Thread: Vegetarians and Weight Loss?

Hey ladies. I've been about 99% vegetarian for the past 6 months or so. (I dipped into a little Thanksgiving turkey and Christmas ham) In that time, I think I've lost way too much weight. I don't know if it's due to stress or if it's because I'm no longer eating meat. I feel better otherwise, I used to have extremely painful periods but they've been incredibly easy since I've been veggie.

I just hate being such a stick. I've been pretty thin for a while, but not like this. I prefer being a bit on the "thick" side.

If worse comes to worse I may have to back to eating meat again. I can't be this thin. I don't like it. :(

Is there anything I can do to supplement my veggie diet? I eat beans...maybe I should eat more? I don't like tofu at all! LOL! Help!

Are you getting enough protein? That is my first thought because I saw you eat beans, but you mention you hate tofu and no mention of supplementing. Depending on your activity level you should get anywhere between (at the very minimum) 29 grams- up to 50 grams of protein everyday (thats on the extreme if you are active and if you lift weights etc). I am a vegetarian and have been since I was 11. I am on the petite side, but far from being a stick. Believe me, one can still be 'thick' on a vegetarian diet. Also, there are great helthy forms of fat that are prevalent in veg diets. Avocado is one of those for me! I love me some avocado and it is pretty fatty! Peanuts and other nuts are another healthy fat. For me, it's peanut butter (non-hydrogenated of course). I LOVE me some peanut butter! Anyway, it seems like you just need to assess your diet. Good luck!

Too thin? Eat more bread and starchy carbs. It's how I keep my robust frame so very robust. NOMNOM.

If you are a naturally really thin, fast metabolism person you might do well eating little and often. Handful of nuts here and there.

I find any change results in weight loss for me, followed by weight gain again as soon as I settle into a routine.

I do eat fish and I eat more of it than I have in years, while trying to hold off on bread/sweet things. That seems to help me get a little leaner. I don't think of protein as a thing to create weight, though I know it's good for muscle.

You may simply not be eating enough. Also, what other factors are there?

I agree with bdlana... Also, I've been mostly veggie for 2 years now (I occasionally eat fish), and I too have seen a weight loss and at a recent photoshoot realized I looked too thin, and thought about, I stopped lifting weights. and as bdlana said you could be a 'thick" vegetarian, esp if you eat too much "bad" carbs, like white rice or pasta. Healthly protein, healthy fats and weight training assists in "not looking frail".

I've also realized that I tend to do a little of the low/non fat thing mixed with regular itmes such as cheese. Some days I'll have a laughing cow, other days I have the real thing. How many meals do you eat a day? In order to maintain and not lose, it's better to have 4-6 small meals rather than large ones. I also noticed that the "old ways of dieting" I needed to put by the wayside, like the popular only eat salads, that's great but your salad now has to be balanced.

Also, I'd suggest trying new things to cook. Whether that be a new/different food or cuisine. That helped me get through the "trouble times" when I first started and thought I'd go back to eating meat, and now it's second nature. But I remember I feel too good now to go back. Meals should be balanced, protein, carb, "green" (remember beans are both car d& protein)


Good luck!

I'm veggie too, and I'm a thick girl! I've been vegetarian for about 3 years, and I was vegan for a year and a half of that. I never got thin. Like bdlana said, nutts are great. They have alot of calories in a small ammount (and lots of nutrients!) and it is "good" fat.
And you do need protein, and it is very important that you make sure you get it. But you need COMPLETE proteins. Proteins are the building blocks in our body. They repair cell damage, tissues such as muscles, etc. Protein can only be utilized by the body if it is a complete protein. A complete protein is one that has all the 9 essential amino acids. Protein from eat and dairy products is complete, and also soy protein. Protein from all other vegetables/legumes/whole grains are incomplete protiens (they dont have all 9 amino acids) and cannot alone be utilized in our body to repair tissues. In order to get use of incomplete proteins, you have to pair them with other foods that have the rest of the amino acids that it doesnt have. Some examples are peanut butter on wheat bread, beans with brown or whole grain rice or pasta, peas with brown rice or pasta.

If you have any other questions about anything feel free to email me at kerrierou@gmail.com
I'm graduating this year with a degree in exercise science and health fitness, i've taken a few nutrition classes.

Good luck!

And if you're not getting enough complete protein, a good ammount of the weight you've lost could very well be muscle!

Yes, sorry I went off on a tangent about the protein. It certainly won't make you thick per se, but it IS very important and I had the thought you may not be getting enough. It will also keep you from (like what was said earlier) looking frail.

Amethyst Skyy...what about Whey protein? I take that to supplement. I used to do soy protein, but am trying to avoid it as much as possible due to the hormonal thing. Although I still love my fake meat products every once in awhile...

Wow, thanks for all the info guys! Now that I think about it, I probably only eat 2-3 meals per day. I'm a flight attendant and it's hard for me to get in so many meals in a day...I just go and go and all of a sudden it's 6pm and I haven't eaten since 6am...

I'm probably not getting enough protein either. I need to try some different recipes. Anyone have recipe ideas? I think I'm going to buy this book called World Vegetarian (Madhur Jaffrey) I thumbed through it a while ago and there seemed to be some good stuff in there.I had no idea about beans not being a complete protein either....that's good to know!

Does anyone have a meal plan they'd like to share?

Amethyst, I will probably be emailing you shortly. Lots of questions!!!

Originally Posted by zumarrad

Too thin? Eat more bread and starchy carbs. It's how I keep my robust frame so very robust. NOMNOM.

If you are a naturally really thin, fast metabolism person you might do well eating little and often. Handful of nuts here and there.

I find any change results in weight loss for me, followed by weight gain again as soon as I settle into a routine.

I do eat fish and I eat more of it than I have in years, while trying to hold off on bread/sweet things. That seems to help me get a little leaner. I don't think of protein as a thing to create weight, though I know it's good for muscle.

You may simply not be eating enough. Also, what other factors are there?

LOL! I love the idea of eating lots of carbs. I love bread! Carbfest 2010!!!
As far as other factors, I have been majorly stressed out lately. I've been dealing with a breakup and I've been feeling very insecure. I have a cold right now and it's the second cold I've had in a month. I'm pretty sure there are other things, and I'm hoping a better diet will help get things back in order.

I've seen overweight vegetarians (never any overweight vegans, though), so it is possible to be veggie and not thin. I tend to eat a well-rounded diet. I'm a healthy weight for my height and have good blood pressure.

What I'm eating this week:
-Pierogi (yes, they're junky, but I love them)
-Whole wheat pasta with sauce and cheese
-Stir fry with broccoli, tofu, and noddles
-Rice, beans, cheese with avocado and peppers and onions
- Sandwich with tomatoes, spinach, and cheese
-Pasta with spinach, alfredo sauce, and peppers.

I am 99% veggie, and I don't have this problem. My advice is to make sure you get the essential fatty acids and plenty of good fats. Avocados, olive oil, nuts and seeds (sunflower and pumpkin seeds are yummy for snacking on)

I have so many cookbooks with recipes that are not low fat (do you like to cook? forgive me if you've already said) If you want I can post a list of good ones.

Protein is essential, but I think that so many people get more tha n they need. Try seitan or tempeh though, tempeh is especially good for you because it is fermented, so is miso. Add miso to grains when they are warm (not when they are cooking bc that would kill the live enzymes)

Originally Posted by Kellygirl

I am 99% veggie, and I don't have this problem. My advice is to make sure you get the essential fatty acids and plenty of good fats. Avocados, olive oil, nuts and seeds (sunflower and pumpkin seeds are yummy for snacking on)

I have so many cookbooks with recipes that are not low fat (do you like to cook? forgive me if you've already said) If you want I can post a list of good ones.

Protein is essential, but I think that so many people get more tha n they need. Try seitan or tempeh though, tempeh is especially good for you because it is fermented, so is miso. Add miso to grains when they are warm (not when they are cooking bc that would kill the live enzymes)

All 3 paragraphs: Thank You!

Ejaghana, my suspicion is that it's the stress.

You may also need to assess why you are not eating meat. Sometimes it's necessary to make the judgment call b/t values and health.

I think you are an ectomorph, yes? Tall, lean, hardgainer? My ex is an ectomorph. He had been vegan for several years and fell ill. Low energy levels, he just wasn't feeling well, and he's very physically active. He abhorred the thought of eating meat because he believed all creatures are sentient beings. Anyways, he realized he couldn't get on any longer feeling unhealthy so he re-introduced healthily produced (free range or wild, grain-fed, antibiotic-free) meats into his diet. Just small amounts. And that has made all the difference.

Yup, my experience was very similar to what Azhia's ex went through. You're definitely not alone.

About 2 years ago, I transitioned back to eating meat. Prior to that, I was a vegetarian for 9 years due to my own personal ethics. Even under the best of circumstances, when I was taking tons of supplements and eating beans, legumes, soy, nuts and lean dairy for protein, I'd feel like I was about to hit a wall by 2:00 in the afternoon. And I was always feeling hungry.

It was actually several naturopaths who told me that I was doing my body a disservice by not eating moderate amounts of animal protein! So I transitioned back gradually, first eating a thumbnail-sized piece of turkey, then half a slice the next day, etc. I do feel much better this way, though I still love to cook meatless meals several times a week.

And yeah. Stress will definitely do it to you, too. I'm going through that right now ,r:;

I have been majorly stressed out lately. I've been dealing with a breakup

Ah. The Bad Breakup Weightloss Programme. Almost certainly another factor!

Vegetarianism can promote healthier eating, which can lead to weight loss, but a healthy diet will not cause a person to be underweight. I've been a vegetarian for nearly 7 years and am careful to get a good balance of carbs, proteins, and healthy fats. That's all there really is to it.

Stress and emotional upset can definitely affect weight in either direction, depending on how a person deals with it. Sounds like that's the problem.

Originally Posted by zumarrad

Ah. The Bad Breakup Weightloss Programme. Almost certainly another factor!

I didn't catch that before. Definitely a factor. Take care of yourself.

I know plenty of overweight vegans, just saying.

If you want to put on weight, then you have to do exactly what omnivorous weight-gainers do: eat more calories than you burn. If you're eating a well-rounded, healthy diet that includes legumes and a variety of plant life, then protein shouldn't be an issue.

So go back for seconds and thirds and enjoy!

Easy protein -- edamame! Also nuts, and good- fats like avocado. And tofu. Don't forget the calcium.

I'm a vegan and I recently lost 10 lbs due to stomach flu, a break up and financial problems. I've just been eating more fat and carbs to try to get the weight back. Peanut butter, agave nectar, nuts, olive oil, coconut oil and vegetable oil, bread, chips, etc. I've also been enhaling Cuties (those vegan ice cream sandwiches. I hope it works. My Mom is a nutritionist and says that an extra 500 calories a day with less exercise should do the trick. So I'm not dancing as much and when ever I think about it I'm stuffing my face. I usually eat frequent small meals but I'm trying to eat faster and bigger portions to get the weight back. It's so weird for me to keep eating when I'm full though. But I have to do what I have to do because I'm 120 lbs and almost 6 ft tall. It's not a good look.

Originally Posted by bdlana

Yes, sorry I went off on a tangent about the protein. It certainly won't make you thick per se, but it IS very important and I had the thought you may not be getting enough. It will also keep you from (like what was said earlier) looking frail.

Amethyst Skyy...what about Whey protein? I take that to supplement. I used to do soy protein, but am trying to avoid it as much as possible due to the hormonal thing. Although I still love my fake meat products every once in awhile...

Whey protein is a good supplement. It is derived from milk, so being an animal product, it has all the essential amino acids. I do take it sometimes if I have a crazy day and realize I didnt eat enough protein!

Originally Posted by SatinWorship19

Yup, my experience was very similar to what Azhia's ex went through. You're definitely not alone.

About 2 years ago, I transitioned back to eating meat. Prior to that, I was a vegetarian for 9 years due to my own personal ethics. Even under the best of circumstances, when I was taking tons of supplements and eating beans, legumes, soy, nuts and lean dairy for protein, I'd feel like I was about to hit a wall by 2:00 in the afternoon. And I was always feeling hungry.

It was actually several naturopaths who told me that I was doing my body a disservice by not eating moderate amounts of animal protein! So I transitioned back gradually, first eating a thumbnail-sized piece of turkey, then half a slice the next day, etc. I do feel much better this way, though I still love to cook meatless meals several times a week.

And yeah. Stress will definitely do it to you, too. I'm going through that right now ,r:;

In response to this, vegetarianism may not work for everyone i guess! You do have to be knowlegeable and careful about what you eat. With eating a balanced diet and putting the right foods together to make complete proteins, I've never heard anyone feel worse. But I guess maybe it does for some!

I felt better after becoming vegetarian, my skin looked better, and I had more energy. I've never had a doctor or nutritionist tell me that it is better to eat meat, actually just the latter. At my doctors visits I have them do bloodwork to make sure im getting enough vitamins (havent had a problem yet) and my cholesterol levels are nice and low. Eating no meat is good for your body. Cholesterol from meat and dairy builds up on your arterial walls which restricts blood to your heart. This causes, heart disease, strokes, and heart attacks.

Think about it....if we were meant to eat meat, why is heart disease (usuallu from high cholesterol from eating animal products and meat) the number one killer? Other animals dont die from it. Our digestive systems take MUCH longer to breakdown the food, giving our bodies time to absorb the unneeded cholesterol. Other meat eating animals digest quickly thus not absorbing cholesterol. Also, why do we have to cook it? If we were made to eat meat, we shouldn't have to worry about dying if we ate it raw....other animals dont die!

I love this video....watch it! Explains alot!

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tt72EPHpS_U&feature=related]YouTube - Are Human Animals Natural Meat Eaters? [Vegan video][/ame]

Okay, I could go on and on....I'll stop there!

Oh, and I dont take any supplements except for a multivitamin (which I always took even before I became a veggie). And once and a great while I'll use protein powder if i have a crazy day where I know I haven't gotten enough protein on the go.
It's definitely doable...and you can transition without loosing weight. Just do your research =)

I was veggie for about 7 years and ate a very balanced diet but it never helped me with losing weight - being aware of what I was eating, yes; weight loss, no.

I wasn't a super strict vegetarian so I ate a lot of cheese which I love and also things like cahew nuts. Those (and carbs) were what I'd kick when I wanted to try and lose weight

Originally Posted by amethyst_skyy

In response to this, vegetarianism may not work for everyone i guess! You do have to be knowlegeable and careful about what you eat. With eating a balanced diet and putting the right foods together to make complete proteins, I've never heard anyone feel worse. But I guess maybe it does for some!

I felt better after becoming vegetarian, my skin looked better, and I had more energy. I've never had a doctor or nutritionist tell me that it is better to eat meat, actually just the latter. At my doctors visits I have them do bloodwork to make sure im getting enough vitamins (havent had a problem yet) and my cholesterol levels are nice and low. Eating no meat is good for your body. Cholesterol from meat and dairy builds up on your arterial walls which restricts blood to your heart. This causes, heart disease, strokes, and heart attacks.

Think about it....if we were meant to eat meat, why is heart disease (usuallu from high cholesterol from eating animal products and meat) the number one killer? Other animals dont die from it. Our digestive systems take MUCH longer to breakdown the food, giving our bodies time to absorb the unneeded cholesterol. Other meat eating animals digest quickly thus not absorbing cholesterol. Also, why do we have to cook it? If we were made to eat meat, we shouldn't have to worry about dying if we ate it raw....other animals dont die!

I love this video....watch it! Explains alot!

YouTube - Are Human Animals Natural Meat Eaters? [Vegan video]

Okay, I could go on and on....I'll stop there!

Great link :) I just posted it on my Facebook!!

in addition to protein, you may want to consider if you are getting ENOUGH fat ... your body does NEED certain amounts of fats (especially specific fats) and often when people go veggie they will also go TOO lowfat (obviously not always and the same thing happens when people try to go lowfat or "healthy" in general without going veggie). (olive oil and coconut oil are great)

(also, one thing about the periods just because you mentioned them and it occured to me - that could be great or it could be deceiving - mine went from bad to wonderful ... just before I lost them from being too underweight ... not saying that's necessarily what's happening ... just a thought.)

(and in response to the person who had never heard of anyone feeling worse after going veggie - I have personally known MANY - especially vegan as opposed to veggie - and several even after doing all they could w/ drs, nutritionists, etc to try to make it work ... NOTHING works for everyone - our bodies are all very very different ... and I'm not even going to get into the heart disease thing)

Originally Posted by amethyst_skyy

I love this video....watch it! Explains alot!

YouTube - Are Human Animals Natural Meat Eaters? [Vegan video]

Okay, I could go on and on....I'll stop there!

Evolutionary biologist here. I only got 1 min into it. The biology is so flawed its not even funny. This *really* angers me as it is pseudoscience being used as propaganda.

Humans evolved as omnivores; the evidence for this is overwhelming.

Lets just start with the argument used in the first minute of the video (since that's all I've been able to stomach so far).

Teeth. The video immediately sets up a false dichotomy: carnivores vs. herbivores. But we are neither; we're omnivores. Also, at least two of other animals shown (bears and chimps) are omnivores and thus don't fit the dichotomy portrayed.

The video then tried to make the case that early humans could not have been meat eaters because our mouths, jaws and teeth are not shaped well for walking up to a mammoth and taking a bite out of it! But early humans hunted with weapons and our brains. To say that because we can't take down prey in the same way as, say, a lion does proves we are natural herbivores is again a logical fallacy.

None of this need have any bearing on whether you choose a vegetarian or vegan diet. We have the ability to have these choices today only due to the advent of agriculture, a relatively recent development in human evolutionary history.

our mouths, jaws and teeth are not shaped well for walking up to a mammoth and taking a bite out of it

And that has no bearing whatsoever on our ability to pick some grubs out of a tree stump and eat them. Look, I've been a vegetarian, I now only eat fish and seafood as flesh food, I hate meat and I love animals and don't like killing them, but I'm not going to pretend any of that isn't driven by personal preference and/or ethics. I have canine teeth. They started life in the wrong place, but I've got 'em. Humans *are* designed to be able to eat meat and fruits and vegetables.

Originally Posted by ssipes

None of this need have any bearing on whether you choose a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Exactly. As a Vegan people often expect me to argue them down about their meat eating. But truthfully, I don't care what you eat or don't eat. I just want everyone to be healthy. That's their own choice. And you can be a relatively healthy meat-eater or an unhealthy Vegetarian. So do you.

The only thing I was trying to argue was that you don't NEED meat to be healthy. I was a meat eater most of my life and was healthy, my parents also. I am healthier now that I don't eat meat though (lower cholesterol, etc). My only reasoning for switching to vegetarian & vegan was because I love animals and hate the thought of them being tortured to get food. I do love stores like Whole Foods, which sells meat they get from local farms that naturally raise animal and give them a good life for a couple years. Although I still wouldnt eat that meat, I do like that it is available.
and Portiaangel, I know that some things definitely don't work for everyone. I was just saying that out of all the vegetarians/vegans I know that are knowledgeable and eat the write foods don't have any problems. I know there are some out there, but I don't know them. And that about the heart disease thing??

Oh and ssipes, the video may not be perfect, but there are some good points. I know you didn't watch the whole video, but I think the point about colesterol is a very good one if you watch the whole thing. I like the video because to me it shows that maybe were not suppose to be meat eaters (as in we dont have to be). Way too often I have meat eaters argue with me and try to tell me that were meant to be meat eaters and you cant be healthy without meat. This had some facts in it that show people that there are things about our bodies that are not meant for eating meat, like our long digestive systems with which we absorb cholesterol. I'm not trying to say that people are not meant to and cant eat meat. I ate meat most my life and its fine. I did it because of my love for animals and that was the only reason. The health benefits were an extra when I found out about them. I never go up to someone and try to get them to stop eating meat, but too many times I have to defend myself. And i think this video has a couple very good points to say that we dont NEED meat