Who knew?? I could be so hungry??

Question

I am very new to the veggie/vegan diet. To clarify. I eat vegan when I can and veggie when i must. My question is why am i so hungry all the time? Am I missing something in my diet (besides meat, for my friend John Q:-) that I need there to help me feel full. I did not pig out when i was a meat eater. Also, I always have healthy snacks on hand that i do eat. Carrot sticks, soy yogurt, fresh fruit salad, Green Tea.

Thanks for the help.
Hugs, Kuka

Answer 1

Congratulations! Your body is digesting more efficiently! Are you eating enough grains? Grains help you feel full. Eating a grain with every meal helps satiate my hunger. When I first went to a vegan diet I made a simple chart listing the different food groups (whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, milk substitutes, and fats) and put little bubbles next to each one corresponding to the number of servings I should be getting. I covered it in clear tape and used dry erase marker to fill in the bubbles throughout the day to make sure I was eating a balanced enough diet. WOW - was I ever surprised at how little grain I was eating compared to what is recommended (6 to 11 servings! I was getting maybe two). It really helped me to get a better idea of how to eat and once I was used to planning my meals and fulfilling nutritional requirements I ditched the chart. I'd take a relly good look at what you're eating throughout the day and make sure you're fulfilling your nutritional requirements. You might discover somewhere you're lacking and this might be the problem. Good luck! Hugs back...Jen

Answer 2

Meat stays in your gut (rotting) longer than vegetarian foods, so you feel fuller for longer periods of time. Your stomach will adjust-it usually takes about 6 weeks or so to detox from animal protein. The best solution for most, is instead of eating 3 large meals a day, eat several small ones, or have a healthy snack of a filling fruit, such as pear or apple in between meals. Your system will tune into in time. Good luck, and Good choice!

Answer 3

Well, protein is a nutrient that keeps you full for a long time. Since you are probably consuming mostly carbohydrates now, you're getting full, but don't stay that way for long.
I suggest you try eating more meat substitutes - Boca Burgers are my personal favorites - and try Bolthouse Farms' protein drinks. Just make sure you don't get the mocha cappuccino kind - it contains milk.
Also, if the green tea you drink is bottled, make sure there's no honey in it. Honey is not a vegan food.

Answer 4

Try including a 1:1 ratio of whole legumes and whole grains for whatever meat you had before. If you are still hungry, I have no clue how to help you. Most people find grain and legumes to be much more filling then meat.

Answer 5

Make sure you are getting enough protein. Since you are new to the diet, you might like vegetable & grain protein products such as Boca or Morningstar Farms products. Mycoprotein (brand name is Quorn) is another alternative. Your local grocery store should carry at least some of these products. They are usually located in the organic frozen food section or the frozen breakfast section.

Answer 6

Try some hearty whole-grain bread or rolls with nut butter or the filling of your choice. Meat analogs are filling, if you happen to like them-- the longer I've been veg, the less I crave anything that even *resembles* meat.

Answer 7

Veggies and fruits are less dense than the foods you were used to eating. Don't worry about it...just eat when you are hungry until you are not hungry. Unless you gain weight there is nothing to worry about.

Answer 8

fiber and protein...whenever I don't stay full I realize I'm craving protein. Always have plenty of beans and grains around, and tofu if you use soy products. Handful of nuts is helpful too. =)

Answer 9

try the fake soy meat. its really good and tastes just like meat! im a vegg head 2- i recomennd morning starr chiken nuggets.

Answer 10

Meat is gigantically filling which is why you feel so hungry. Your body will adjust in time; mine did real fast! Maybe that's because I was in third grade, though.