I'm Now Officially "Vegan"! Am I Doing it Right?

Question

Breakfast: Oatmeal w/ raw berries, raw sliced almonds mixed in.

Lunch: "Green" smoothie (lettuce, carrots, bananas, berries, watermelon, flax seeds, & wheatgrass) Don't cringe, it's actually delicious! =)

Dinner: An open-face sandwich (whole rye bread, vegan mayo, lettuce, sliced beets) I can't get enough of those, so delicious, but I'm only eating a moderate portion.
OR
Whole wheat pasta w/ olive oil or tomato sauce.

Snacks: Apples/Peaches/or Dates.

I'm 17, and at 5'10 & 140 lbs, I'd like to lose 20 lbs. Am I missing anything? Any suggestions? Tips? I walk 5 miles a day (to and from school, or work).

Alright, let me re-phrase:

Just by glancing at my diet, does it seem likely that I'm eating balanced meals w/ nutrients I need? Obviously I don't expect people to research the nutrient content of every little food I posted, but are there any glaringly obvious nutrient deficiencies that I'm missing? Is it too much food?

Answer 1

Yes you are doing terrific! You are an A-1 candidate for a thoroughly screwed up body chem meltdown that will effect you physically and emotionally--although the latter seems to have occurred already. Oh yes! Losing 20 pounds at your height and age is absolutely brilliant! It's OK though, Anorexia is quite a fad nowadays---just like the "fad" you are enagaged in now.

Answer 2

It sounds like you are more or less doing this to lose weight and not really concerned about staying vegan or not? Do I have this right? If so, then you need to know that being vegan is a great healthy lifestyle choice but it is a lifestyle choice, not a diet fad.

If you are doing this for a lifestyle change, then so far I think what you are doing sounds great. You should make sure that you are getting enough protein in the green leafy vegetables and the nut varieties so that your health doesn't drop. Make sure you do your research on proteins for vegan lifestyles and make sure you also have enough vitamins and nutrients too.

A big mistake that people make going vegan is that they don't have sufficient amounts of vitamins, minerals and protein which in turn, starts to make them feel unhealthy and can make you ill if you fall into making this common error. Make sure you plan your meals in advance and have enough of the 'right' stuff on hand so that your nutrients are supplemented with the foods that accommodate a vegan lifestyle.

I was vegan for 1 and 1/2 years and came back to middle-ground vegetarian though I do not eat meat at all anymore. In my experience it takes alot of effort to stay vegan and it is not always 100% certain that you will ever be a 'pure' vegan either. This is because of things that go into foods that have processing in them, like breads for example, and not all the ingredients are 'vegan' even though the bread claims to be vegan. If you are OK with this then I would say stick to it and don't be hard on yourself if you come across this in your diet.

I honestly feel you are off to a great start at this way of life. Good luck and best wishes.

Bless your heart!
Eve

Answer 3

Looks like you are on Track. Consider a nice fresh salad or 2 every day too. You do not want your calories to get too low or you will not lose weight.
I'm a huge Green Smoothie fan.
http://www.emaxhealth.com/14/1182.html

Consider Breakfast; as is, Mid-morning Snack Green Smoothie
Lunch: Huge fresh Salad
Your other Snacks as is
Dinner: Start with a salad then the way you have been eatting.
All that walk is so great, just don't so it in really bad weather.
Slainté(to your health)

Answer 4

It looks like you're eating alright, but at 5'10 you DON'T need to weight 120 lbs. I weigh more than that and I'm only 5'7! 140 is perfectly fit and healthy for you. You could add some more healthy fats too, like avocado or all natural peanut butter. Peanut butter on a rice cake a is a good quick snack.

Answer 5

I do not see a lot of protein on that list. Try adding in some raw soybeans to the smoothie rather then lettuce. Try eating your apples with some soy butter, almond butter, or peanut butter -- too.

For weight loss a vegan diet is great, but you need to remember that you need to incorporate into your weight loss plan some strength training and a variety of cardio, not just walking, even though walking is great.

Answer 6

I don't think you're getting enough calories. You certainly should consider having more than just a smoothie for lunch!

You do not need to lose any weight. You have a BMI of about 22, which is NORMAL. Google BMI calculator, find a site that will do it, and you will see.

Answer 7

yes im sure it will be good 4 u well, my mom lost 20lbs by eating once a day and and walking 3 miles it worked she lost 20lbs, but she ate fruits ang vegetables no cheese or anything with salt

Answer 8

I am no expert at all but i think you might get sick of eating this every day. All i know is that you get protien defeciencies when you dont eat meat so make sure you have stuff with that in it. I know that to be vegan you cant have meat or anything that comes from animals like eggs or dairy so as long as you follow that rule then you're "doing it right" You might have calcium, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and iodine defeciencies too with this diet.

Answer 9

I think you need to include more green veggies and whole grains. I also think you should add beans/legumes and nuts.

Answer 10

mind telling me the recipe for the lunch you have?

it sounds completely delicious.

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