vegetarian needing to find energy and make better food choices

I am having a real hard time finding the motivation to lose 15 pounds. I feel tired and drained all the time after work and have found very difficult to make the right choices when I eat.

I am a vegetarian but have found myself eating too many carbs and I wonder if that's the reason why I feel so tired all the time.

Tue. Nov 11, 12:12pm

Make sure you're adding enough proteins to your diet. I'm pretty sure beans and nuts are a must when you're cutting out meat.

I don't know if you are eating white bread, but if you are you should switch it out for whole grains. This might give you the energy you're missing! Avoiding enriched flours and high fructose corn syrup will do wonders for your waistline.

-dothezonk

Tuesday, November 11, 2008, 1:28 PM

I'm a vegetarian that has lost 35 of the 55 lbs I need to lose. I love pasta and bread and cheese and was really tired all the time too. I've started adding in more nuts and popcorn and am addicted to Kashi products. It's a great way to get in grains, fiber and protein without feeling like you're eating health food

Tuesday, November 11, 2008, 2:53 PM

Hi OP,

Check out Dr. Joel Fhurman's books; they are excellent and can help you see where you might be missing vital nutrients. The link below is for his newest book, but I would recommend statring with "Eat to Live" It is EXCELLENT! And I can testify, truly helped me. I've lost 50 pounds primarily following his plan. Good luck!

Link

Tuesday, November 11, 2008, 4:17 PM

4:17- really? we would love to hear your story, please email it to us and we will share it! even if you don't want to use your name or username.

-PT

Tuesday, November 11, 2008, 4:35 PM

For a moment, I thought that I wrote this post because this is exactly how I've been feeling.

The only advice I have:

*Make sure you get moving as soon as you get home from work, even if it's just a short walk. That always helps me get motivated to do more.

*Make healthy meals on your days off that can be refrigerated or frozen and reheated all week, like lasagna, pasta salad, soup, etc. I usually make a big batch of rice or lentils to have with veggies and beans during the week, and then when they're getting a bit past their prime, I put the remainder in a soup or stew.

I wish you so much luck!

Tuesday, November 11, 2008, 5:47 PM

With reference to the Eat to Live book, when I started making green smoothies (blended salads) my energy level got a boost. They are easy to take to work too. You could have one mostly ready to go for a quick pick me up at the end of the work day.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008, 5:59 PM

I recently purchased the "Skinny Bitch" book and cookbook. I was dumb because I thought it sounded interesting, but didn't realize it was for hardcore vegetarians. I'm not a vegetarian, sorry, the book didn't change my mind, its just not for me at this point. For those who are vegetarians, there were a lot of interesting recipes that I am considering trying. If you're looking for new recipes that are low calorie and fat, it may be a cookbook you want to try out. Especially if you are in a diet rut. Amazon carries it.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008, 10:55 PM

Might wanna watch out for Skinny Bitch. I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE the book, but it's totally used to turn people towards the veg lifestyle; I'm vegan (an overweight vegan) and if I ate anywhere near the cal count her recipes call for I'd be HUGE!

For a healthy way, check out Fuhrman or McDougall. Best of luck!

Wednesday, November 12, 2008, 1:16 AM

4:17 here *I was also the PP, sorry forgot to add it!)

PT, I would love to share my story, but I have been waiting till I actually reached my goal (another 30-50 lbs). Will absolutely email when I do - THANKS!! Hopefully, it will be soon!!!!!

Wednesday, November 12, 2008, 1:18 AM

10:55 here, I would have to agree with "Skinny Bitch" trying to get people to stop any type of animal products from being consumed. I actually think that's what turned me off from the book. The bullying way to get people to try something new just didn't work for me and turned me off from it. My idea for the cookbook was to start with it for an idea and experiment from there since that is what I LOVE to do. I think if that is something you enjoy you could find way to cut out calories and fat. I'll have to check out the book the pp posted.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008, 12:28 PM

I was a vegetarian for a year and a half..I personally believe it is a better way to eat ..However..I gained even more weight during that time because I never gave up the bad stuff like ice cream and cake and donuts etc..
make sure your having lots of fruit and veggies and beans and nuts..be very careful of all that refined stuff..its very very evil lol...I fight it every day ughh.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008, 4:09 PM

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