Forums: April 2011 Kickstart Forum: vegan for 2 years now and can't lose weight
Created on: 09/12/11 08:09 AM Views: 6094 Replies: 17
Betty10 Joined: 09/12/11 Location: Arizona Posts: 10	vegan for 2 years now and can't lose weight Posted Monday, September 12, 2011 at 8:09 AM I have been eating a vegan diet for two years now and can't seem to lose. I am now going to the gym four days a week and walking 3 miles and still having trouble losing. Yesterday I had a 1 cup of raisen bran and soy milk for breakfast and then I had a cup of homemade blackbean chili for lunch with a cup of noodles and then for supper I had an apple and 1 black bean burrito with 1/4 cup of mixed greens. Then after studying Math for several more hours, I had a 1 cup of Raisen bran and soy milk and then went to bed. any suggestions. I am trying to get my body fat and BMI and cholesterol down. My cholesterol has come down some, but not enough yet. Last time check total cholesterol was 200. it was down was 223 so I am glad about that. Will have it checked again the end of October. I am on no medications and I know that is because of the vegan diet. Health wise I feel wonderful at age 63. I know the vegan diet is the best and I love kickstart and look forward to each time it starts. So welcome any suggestions.
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Dilska Joined: 09/01/11 Posts: 11	RE: vegan for 2 years now and can't lose weight Posted Monday, September 12, 2011 at 9:20 AM I hear you! Those of us who are menopausal (pre-mid-post, whatever!) have great difficulty with weight loss. I have been vegetarian for 10 months, mostly vegan for the past 6 weeks, and I have lost a total of 14 pounds. I thought I'd lose more, and more quickly. But I think that exercise is key! The more I move, the more I lose. My diet has gotten me off all meds; thyroid, cholesterol, high bp, anti-depressants,and all my labs look great. But I am still about 20-25 pounds over weight. However, I feel great and my body composition has definitely been changing (no bloat, more muscle, less fat). I try not to focus on the scale as it is frustrating, but look at your overall health and well-being. The scale and bmi are very misleading. I know that at first I ate way too much pasta & cheese. Now I am almost completely plant-based & eliminating dairy has helped me trememdously. And exercise! If I don't keep it up, the pounds creep back. Good luck and hang in there. Tina Marie
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Dilska Joined: 09/01/11 Posts: 11	RE: vegan for 2 years now and can't lose weight Posted Monday, September 12, 2011 at 9:23 AM One more thing I wanted to mention is gluten. I am not intolerant to it, but I tried a 21-day cleanse (Kathy Freston) which included going without gluten, and I felt better and lost 2 pounds on it. I am not goint to eliminate it completely in my regular diet, but I am going to limit it. Something to consider giving a try. Tina Marie
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Dilska Joined: 09/01/11 Posts: 11	RE: vegan for 2 years now and can't lose weight Posted Monday, September 12, 2011 at 9:23 AM One more thing I wanted to mention is gluten. I am not intolerant to it, but I tried a 21-day cleanse (Kathy Freston) which included going without gluten, and I felt better and lost 2 pounds on it. I am not goint to eliminate it completely in my regular diet, but I am going to limit it. Something to consider giving a try. Tina Marie
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mollyhorn Joined: 03/03/10 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 582	RE: vegan for 2 years now and can't lose weight Posted Monday, September 12, 2011 at 9:26 AM Hi Betty, I know the feeling! I went through a year and a half where I gained weight for no reason... it was so frustrating. My first thought is that you might want to have your thyroid checked. The thyroid can frequently start to produce less hormone as you age, but it doesn't become obvious right away. Ask your PCP for a referral to an endocrinologist, and have them test not only your TSH, but also your free T3 and T4. This will allow you to catch even a minor deviation in hormone levels. Next, let's look at your diet. It strikes me that you're eating foods that have good complex carbohydrates, but may not be very filling in relation to their calorie-count. For example, a cup of noodles is about 200 calories. For that same amount of calories, you could eat about 5 cups of raw vegetables! You may also need to watch the fat content on the specific items you're purchasing, i.e. if the bean burrito (not sure if these are homemade or store-bought?) or vegetarian chili have a lot of fat grams, they could easily contribute to the lack of weight loss. Even soymilk can be a source of extra calories, if it is the sweetened variety. I switched to unsweetened almond milk, which is only 40 calories per cup. For myself, when I was losing the most weight, I did well by eating lots of raw veggies and salads, some fruit, and smaller amounts of complex carbs and grains. For example, for lunch, try having 2 cups of mixed greens with 1/2 cup black beans and 1/4 cup salsa. Or for your evening snack, try a piece of fruit instead of the cereal. These are small changes that might make a big difference. Your exercise regimen sounds awesome! I wish I were that dedicated. That can really help with raising HDL cholesterol and lowering LDL, as can eating things like walnuts, oats, and leafy greens. I hope my ideas help. I think getting that thyroid checked should be first on the list, though. Molly Horn
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beasadeghi Joined: 09/09/10 Posts: 16	RE: vegan for 2 years now and can't lose weight Posted Monday, September 12, 2011 at 3:26 PM I had the same problem. Until I attended a seminar by Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn. I followed his advise and eliminated all added oil and fat in my vegan diet. In three weeks I lost the extra 10 lbs that I seemed not to be able to shake off for so long. And it was effortless! There is no olive oil in my kitchen anymore, nor any earth balance in my refrigerator. I love my salad with just balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. Why did I ever think it needed olive oil? I saute onion in a little water, add more water little by little as onion caramelize. I still eat avocado once in a while, it's a healthy fat, but only in moderation. The same with raw nuts. If I buy any packaged food, I always read the ingredient label. If total fat content is more than 3.5g, or has any saturated fat, I won't buy it. Try it, it's working for me. Beatrice
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Betty10 Joined: 09/12/11 Location: Arizona Posts: 10	RE: vegan for 2 years now and can't lose weight Posted Monday, September 12, 2011 at 7:47 PM Thanks everyone for you comments. I have tried some gluten free products and don't see much difference. I am beginning to think it might be thyroid, but my doctor checked it and said it was normal. I will go beyond that and have it checked. I work as a teachers aide so am always on the move from classroom to classroom and going to college at night so always on the go it seems. I will try some of the suggestions and thanks again for all your comments.
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Betty10 Joined: 09/12/11 Location: Arizona Posts: 10	RE: vegan for 2 years now and can't lose weight Posted Monday, September 12, 2011 at 7:49 PM The chili and black bean burritos where all homemade and I don't cook with fats or oils. I have eaten mostly salads and fruit for lunch for a long time and need a break from the same all the time. I will keep trying new recipes and stay on program. Eventually, I know it will all work out. Have a great week everyone. Thanks, Betty10
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vrk12 Joined: 09/17/11 Posts: 2	RE: vegan for 2 years now and can't lose weight Posted Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 10:04 PM I am also having problems... but I know that increasing fruits and veggies ratio to grains- - I know will help. Now my son says I should give up coffee and he thinks this will help. So I am trying this. Good luck
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vrk12 Joined: 09/17/11 Posts: 2	RE: vegan for 2 years now and can't lose weight Posted Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 10:10 PM I am also having problems... but I know that increasing the fruits and veggies ratio to grains and beans- - I know will help. Now my son says I should give up coffee and he thinks this will help. So I am trying this. Good luck
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Betty10 Joined: 09/12/11 Location: Arizona Posts: 10	RE: vegan for 2 years now and can't lose weight Posted Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 11:55 PM Thanks everyone for comments. I don't drink coffee so that is not a problem. I was eating a lot of fruit, grains and vegetables, but cut my fruits down to 3 a day. I will start eating salads and fruit for lunch and beans and salads for dinner again and cut my grains down to no more then 3 a day. I tried a raw food diet for awhile, but that didn't help me. I then went back to 21-kick start. I have McDougalls Books, Dean Ornish Books and Neal Barnard Books and love the information in all of them. I am not giving up just have to find the right balance for me. I like carbs for breakfast at 7:30 AM as that gets me through until a 12:45 lunch at school. Then my husband likes to eat late, so have to work that out too. Got to have a snack after school to get me by. My husband is a meat eater so have to plan for his meal and mine. If I get stressed have a tendency to eat more then normal, so I have to watch that. All are children have now moved out of the house and I am adjusting to cooking for two people who eat different type meals. It is all a learning process and I am studying and trying to learn all I can and find the right answers for me. Cooking for two is not easy, especially when you have cooked for 4 to 8 over the last 35 years. I have already planned my meals for next week and am going to try and keep them simple and somedays use leftovers from dinner for lunch. All I can say is don't ever give up as in time, I know it will work out. I know that eating a Vegan diet is the best way to go. Thanks so much everyone! Betty
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kdlfit Joined: 09/24/11 Posts: 1	RE: vegan for 2 years now and can't lose weight Posted Saturday, September 24, 2011 at 5:28 PM Losing weight or body fat is all about the numbers. You've got to burn off more than you take in. Track everything you eat and find out what it takes to be at a deficit. If you want to lose fat, this is the only way. It does matter what kind of food you're putting in. Greens satisfy. High carb foods do tend to make you hungry. Eat carbs early in the day and then taper off to just veggies & protein later on. Fruit is high in sugar so one or two portions a day is adequate if you're tring to lose weight. Make an effort to be in calorie deficit for 3 days straight, don't go under 1200 though. Then eat at maintenance for one day. Then back to 3 days at a deficit. It's called calorie cycling or the zig zag method. Also eating 5 or 6 small meals a day keeps your body charged up all day so you don't crave. Lifting weights is the best because you're building muscles and muscles burn more fat. Turn up your metabolism by lifting weights and get cardio in 4 to 5 times a week at least. That's what works best for me and a ton of other people who are meeting and exceeding their goals for a fit, lean and healthy body. Way to go on choosing Vegan! Karen Certified Personal Trai
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MagicEyes Joined: 01/09/12 Posts: 1	RE: vegan for 2 years now and can't lose weight Posted Monday, January 9, 2012 at 11:05 AM I would love to hear from anyone with hypothyroidism and how a plant-based diet improved their health and possibly, were able to stop taking Synthroid. I know since I started the 21 day challenge I feel better even after one week. I have more energy, especially over the weekend. I am 60 yo, exercise regularly (always have) and haven't been able to lose weight for years and even gained weight, which got me to the endocrinologist.
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marie337 Joined: 01/12/12 Posts: 1	RE: vegan for 2 years now and can't lose weight Posted Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 9:31 AM I am having the same issue - not being able to lose weight. I'll drop a couple pounds then they come right back. I'm 39 years old and losing weight is really difficult now. I have about 30 pounds to lose, which I feel is completely attainable but I just haven't had any success. I'm going to try the suggested zig zag method as well as cutting out all oils. I don't think I consume a lot of oils but there's room for improvement. On a positive note, I love how I feel eating vegan and in spite of my lack of weight loss, I am glad I made this choice.
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betty64 Joined: 01/14/12 Posts: 10	RE: vegan for 2 years now and can't lose weight Posted Saturday, January 14, 2012 at 4:50 PM I am finally losing weight with following the 21 day kickstart program. I am so happy as it is working. I had to cut back on carbs just a little to lose weight. I lost 4 pounds this week and it feels wonderful. I love the vegan diet and know that sometimes it takes time for our metablism to adjust to the new way of eating. I also found the more you study and learn and try new recipes the better you get at it. I got the cookbook "Happy Herbavore" and they are wonderful. Also got the new DVD out by Dr. Neal Barnard on PCRM. I love it all so very much. If having trouble losing at first just keep trying as it does work.
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betty64 Joined: 01/14/12 Posts: 10	RE: vegan for 2 years now and can't lose weight Posted Saturday, January 14, 2012 at 4:50 PM I am finally losing weight with following the 21 day kickstart program. I am so happy as it is working. I had to cut back on carbs just a little to lose weight. I lost 4 pounds this week and it feels wonderful. I love the vegan diet and know that sometimes it takes time for our metablism to adjust to the new way of eating. I also found the more you study and learn and try new recipes the better you get at it. I got the cookbook "Happy Herbavore" and they are wonderful. Also got the new DVD out by Dr. Neal Barnard on PCRM. I love it all so very much. If having trouble losing at first just keep trying as it does work.
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betty64 Joined: 01/14/12 Posts: 10	RE: vegan for 2 years now and can't lose weight Posted Saturday, January 14, 2012 at 4:51 PM I am finally losing weight with following the 21 day kickstart program. I am so happy as it is working. I had to cut back on carbs just a little to lose weight. I lost 4 pounds this week and it feels wonderful. I love the vegan diet and know that sometimes it takes time for our metablism to adjust to the new way of eating. I also found the more you study and learn and try new recipes the better you get at it. I got the cookbook "Happy Herbavore" and they are wonderful. Also got the new DVD out by Dr. Neal Barnard on PCRM. I love it all so very much. If having trouble losing at first just keep trying as it does work.
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betty64 Joined: 01/14/12 Posts: 10	RE: vegan for 2 years now and can't lose weight Posted Saturday, January 14, 2012 at 4:51 PM I am finally losing weight with following the 21 day kickstart program. I am so happy as it is working. I had to cut back on carbs just a little to lose weight. I lost 4 pounds this week and it feels wonderful. I love the vegan diet and know that sometimes it takes time for our metablism to adjust to the new way of eating. I also found the more you study and learn and try new recipes the better you get at it. I got the cookbook "Happy Herbavore" and they are wonderful. Also got the new DVD out by Dr. Neal Barnard on PCRM. I love it all so very much. If having trouble losing at first just keep trying as it does work.
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