay there! Do squats while cleaning your teeth, calf raises even though standing in line, or lunges while chatting within the phone.

Answer 10

Don't just remain there! Do squats while brushing your teeth, calf raises although standing in line, or lunges while chatting within the phone.