Re: Veganism - n and others

[Guest guest]

Not sure if I've mentioned this before but I've toyed around with becoming

(or working toward) being a vegan. Wondered if you (n) or anyone else

in the group knows of a book that is really excellent about converting to

this way of eating. I've read parts of Silverstone's, The Kind Diet

- but don't have that book. I did, however, actually purchase Crazy, Sexy

Diet by Kris Carr, which has gotten excellent reviews. There's another

author, Kathy Freston who came out with Veganist, not long ago.

The reports that I've heard (in general) of weight loss, greater energy,

better lab values (cholesterol, etc.), just all over better health on a

vegan diet are remarkable. While I eat pretty much just whole foods, not

processed, I have too much of a love for carbs, and chocolate (try to do the

dark though at all times) plus a few other 'no-no's'. My weight and general

health is good but I want to improve it even more.

So, in summary, I welcome any input anyone has about the above resources or

other recommendations for a beginner veganist. I think I'm basically

looking for an easy (read painless, LOL) way to ease into it!

Thanks,

Thea

[Guest guest]

Hi Thea,

I had wanted to go Vegan for a while. The book that pushed me through

was Diet for a New America by Robbins. That one book has probably

accounted for more vegetarians and vegans than any other. When that book

came out there was internet to let you read up on the physical and

ethical reasons for becoming veg. Now of course there are so many more

ways to get different opinions. Books...anything by Dr. Neal Barnard and

McDougall. Dr. Barnard also has a website....PCRM, Physician

Committee for Responsible Medicine. The China Study is today's anthem

for the health benefits. Another is Fuhrman, though not 100% vegan

his latest book , " Eat for Health " , slowly weans a person away from

animal foods a step at a time. Though it is a bit strict for a new

person unless they have a health issue that requires quicker action.

For your questions....weight loss, well it can if you follow a low fat

whole foods diet and not the popular junk food vegan diets that abound,

full of vegan cupcakes and tons of fake replacements that though better

for one the real thing are still full of salt or fat. I can attest to

the better lab values. Though I have always struggles with my weight I

have great numbers which I attribute to my vegan lifestyle. The rest of

my family usually have high cholesterol and high blood pressure by 30. I

don't at a much greater age.

I never bring my veganism up or try to convince anyone that this is the

life they should live. But if someone asks I love to help.

If there is anything else you would like to know...give me a holler.

Lorri in NH

>

> Not sure if I've mentioned this before but I've toyed around with becoming

> (or working toward) being a vegan. Wondered if you (n) or anyone else

> in the group knows of a book that is really excellent about converting to

> this way of eating. I've read parts of Silverstone's, The Kind Diet

> - but don't have that book. I did, however, actually purchase Crazy, Sexy

> Diet by Kris Carr, which has gotten excellent reviews. There's another

> author, Kathy Freston who came out with Veganist, not long ago.

>

> The reports that I've heard (in general) of weight loss, greater energy,

> better lab values (cholesterol, etc.), just all over better health on a

> vegan diet are remarkable. While I eat pretty much just whole foods, not

> processed, I have too much of a love for carbs, and chocolate (try to

> do the

> dark though at all times) plus a few other 'no-no's'. My weight and

> general

> health is good but I want to improve it even more.

>

> So, in summary, I welcome any input anyone has about the above

> resources or

> other recommendations for a beginner veganist. I think I'm basically

> looking for an easy (read painless, LOL) way to ease into it!

>

> Thanks,

>

> Thea

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thea,

I think easing your way into it and realizing that you are making life-enhancing

changes will take some time and learning, but it is really fun and exciting when

you start learning about the vegan lifestyle.

Someone I know has the Carr book and it has helped her tremendously.

I suggest you head over to the local bookstore and gather a pile of vegan books

and leaf through them to see what grabs you. I am not familiar with most of the

new ones, but Peta.org, MercyforAnimals.org and many other vegan animal righs

organizations offer free Vegetarian (really vegan) starter kits loaded with

ideas and recipes.

There is a website that lists foods you may already be eating that are actually

vegan.

here is the link:

http://www.vegfamily.com/lists/its-vegan.htm

here is the link to Mercy's:

http://www.mercyforanimals.org/vegan-starter-kit.aspx

I actually keep copies of these kits in my patient waiting room. They are good

to keep around and help one get started. If you are a baker, the Best of Vegan

Baking is a good book. I just sent a friend a book on vegan cupcakes. I don't

eat a lot of cupcakes myself (really none), but the author is well respected (of

course, I forget her name).

The vegetarian resource group as a nice website--www.vrg.org

I am sure others will chime in here. But I highly recommend the free starter

kits. They are great and they are free.

good for you for making some changes. Vegan.com lists top vegan cook books.

You did mention the health benefits--there is a highly respected,

noncontroversial registered dietician who has tons of free info on his website

about this. He is a nice guy too-I consulted him myself once on a question I

had. here is that link:

www.jacknorrisrd.com and for the info on specific health benefits and

recommendations:

www.veganhealth.org

Definitely check out veganhealth.org It is loaded with info and his methodology

is good and sound.

Enjoy and please do not hesitate to ask questions.

marion

Dr. Rollings

NJ Licensed Psychologist #4686

www.DrnRollings.com

Sent from my iPad

> Not sure if I've mentioned this before but I've toyed around with becoming

> (or working toward) being a vegan. Wondered if you (n) or anyone else

> in the group knows of a book that is really excellent about converting to

> this way of eating. I've read parts of Silverstone's, The Kind Diet

> - but don't have that book. I did, however, actually purchase Crazy, Sexy

> Diet by Kris Carr, which has gotten excellent reviews. There's another

> author, Kathy Freston who came out with Veganist, not long ago.

>

> The reports that I've heard (in general) of weight loss, greater energy,

> better lab values (cholesterol, etc.), just all over better health on a

> vegan diet are remarkable. While I eat pretty much just whole foods, not

> processed, I have too much of a love for carbs, and chocolate (try to do the

> dark though at all times) plus a few other 'no-no's'. My weight and general

> health is good but I want to improve it even more.

>

> So, in summary, I welcome any input anyone has about the above resources or

> other recommendations for a beginner veganist. I think I'm basically

> looking for an easy (read painless, LOL) way to ease into it!

>

> Thanks,

>

> Thea

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Lori. Lots of good info you provided. I have not read Diet for a

New America, , but still, I am familiar with it. Didn't realize it had such

an impact, though.

My weight is fine for my height (133 or so at 5'7 " ) and I work out too (but

need, and want, to pump up the volume on that as well since I'm not

consistent), so I'm primarily looking for overall better health. Plus, I

have familial (genetic) hypertension and would love to have that go down.

My identical twin also has it. Our brother (five years younger)and his wife

are actually both doctors with their own Integrative Medicine practice so

he's all about healthy lifestyle but I'm pretty sure he's not vegan.

Anywho, thanks for the info and definitely, I'll let you know if I have any

other questions (always a good likelihood, LOL!)

Thea

From: sproutpeople [mailto:sproutpeople ] On

Behalf Of Lorri

Sent: Monday, May 02, 2011 9:14 PM

To: sproutpeople

Subject: Re: Veganism - n and others

Hi Thea,

I had wanted to go Vegan for a while. The book that pushed me through

was Diet for a New America by Robbins. That one book has probably

accounted for more vegetarians and vegans than any other. When that book

came out there was internet to let you read up on the physical and

ethical reasons for becoming veg. Now of course there are so many more

ways to get different opinions. Books...anything by Dr. Neal Barnard and

McDougall. Dr. Barnard also has a website....PCRM, Physician

Committee for Responsible Medicine. The China Study is today's anthem

for the health benefits. Another is Fuhrman, though not 100% vegan

his latest book , " Eat for Health " , slowly weans a person away from

animal foods a step at a time. Though it is a bit strict for a new

person unless they have a health issue that requires quicker action.

For your questions....weight loss, well it can if you follow a low fat

whole foods diet and not the popular junk food vegan diets that abound,

full of vegan cupcakes and tons of fake replacements that though better

for one the real thing are still full of salt or fat. I can attest to

the better lab values. Though I have always struggles with my weight I

have great numbers which I attribute to my vegan lifestyle. The rest of

my family usually have high cholesterol and high blood pressure by 30. I

don't at a much greater age.

I never bring my veganism up or try to convince anyone that this is the

life they should live. But if someone asks I love to help.

If there is anything else you would like to know...give me a holler.

Lorri in NH

>

> Not sure if I've mentioned this before but I've toyed around with becoming

> (or working toward) being a vegan. Wondered if you (n) or anyone else

> in the group knows of a book that is really excellent about converting to

> this way of eating. I've read parts of Silverstone's, The Kind Diet

> - but don't have that book. I did, however, actually purchase Crazy, Sexy

> Diet by Kris Carr, which has gotten excellent reviews. There's another

> author, Kathy Freston who came out with Veganist, not long ago.

>

> The reports that I've heard (in general) of weight loss, greater energy,

> better lab values (cholesterol, etc.), just all over better health on a

> vegan diet are remarkable. While I eat pretty much just whole foods, not

> processed, I have too much of a love for carbs, and chocolate (try to

> do the

> dark though at all times) plus a few other 'no-no's'. My weight and

> general

> health is good but I want to improve it even more.

>

> So, in summary, I welcome any input anyone has about the above

> resources or

> other recommendations for a beginner veganist. I think I'm basically

> looking for an easy (read painless, LOL) way to ease into it!

>

> Thanks,

>

> Thea

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks for all the info! As referenced in my prior email, being the library nut

that I am, I use the library for previewing books before I buy them. Those

starter kits sound good and it's hard to beat 'free' (I'm also a diehard

frugalista, so that's important to me).

I'll flag your email for future reference as time goes along. But, in the

meantime, will definitely check out the starter kits!! Thanks for the links and

info!

Lovin' this group, LOL!!

Thea

From: sproutpeople [mailto:sproutpeople ] On

Behalf Of n Rollings, PhD

Sent: Monday, May 02, 2011 9:16 PM

To: sproutpeople

Subject: Re: Veganism - n and others

Thea,

I think easing your way into it and realizing that you are making life-enhancing

changes will take some time and learning, but it is really fun and exciting when

you start learning about the vegan lifestyle.

Someone I know has the Carr book and it has helped her tremendously.

I suggest you head over to the local bookstore and gather a pile of vegan books

and leaf through them to see what grabs you. I am not familiar with most of the

new ones, but Peta.org, MercyforAnimals.org and many other vegan animal righs

organizations offer free Vegetarian (really vegan) starter kits loaded with

ideas and recipes.

There is a website that lists foods you may already be eating that are actually

vegan.

here is the link:

http://www.vegfamily.com/lists/its-vegan.htm

here is the link to Mercy's:

http://www.mercyforanimals.org/vegan-starter-kit.aspx

I actually keep copies of these kits in my patient waiting room. They are good

to keep around and help one get started. If you are a baker, the Best of Vegan

Baking is a good book. I just sent a friend a book on vegan cupcakes. I don't

eat a lot of cupcakes myself (really none), but the author is well respected (of

course, I forget her name).

The vegetarian resource group as a nice website--www.vrg.org

I am sure others will chime in here. But I highly recommend the free starter

kits. They are great and they are free.

good for you for making some changes. Vegan.com lists top vegan cook books.

You did mention the health benefits--there is a highly respected,

noncontroversial registered dietician who has tons of free info on his website

about this. He is a nice guy too-I consulted him myself once on a question I

had. here is that link:

www.jacknorrisrd.com and for the info on specific health benefits and

recommendations:

www.veganhealth.org

Definitely check out veganhealth.org It is loaded with info and his methodology

is good and sound.

Enjoy and please do not hesitate to ask questions.

marion

Dr. Rollings

NJ Licensed Psychologist #4686

www.DrnRollings.com

Sent from my iPad

On May 2, 2011, at 8:54 PM, " Thea Barbato " <tbarbato@...

<mailto:tbarbato%40carolina.rr.com> > wrote:

> Not sure if I've mentioned this before but I've toyed around with becoming

> (or working toward) being a vegan. Wondered if you (n) or anyone else

> in the group knows of a book that is really excellent about converting to

> this way of eating. I've read parts of Silverstone's, The Kind Diet

> - but don't have that book. I did, however, actually purchase Crazy, Sexy

> Diet by Kris Carr, which has gotten excellent reviews. There's another

> author, Kathy Freston who came out with Veganist, not long ago.

>

> The reports that I've heard (in general) of weight loss, greater energy,

> better lab values (cholesterol, etc.), just all over better health on a

> vegan diet are remarkable. While I eat pretty much just whole foods, not

> processed, I have too much of a love for carbs, and chocolate (try to do the

> dark though at all times) plus a few other 'no-no's'. My weight and general

> health is good but I want to improve it even more.

>

> So, in summary, I welcome any input anyone has about the above resources or

> other recommendations for a beginner veganist. I think I'm basically

> looking for an easy (read painless, LOL) way to ease into it!

>

> Thanks,

>

> Thea

>

>

[Guest guest]

Don't forget about the book we all read back in the 70's... " Diet For

A Small Planet "

Jane

> Thea,

> I think easing your way into it and realizing that you are making

> life-enhancing changes will take some time and learning, but it is

> really fun and exciting when you start learning about the vegan

> lifestyle.

> Someone I know has the Carr book and it has helped her tremendously.

> I suggest you head over to the local bookstore and gather a pile of

> vegan books and leaf through them to see what grabs you. I am not

> familiar with most of the new ones, but Peta.org,

> MercyforAnimals.org and many other vegan animal righs organizations

> offer free Vegetarian (really vegan) starter kits loaded with ideas

> and recipes.

> There is a website that lists foods you may already be eating that

> are actually vegan.

> here is the link:

> http://www.vegfamily.com/lists/its-vegan.htm

>

> here is the link to Mercy's:

>

> http://www.mercyforanimals.org/vegan-starter-kit.aspx

>

> I actually keep copies of these kits in my patient waiting room.

> They are good to keep around and help one get started. If you are a

> baker, the Best of Vegan Baking is a good book. I just sent a

> friend a book on vegan cupcakes. I don't eat a lot of cupcakes

> myself (really none), but the author is well respected (of course,

> I forget her name).

> The vegetarian resource group as a nice website--www.vrg.org

>

> I am sure others will chime in here. But I highly recommend the

> free starter kits. They are great and they are free.

> good for you for making some changes. Vegan.com lists top vegan

> cook books.

> You did mention the health benefits--there is a highly respected,

> noncontroversial registered dietician who has tons of free info on

> his website about this. He is a nice guy too-I consulted him myself

> once on a question I had. here is that link:

> www.jacknorrisrd.com and for the info on specific health benefits

> and recommendations:

> www.veganhealth.org

> Definitely check out veganhealth.org It is loaded with info and his

> methodology is good and sound.

> Enjoy and please do not hesitate to ask questions.

> marion

>

> Dr. Rollings

>

> NJ Licensed Psychologist #4686

> www.DrnRollings.com

>

> Sent from my iPad

>

> On May 2, 2011, at 8:54 PM, " Thea Barbato "

> wrote:

>

> > Not sure if I've mentioned this before but I've toyed around with

> becoming

> > (or working toward) being a vegan. Wondered if you (n) or

> anyone else

> > in the group knows of a book that is really excellent about

> converting to

> > this way of eating. I've read parts of Silverstone's, The

> Kind Diet

> > - but don't have that book. I did, however, actually purchase

> Crazy, Sexy

> > Diet by Kris Carr, which has gotten excellent reviews. There's

> another

> > author, Kathy Freston who came out with Veganist, not long ago.

> >

> > The reports that I've heard (in general) of weight loss, greater

> energy,

> > better lab values (cholesterol, etc.), just all over better

> health on a

> > vegan diet are remarkable. While I eat pretty much just whole

> foods, not

> > processed, I have too much of a love for carbs, and chocolate

> (try to do the

> > dark though at all times) plus a few other 'no-no's'. My weight

> and general

> > health is good but I want to improve it even more.

> >

> > So, in summary, I welcome any input anyone has about the above

> resources or

> > other recommendations for a beginner veganist. I think I'm basically

> > looking for an easy (read painless, LOL) way to ease into it!

> >

> > Thanks,

> >

> > Thea

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Thanks for this, Jane! That title is familiar but I didn't actually read it

in the 70's - it totally must have been ahead of its time. I think I was

still too young back then (in my 20's and wrapped up in other things) to pay

much attention at the time. Now I need to fine-tune my reading list to

include all these titles.

Thea

Re: Veganism - n and others

Don't forget about the book we all read back in the 70's... " Diet For

A Small Planet "

Jane

> Thea,

> I think easing your way into it and realizing that you are making

> life-enhancing changes will take some time and learning, but it is

> really fun and exciting when you start learning about the vegan

> lifestyle.

> Someone I know has the Carr book and it has helped her tremendously.

> I suggest you head over to the local bookstore and gather a pile of

> vegan books and leaf through them to see what grabs you. I am not

> familiar with most of the new ones, but Peta.org,

> MercyforAnimals.org and many other vegan animal righs organizations

> offer free Vegetarian (really vegan) starter kits loaded with ideas

> and recipes.

> There is a website that lists foods you may already be eating that

> are actually vegan.

> here is the link:

> http://www.vegfamily.com/lists/its-vegan.htm

>

> here is the link to Mercy's:

>

> http://www.mercyforanimals.org/vegan-starter-kit.aspx

>

> I actually keep copies of these kits in my patient waiting room.

> They are good to keep around and help one get started. If you are a

> baker, the Best of Vegan Baking is a good book. I just sent a

> friend a book on vegan cupcakes. I don't eat a lot of cupcakes

> myself (really none), but the author is well respected (of course,

> I forget her name).

> The vegetarian resource group as a nice website--www.vrg.org

>

> I am sure others will chime in here. But I highly recommend the

> free starter kits. They are great and they are free.

> good for you for making some changes. Vegan.com lists top vegan

> cook books.

> You did mention the health benefits--there is a highly respected,

> noncontroversial registered dietician who has tons of free info on

> his website about this. He is a nice guy too-I consulted him myself

> once on a question I had. here is that link:

> www.jacknorrisrd.com and for the info on specific health benefits

> and recommendations:

> www.veganhealth.org

> Definitely check out veganhealth.org It is loaded with info and his

> methodology is good and sound.

> Enjoy and please do not hesitate to ask questions.

> marion

>

> Dr. Rollings

>

> NJ Licensed Psychologist #4686

> www.DrnRollings.com

>

> Sent from my iPad

>

> On May 2, 2011, at 8:54 PM, " Thea Barbato "

> wrote:

>

> > Not sure if I've mentioned this before but I've toyed around with

> becoming

> > (or working toward) being a vegan. Wondered if you (n) or

> anyone else

> > in the group knows of a book that is really excellent about

> converting to

> > this way of eating. I've read parts of Silverstone's, The

> Kind Diet

> > - but don't have that book. I did, however, actually purchase

> Crazy, Sexy

> > Diet by Kris Carr, which has gotten excellent reviews. There's

> another

> > author, Kathy Freston who came out with Veganist, not long ago.

> >

> > The reports that I've heard (in general) of weight loss, greater

> energy,

> > better lab values (cholesterol, etc.), just all over better

> health on a

> > vegan diet are remarkable. While I eat pretty much just whole

> foods, not

> > processed, I have too much of a love for carbs, and chocolate

> (try to do the

> > dark though at all times) plus a few other 'no-no's'. My weight

> and general

> > health is good but I want to improve it even more.

> >

> > So, in summary, I welcome any input anyone has about the above

> resources or

> > other recommendations for a beginner veganist. I think I'm basically

> > looking for an easy (read painless, LOL) way to ease into it!

> >

> > Thanks,

> >

> > Thea

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

I think it was head of it's time in some respects...

http://www.smallplanet.org/books/diet-small-planet

Jane

> Thanks for this, Jane! That title is familiar but I didn't actually

> read it

> in the 70's - it totally must have been ahead of its time. I think

> I was

> still too young back then (in my 20's and wrapped up in other

> things) to pay

> much attention at the time. Now I need to fine-tune my reading list to

> include all these titles.

>

> Thea

>

> Re: Veganism - n and others

>

> Don't forget about the book we all read back in the 70's... " Diet For

> A Small Planet "

> Jane

>

>

> > Thea,

> > I think easing your way into it and realizing that you are making

> > life-enhancing changes will take some time and learning, but it is

> > really fun and exciting when you start learning about the vegan

> > lifestyle.

> > Someone I know has the Carr book and it has helped her tremendously.

> > I suggest you head over to the local bookstore and gather a pile of

> > vegan books and leaf through them to see what grabs you. I am not

> > familiar with most of the new ones, but Peta.org,

> > MercyforAnimals.org and many other vegan animal righs organizations

> > offer free Vegetarian (really vegan) starter kits loaded with ideas

> > and recipes.

> > There is a website that lists foods you may already be eating that

> > are actually vegan.

> > here is the link:

> > http://www.vegfamily.com/lists/its-vegan.htm

> >

> > here is the link to Mercy's:

> >

> > http://www.mercyforanimals.org/vegan-starter-kit.aspx

> >

> > I actually keep copies of these kits in my patient waiting room.

> > They are good to keep around and help one get started. If you are a

> > baker, the Best of Vegan Baking is a good book. I just sent a

> > friend a book on vegan cupcakes. I don't eat a lot of cupcakes

> > myself (really none), but the author is well respected (of course,

> > I forget her name).

> > The vegetarian resource group as a nice website--www.vrg.org

> >

> > I am sure others will chime in here. But I highly recommend the

> > free starter kits. They are great and they are free.

> > good for you for making some changes. Vegan.com lists top vegan

> > cook books.

> > You did mention the health benefits--there is a highly respected,

> > noncontroversial registered dietician who has tons of free info on

> > his website about this. He is a nice guy too-I consulted him myself

> > once on a question I had. here is that link:

> > www.jacknorrisrd.com and for the info on specific health benefits

> > and recommendations:

> > www.veganhealth.org

> > Definitely check out veganhealth.org It is loaded with info and his

> > methodology is good and sound.

> > Enjoy and please do not hesitate to ask questions.

> > marion

> >

> > Dr. Rollings

> >

> > NJ Licensed Psychologist #4686

> > www.DrnRollings.com

> >

> > Sent from my iPad

> >

> > On May 2, 2011, at 8:54 PM, " Thea Barbato "

> > wrote:

> >

> > > Not sure if I've mentioned this before but I've toyed around with

> > becoming

> > > (or working toward) being a vegan. Wondered if you (n) or

> > anyone else

> > > in the group knows of a book that is really excellent about

> > converting to

> > > this way of eating. I've read parts of Silverstone's, The

> > Kind Diet

> > > - but don't have that book. I did, however, actually purchase

> > Crazy, Sexy

> > > Diet by Kris Carr, which has gotten excellent reviews. There's

> > another

> > > author, Kathy Freston who came out with Veganist, not long ago.

> > >

> > > The reports that I've heard (in general) of weight loss, greater

> > energy,

> > > better lab values (cholesterol, etc.), just all over better

> > health on a

> > > vegan diet are remarkable. While I eat pretty much just whole

> > foods, not

> > > processed, I have too much of a love for carbs, and chocolate

> > (try to do the

> > > dark though at all times) plus a few other 'no-no's'. My weight

> > and general

> > > health is good but I want to improve it even more.

> > >

> > > So, in summary, I welcome any input anyone has about the above

> > resources or

> > > other recommendations for a beginner veganist. I think I'm

> basically

> > > looking for an easy (read painless, LOL) way to ease into it!

> > >

> > > Thanks,

> > >

> > > Thea

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

Hi Thea,

What I'm about to say is not in an attempt to discourage you from going vegan.

Read it as simply precautionary from personal experience. The errors I made can

be overcome IF you know to be on the lookout for them.

I practiced a 100% raw vegan diet for over two years. If you aren't familiar

with the rawfoods movement, basically the food can not be heated above 118F as

that temp is believed to be the point at which enzymes " die " or more accurately

are denatured.

On the plus side: I lost 130 lbs, my cholesterol went from 249 to 149 in 6

months, blood pressure normalized, no longer needed Zoloft, and the intense

burning sensations in my body from fibromyalgia was gone (except for the feet).

I felt fabulous.

On the negative side: My triglycerides remained high and my " good " cholesterol

was way to low (thus the seemingly fabulous cholesterol reading wasn't so good),

I had problems with edema in the legs from insufficient protein, and as would

not be discovered for awhile I was getting dangerously low in important

nutrients such as D, magnesium, zinc, E (because I was keep fats too low), and

B12. Those deficiencies would result in a major multi-systems crash that made

2010 a living hell.

Now, if you go vegan but not raw, you can avoid some of those problems.

Obviously, I wasn't eating grains and the only legumes I was getting were

sprouted lentils and mung beans. I also had serious levels of toxicity which was

stressing my body and while the raw vegan diet seemed to help it at first, the

lack of some nutrients eventually shut down my detox pathways and left me set up

for major problems. As long as you eat a variety of whole grains and legumes and

make sure that you are eating a nutrient dense diet (with correct amounts of

fats and Omega-3's) you probably will not experience the same problems I did.

Just be aware of the potential dangers and the fact that what works for some

does not work for everyone. Your body is unique and has it's own needs. Be

mindful of that and a tuned to your body's signals and you will do well.

Tina, who is macro now (but still allowing myself kefir and aged cheese)

http://ajourneyintomacrobiotichealing.blogspot.com

>

> Not sure if I've mentioned this before but I've toyed around with becoming

> (or working toward) being a vegan. Wondered if you (n) or anyone else

> in the group knows of a book that is really excellent about converting to

> this way of eating. I've read parts of Silverstone's, The Kind Diet

> - but don't have that book. I did, however, actually purchase Crazy, Sexy

> Diet by Kris Carr, which has gotten excellent reviews. There's another

> author, Kathy Freston who came out with Veganist, not long ago.

>

>

>

> The reports that I've heard (in general) of weight loss, greater energy,

> better lab values (cholesterol, etc.), just all over better health on a

> vegan diet are remarkable. While I eat pretty much just whole foods, not

> processed, I have too much of a love for carbs, and chocolate (try to do the

> dark though at all times) plus a few other 'no-no's'. My weight and general

> health is good but I want to improve it even more.

>

>

>

> So, in summary, I welcome any input anyone has about the above resources or

> other recommendations for a beginner veganist. I think I'm basically

> looking for an easy (read painless, LOL) way to ease into it!

>

>

>

> Thanks,

>

> Thea

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I've been vegan for about three years now, going from raw (but high

fat!) to raw, 80-10-10, and finally finding something that really works

for me here: http://www.drmcdougall.com/

Dr. McDougall has books and DVDs that you can buy, but everything you

need to know is free on the website, here:

http://www.drmcdougall.com/free.html

The discussion boards are good sources of information, support and

recipes. Following Dr. McDougall's plan, I have lost 60 pounds (so far),

and dropped my blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, and fasting

blood glucose into normal levels.

>

> Hi Thea,

>

> What I'm about to say is not in an attempt to discourage you from

> going vegan. Read it as simply precautionary from personal experience.

> The errors I made can be overcome IF you know to be on the lookout for

> them.

>

> I practiced a 100% raw vegan diet for over two years. If you aren't

> familiar with the rawfoods movement, basically the food can not be

> heated above 118F as that temp is believed to be the point at which

> enzymes " die " or more accurately are denatured.

>

> On the plus side: I lost 130 lbs, my cholesterol went from 249 to 149

> in 6 months, blood pressure normalized, no longer needed Zoloft, and

> the intense burning sensations in my body from fibromyalgia was gone

> (except for the feet). I felt fabulous.

>

> On the negative side: My triglycerides remained high and my " good "

> cholesterol was way to low (thus the seemingly fabulous cholesterol

> reading wasn't so good), I had problems with edema in the legs from

> insufficient protein, and as would not be discovered for awhile I was

> getting dangerously low in important nutrients such as D, magnesium,

> zinc, E (because I was keep fats too low), and B12. Those deficiencies

> would result in a major multi-systems crash that made 2010 a living hell.

>

> Now, if you go vegan but not raw, you can avoid some of those

> problems. Obviously, I wasn't eating grains and the only legumes I was

> getting were sprouted lentils and mung beans. I also had serious

> levels of toxicity which was stressing my body and while the raw vegan

> diet seemed to help it at first, the lack of some nutrients eventually

> shut down my detox pathways and left me set up for major problems. As

> long as you eat a variety of whole grains and legumes and make sure

> that you are eating a nutrient dense diet (with correct amounts of

> fats and Omega-3's) you probably will not experience the same problems

> I did. Just be aware of the potential dangers and the fact that what

> works for some does not work for everyone. Your body is unique and has

> it's own needs. Be mindful of that and a tuned to your body's signals

> and you will do well.

>

> Tina, who is macro now (but still allowing myself kefir and aged cheese)

> http://ajourneyintomacrobiotichealing.blogspot.com

>

>

> >

> > Not sure if I've mentioned this before but I've toyed around with

> becoming

> > (or working toward) being a vegan. Wondered if you (n) or

> anyone else

> > in the group knows of a book that is really excellent about

> converting to

> > this way of eating. I've read parts of Silverstone's, The

> Kind Diet

> > - but don't have that book. I did, however, actually purchase Crazy,

> Sexy

> > Diet by Kris Carr, which has gotten excellent reviews. There's another

> > author, Kathy Freston who came out with Veganist, not long ago.

> >

> >

> >

> > The reports that I've heard (in general) of weight loss, greater energy,

> > better lab values (cholesterol, etc.), just all over better health on a

> > vegan diet are remarkable. While I eat pretty much just whole foods, not

> > processed, I have too much of a love for carbs, and chocolate (try

> to do the

> > dark though at all times) plus a few other 'no-no's'. My weight and

> general

> > health is good but I want to improve it even more.

> >

> >

> >

> > So, in summary, I welcome any input anyone has about the above

> resources or

> > other recommendations for a beginner veganist. I think I'm basically

> > looking for an easy (read painless, LOL) way to ease into it!

> >

> >

> >

> > Thanks,

> >

> > Thea

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

A very quick review of Dr. McDougall and I'd give him a thumbs up. He is linked

with Dr. Dean Ornish in the write up at Wiki. That means a lot. Quackwatch

doesn't like him but that isn't saying much, they don't like a lot of folks. Dr.

McDougall has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals including JAMA.

Makes his advise pretty sound if you ask me.

Tina

> > >

> > > Not sure if I've mentioned this before but I've toyed around with

> > becoming

> > > (or working toward) being a vegan. Wondered if you (n) or

> > anyone else

> > > in the group knows of a book that is really excellent about

> > converting to

> > > this way of eating. I've read parts of Silverstone's, The

> > Kind Diet

> > > - but don't have that book. I did, however, actually purchase Crazy,

> > Sexy

> > > Diet by Kris Carr, which has gotten excellent reviews. There's another

> > > author, Kathy Freston who came out with Veganist, not long ago.

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > The reports that I've heard (in general) of weight loss, greater energy,

> > > better lab values (cholesterol, etc.), just all over better health on a

> > > vegan diet are remarkable. While I eat pretty much just whole foods, not

> > > processed, I have too much of a love for carbs, and chocolate (try

> > to do the

> > > dark though at all times) plus a few other 'no-no's'. My weight and

> > general

> > > health is good but I want to improve it even more.

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > So, in summary, I welcome any input anyone has about the above

> > resources or

> > > other recommendations for a beginner veganist. I think I'm basically

> > > looking for an easy (read painless, LOL) way to ease into it!

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Thanks,

> > >

> > > Thea

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

May I suggest a book? Yeah, I know...and your library probably won't have it.

Anyway, it's titled " The High Blood Pressure Hoax " by Dr. Sherry , MD. She

is an environmental medicine doctor. The book isn't what you probably think--she

isn't saying that high blood pressure doesn't exist or isn't of concern. Her

premise is that hypertension is not a deficiency in beta-blocker or

calcium-blocker or whatever. There are other, healthier, options to treat

hypertension.

Tina

> >

> > Not sure if I've mentioned this before but I've toyed around with becoming

> > (or working toward) being a vegan. Wondered if you (n) or anyone else

> > in the group knows of a book that is really excellent about converting to

> > this way of eating. I've read parts of Silverstone's, The Kind Diet

> > - but don't have that book. I did, however, actually purchase Crazy, Sexy

> > Diet by Kris Carr, which has gotten excellent reviews. There's another

> > author, Kathy Freston who came out with Veganist, not long ago.

> >

> > The reports that I've heard (in general) of weight loss, greater energy,

> > better lab values (cholesterol, etc.), just all over better health on a

> > vegan diet are remarkable. While I eat pretty much just whole foods, not

> > processed, I have too much of a love for carbs, and chocolate (try to

> > do the

> > dark though at all times) plus a few other 'no-no's'. My weight and

> > general

> > health is good but I want to improve it even more.

> >

> > So, in summary, I welcome any input anyone has about the above

> > resources or

> > other recommendations for a beginner veganist. I think I'm basically

> > looking for an easy (read painless, LOL) way to ease into it!

> >

> > Thanks,

> >

> > Thea

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Re: Learning new things about various ways of eating!!!

This is how I look at life. We can live in a goldfish bowl existence and be in

our little bubble and not be aware of ANYTHING, or we can take life by the

horns, embrace it, learn what's happening OUT THERE, and either apply it or not

apply it. The only way I was able to keep my weight off was by learning what

food did to my body. It's easy to say " lose weight, it's healthy " , it's quite

another to actually see what food does to the arteries, heart, liver, cells,

etc. etc. Once I got on that information superhighway and began watching how

food affected my body, well, I just inhaled the info and applied it to ME!!!!

i had not trouble doing this. All of my friends, well, they think I'm nuts, and

I'm an organic freak (which I am not), but I don' t try and make anyone else do

this. It has to come to oneself.

Little by little I will probably go vegan. It's not an overnight application.

But I do know that when I eat my sprouts, I feel like I can conquer the world.

And it does a good job on my brain. No sugar, fat, etc.

It makes my body SING!!!

And hence, when one is named Melody.....one wants to SING!!!!

lol

[Guest guest]

Thanks for that web site Jane, I'm watching the videos and enjoying her

political philosophy. It seems very much in line with my own thinking.

In her first book, " Diet for a Small Planet " FML bought into a number of

presuppositions of the meat industry that very much overcomplicated things for

people who wanted to become vegetarian/vegan. Agribusiness would like you to

believe that there is such a thing as a 'complete' protein and that that can

only be provided by meat, milk and eggs. FML in Diet for a Small Planet stated

that eggs provide the perfect protein and designed her recipes so that the amino

acids matched those provided by eggs. So beans needed to be eaten with grains so

the proper amino acid balance would be provided. Many people would read this and

say " I'll just eat the eggs, then I don't have to bother with the beans or the

grain. " Therefore the meat industry loved how complicated this all sounded and

they are now the ones who will say the loudest, " Be sure you get a complete

protein. "

I heard that post DSP FML changed a lot of the beliefs expressed in the book. I

have not found any hard evidence of that yet.

My own belief is that unless someone is on a very restrictive diet; 100% fruit

or 100% raw with certain foods completely avoided or something along that line,

there is no chance of not getting enough protein. Humans only need a few grams

of protein and most of the protein you eat is burned as fuel and not used for

muscle repair.

Lee

> I think it was head of it's time in some respects...

> http://www.smallplanet.org/books/diet-small-planet

> Jane

[Guest guest]

1. What is a complete protein? Of the 22 amino acids making up protein, 9 of

them are considered " essential " in human nutrition because we are unable to

manufacture them ourselves. We need those 9 amino acids within the same day but

not necessarily within the same meal. The nine essentials are: phenylalanine,

valine, threonine, tryptophan, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, and

histidine.

2. While it is true that Americans eating SAD (Standard American Diet) do eat

far too much protein, which is converted either to immediate energy or storage

as FAT (we can not store protein as protein), our bodies do require protein

daily to maintain our muscle mass. Individuals needs depend on their activity

level/lean muscle but is generally calculated based on weight. There are

calculators online that will tell you what your individual protein needs are in

grams. I would not agree with the statement that we only need a " few grams " of

protein. An average adult of 150 pounds needs roughly 50 grams of protein per

day. That can change based on other factors.

3. There are a few vegan foods which do provide all 9 essential amino acids.

Quinoa is one. Hemp is another (and it is a great source of Omega-3s).

Vegans who are eating nutrient-dense foods and including whole grains and

legumes should have no problem getting quality protein. They may find it

difficult to get enough protein if they are very active. I read the book,

Thrive, by a vegan Ironman Athlete. In order to obtain the protein he required

he had to use protein powders. While his is an extreme example it does go to the

point that protein is not something to regulate to the realm of almost-useless.

On the subject of protein, the Hip-Chick on Macrobiotics book connects high

protein intake with the obsession with muscle-building and fighting that we have

in the US. She does make the interesting comparison with protein obsession and

body-building in the US and veganism and yoga in other countries.

Okay, I'll shut-up now.

Tina, MS in Nutrition

http://ajourneyintomacrobiotichealing.blogspot.com

>

> > I think it was head of it's time in some respects...

> > http://www.smallplanet.org/books/diet-small-planet

> > Jane

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Quinoa?????? I have a box sitting in my fridge. It has all 9? How cool that I

happen to have this.

So if I have a serving of Quinoa every day, I'm good to go?

I CAN do that!!!

Thanks very much

> >

> > > I think it was head of it's time in some respects...

> > > http://www.smallplanet.org/books/diet-small-planet

> > > Jane

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

If you have a serving of quinoa then you don't have to fret about having all 9

essential amino acids for your body to work with. That is quite different from

having eaten sufficient protein.

24/7 your body is breaking down and rebuilding muscle--structural muscle such as

biceps, triceps, quads, etc., and the muscles of your heart and other organs. In

order to do this, it requires amino acids of the right type and quantity. We

must eat the 9 essentials but we also need to eat enough protein, period, so

that our body can take what we give it, create the non-essential amino acids

from the building blocks of the other amino acids we ate that day, and use that

to keep our bodies running healthy and strong.

Eat your essential 9, and make sure you eat the minimum grams of protein you

require for your amount of lean muscle mass and activity level. For the average

adult female that would be about 50 grams of protein. That really isn't a huge

amount but it is critical. Vegans need to be sure that they are eating

sufficient grains and legumes to meet their minimum. With just a little care, a

vegan can eat a nutrient-dense diet that meets all their body's needs.

You might find this article of interest:

http://www.infobarrel.com/Calorie_Restriction_Effects_on_Biomarkers_of_Health_an\

d_Longevity_in_Humans

The article is based on a number of studies which used vegans, raw vegans, and

members of the CR Society. I've got more articles planned spinning off this one.

Since we are discussing vegans and health issues, I thought you'd find it

interesting.

Tina

> > >

> > > > I think it was head of it's time in some respects...

> > > > http://www.smallplanet.org/books/diet-small-planet

> > > > Jane

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

Good Article. Good info.

I am still reading " The China Study " .

So far, the spin seems to be " Eat a plant based diet "

That's what I'm doing.

Hope to live to be a 100 and eating sprouts off of my shelves.

lol

Melody

> > > >

> > > > > I think it was head of it's time in some respects...

> > > > > http://www.smallplanet.org/books/diet-small-planet

> > > > > Jane

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

[Guest guest]

Yep, a plant based diet is most definitely a key to longevity and good

health from what I understand. Seems that the evidence points more and more

strongly to that kind of lifestyle.

And yes - we'll look forward to your videos when you're 100, Melody cuz that

means we'll all be 100 (or more) right along with you, LOL!!

Thea

From: sproutpeople [mailto:sproutpeople ] On

Behalf Of Melody

Sent: Tuesday, May 03, 2011 10:22 PM

To: sproutpeople

Subject: Re: Veganism - n and others

Good Article. Good info.

I am still reading " The China Study " .

So far, the spin seems to be " Eat a plant based diet "

That's what I'm doing.

Hope to live to be a 100 and eating sprouts off of my shelves.

lol

Melody

> > > >

> > > > > I think it was head of it's time in some respects...

> > > > > http://www.smallplanet.org/books/diet-small-planet

> > > > > Jane

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

[Guest guest]

Interesting that this topic has come up and that I just saw it in my email

tonight. My husband told me earlier today that he wants to do " this diet

thing " to help his BP. Well, basically after a cleanse he wants to go

Vegan! Thank you everyone for all the wealth of info here. This is going

to help my entire family.

TN

On Mon, May 2, 2011 at 7:54 PM, Thea Barbato wrote:

> Not sure if I've mentioned this before but I've toyed around with becoming

> (or working toward) being a vegan. Wondered if you (n) or anyone else

> in the group knows of a book that is really excellent about converting to

> this way of eating. I've read parts of Silverstone's, The Kind Diet

> - but don't have that book. I did, however, actually purchase Crazy, Sexy

> Diet by Kris Carr, which has gotten excellent reviews. There's another

> author, Kathy Freston who came out with Veganist, not long ago.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Excellent points, Melody. Hey, you and I ought to go vegan together! You

must outline (and of course, video, as needed,) your vegan journey so I can

copy it and do it too, LOL!! Would be great if we were neighbors, so we

could really support each other!!!

Thea

From: sproutpeople [mailto:sproutpeople ] On

Behalf Of Melody

Sent: Tuesday, May 03, 2011 12:49 PM

To: sproutpeople

Subject: Re: Veganism - n and others

Re: Learning new things about various ways of eating!!!

This is how I look at life. We can live in a goldfish bowl existence and be

in our little bubble and not be aware of ANYTHING, or we can take life by

the horns, embrace it, learn what's happening OUT THERE, and either apply it

or not apply it. The only way I was able to keep my weight off was by

learning what food did to my body. It's easy to say " lose weight, it's

healthy " , it's quite another to actually see what food does to the arteries,

heart, liver, cells, etc. etc. Once I got on that information superhighway

and began watching how food affected my body, well, I just inhaled the info

and applied it to ME!!!!

i had not trouble doing this. All of my friends, well, they think I'm nuts,

and I'm an organic freak (which I am not), but I don' t try and make anyone

else do this. It has to come to oneself.

Little by little I will probably go vegan. It's not an overnight

application.

But I do know that when I eat my sprouts, I feel like I can conquer the

world. And it does a good job on my brain. No sugar, fat, etc.

It makes my body SING!!!

And hence, when one is named Melody.....one wants to SING!!!!

lol

[Guest guest]

I would never try to change anyone who follows a particular diet for ethical

reasons, but I think it is well worthwhile taking Dr Mercola's Nutritional

Typing Test, free on his website, which gives you an idea what sort of diet

suits your particular makeup.

I don't believe there is one diet that suits everyone.

Mike

________________________________

To: sproutpeople

Sent: Tue, 3 May, 2011 20:48:20

Subject: Re: Veganism - n and others

 

1. What is a complete protein? Of the 22 amino acids making up protein, 9 of

them are considered " essential " in human nutrition because we are unable to

manufacture them ourselves. We need those 9 amino acids within the same day but

not necessarily within the same meal. The nine essentials are: phenylalanine,

valine, threonine, tryptophan, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, and

histidine.

2. While it is true that Americans eating SAD (Standard American Diet) do eat

far too much protein, which is converted either to immediate energy or storage

as FAT (we can not store protein as protein), our bodies do require protein

daily to maintain our muscle mass. Individuals needs depend on their activity

level/lean muscle but is generally calculated based on weight. There are

calculators online that will tell you what your individual protein needs are in

grams. I would not agree with the statement that we only need a " few grams " of

protein. An average adult of 150 pounds needs roughly 50 grams of protein per

day. That can change based on other factors.

3. There are a few vegan foods which do provide all 9 essential amino acids.

Quinoa is one. Hemp is another (and it is a great source of Omega-3s).

Vegans who are eating nutrient-dense foods and including whole grains and

legumes should have no problem getting quality protein. They may find it

difficult to get enough protein if they are very active. I read the book,

Thrive, by a vegan Ironman Athlete. In order to obtain the protein he required

he had to use protein powders. While his is an extreme example it does go to the

point that protein is not something to regulate to the realm of almost-useless.

On the subject of protein, the Hip-Chick on Macrobiotics book connects high

protein intake with the obsession with muscle-building and fighting that we have

in the US. She does make the interesting comparison with protein obsession and

body-building in the US and veganism and yoga in other countries.

Okay, I'll shut-up now.

Tina, MS in Nutrition

http://ajourneyintomacrobiotichealing.blogspot.com

>

> > I think it was head of it's time in some respects...

> > http://www.smallplanet.org/books/diet-small-planet

> > Jane

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Honestly, I really don't know if I could do everything you guys do. Making

rejuvelac, making dehydrated stuff, doing the raw thing.

Not sure if I have what it takes. But I look at it this way. It took me to get

in my 50's to get a lightbulb moment on healthy eating. It took being in 60's to

learn how to sprout.

Maybe when I'm 70???????

lol lol

>

> Excellent points, Melody. Hey, you and I ought to go vegan together! You

> must outline (and of course, video, as needed,) your vegan journey so I can

> copy it and do it too, LOL!! Would be great if we were neighbors, so we

> could really support each other!!!

>

>

>

> Thea

>

>

>

> From: sproutpeople [mailto:sproutpeople ] On

> Behalf Of Melody

> Sent: Tuesday, May 03, 2011 12:49 PM

> To: sproutpeople

> Subject: Re: Veganism - n and others

>

>

>

>

>

> Re: Learning new things about various ways of eating!!!

>

> This is how I look at life. We can live in a goldfish bowl existence and be

> in our little bubble and not be aware of ANYTHING, or we can take life by

> the horns, embrace it, learn what's happening OUT THERE, and either apply it

> or not apply it. The only way I was able to keep my weight off was by

> learning what food did to my body. It's easy to say " lose weight, it's

> healthy " , it's quite another to actually see what food does to the arteries,

> heart, liver, cells, etc. etc. Once I got on that information superhighway

> and began watching how food affected my body, well, I just inhaled the info

> and applied it to ME!!!!

>

> i had not trouble doing this. All of my friends, well, they think I'm nuts,

> and I'm an organic freak (which I am not), but I don' t try and make anyone

> else do this. It has to come to oneself.

>

> Little by little I will probably go vegan. It's not an overnight

> application.

>

> But I do know that when I eat my sprouts, I feel like I can conquer the

> world. And it does a good job on my brain. No sugar, fat, etc.

>

> It makes my body SING!!!

>

> And hence, when one is named Melody.....one wants to SING!!!!

>

> lol

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>