its only been a week. no animal products, no fish, not even dairy. I feel so weak like I have no strength. Im constantlyu hungry even when Im full like it just doesnt satisfy my hunger. I eat good and healthy recipes but it just doesnt make up for meat. I feel like im dying or something. is this normal or maybe i have been eating meat for so long (25 years) that my body just needs it now. I dont know if this is safe.
2007-09-09 10:25:37 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Food & Drink ➔ Vegetarian & Vegan
You might need to take a vitamin supplement. Veganism is safe, there are thousands of people who have been vegan from conception and are far healthier than meat-eating Americans.
Remember, being vegan isn't just cutting animal products from your diet. It's replacing all those nasty animal products with plant-based, healthier ones. (Remember, it also means no fur, leather, feathers, zoos, rodeos, and buying products from companies that conduct non-required animal testing.)
It sounds to me as if you're going through withdrawal, which always happens when our bodies are addicted to something, as most Americans usually are to meat and dairy. If you don't feel better in a few days, i'd consult a vegan-friendly dietitian/nutritionist. She should be able to recommend some tips.
2007-09-10 01:33:19 · answer #1 · answered by Elizabeth J 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I went cold turkey 3 years ago, all-out vegan like you did. I got very sick much like you, because I never researched deeply into how to go about keeping myself healthy. I was forced to eat dairy and eggs again until I figured out how to keep myself healthy. Now I'm back to being completely vegan.
Cold turkey is not the best way to go. You can do it, if you're careful. The best way to wane your consumption of animal products. Even if you do get sick there is a way to fix it, because this diet is SO much better for you than an omnivorous diet! Your best bet would be to contact a nutritionist either online or directly. Make sure you still follow the basic guidelines for a healthy diet, like the food pyramid. Though you won't be able to get any dairy, that's perfectly fine because your body has never gained anything from consuming dairy. You get protein from legumes (like soybeans) and nuts, and you get your fruits, veggies, and grains the same you always have.
Don't be hard on yourself when you first start either. When I first went vegan, and learned something I ate fairly often as a vegan was not completely vegan, I got quite upset and stressed out over it. It's okay to slip, even if you've been veg for years.
Just keep positive, see your doctor and a nutritionist, take vitamins, keep a balanced diet, and you'll be feeling better than you ever have before!
Good luck!
2007-09-09 10:42:13 · answer #2 · answered by Kayla 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Like everything it takes time for your body to adjust. Its almost like detoxing. Your purging your body of toxins and filling it back up with good foods. Give it another week and if you still feel bad eat more dairy products if you have to. But be sure to eat foods with lots of fiber and not just meat replacements and fast vegan foods. Fiber is what fills you up and keeps you full. Also, don't forget to take a multi-vitamin everyday and make a protein shake for some of your snacks to help you keep feeling full too. Soy and Rice proteins are good.
Hope you feel better... !
2007-09-09 10:44:10 · answer #3 · answered by klo 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Son I guess then being a Vegan is not for you. Next time you want to change who you are do some research on the subject. I don't have any thing against people trying to better their lives. I think the body needs certain nutrients in order not to shut down. I suggest that you start to eat a well balanced meal and take a multi-vitamin. You will start to feel better...Good Luck! LOL
2007-09-09 10:45:06 · answer #4 · answered by Bigeyes 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Are you sure you're eating enough? Maybe you should have five or six small meals a day instead of three big ones. High-fiber foods tend to fill you up faster than animal foods (which have zero fiber). I was 33 when I went vegan, but my body had begun rejecting meat years before.
You'll get used to it, I'm sure.
2007-09-09 11:03:49 · answer #5 · answered by VeggieTart -- Let's Go Caps! 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
hmmm, did you convert to being vegan quickly? or over time? because i know alot of people can have reactions from suddenly having certain missing nutrients.
are you eating the right sorts of food? if your feeling faint i advise eating carbs, potatos or bread etc are a good one and they fill you up, pita and sudried tomatoes work, or pita and humous.
some people, no matter if they want it or not, just cant be vegan for health reasons. go to the doctors during the week and ask whats going on, they should be able to tell you if its health related or simply dietry.
xx
2007-09-09 13:12:08 · answer #6 · answered by Miss Veegan 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i went vegan "cold turkey". but i was vegetarian for a year before. don't listen to that nonsense about veganism not being for you. just make sure you get a lot of protein, iron, zinc, and calcium. venture into fake meats, and eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. make sure you get some fat in your diet (nuts, healthy oils).
edit: you're right, MikeL. your opinion is nonsense.
2007-09-09 10:50:46 · answer #7 · answered by salmonella_jr 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
hey i know exactly how you feel i tried to be vegan to but i felt really weak as well. if you feel that sick just try to start by eating only dairy and myaybe fish or something and ween yourself into it its not healthy to do something that drastic in such a short amount of time. hope you start to feel better!
2007-09-09 10:36:24 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Your body just needs time to adjust to these changes of diets. I recommend to eat snacks between meals in order to maintain stength and metabolism.
2007-09-09 10:32:19 · answer #9 · answered by dark&pure? 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can not cut cold turkey!! you have to ease into it i eased into being a vegetarian try that before becomeing vegan!!! I know you want to be vegan but try being vegetarian and slowly get into being a vegan
2007-09-09 10:30:34 · answer #10 · answered by ladybugs380 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋