21-Day Vegan Kickstart

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Forums: January 2010 Kickstart Forum Archive: Health Victories Over These Two Weeks
Created on: 01/14/10 06:21 PM Views: 5003 Replies: 23
Health Victories Over These Two Weeks
Posted Thursday, January 14, 2010 at 6:21 PM

It so easy to get hung up on just numbers (like the scale)!

And really easy to get bogged down in the unpleasantness of change-in-diet detox (if that is happening to you).

So...at 14 days in...let's think positive!

Have you noticed any health improvement over these last two weeks? Anything? Big...or small...

Here are a couple of things I noticed:

...less gassy/bloated feeling in my intestines after eating
...easier elimination (which had been tricky ever since a bad cold I'd had last winter)
...warmer feet, and less pain in legs (I'm a diabetic with neuropathy)
...feeling a more steady energy during the day
...prettier hair...everyone has noticed my hair looks better (including my DH!)

...and you??....

September Kickstart Goals: Walk/bike daily, keep up with forum, 100% low-fat vegan experimenting with maximizing FLAVOR!

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RE: Health Victories Over These Two Weeks
Posted Thursday, January 14, 2010 at 6:45 PM

I've always had sinus issues and I have a LOT less snot in my head than I've ever had. I feel like I've got more energy. I don't feel as bloated in my tummy. I've NEVER been so "regular" in my life. Ever!

I told my mother that I'm doing this and she reminded me that when I was a baby my parents had the hardest time finding something for me to eat because it was very obvious that I could not tolerate dairy and I couldn't tolerate soy milk either. (This was back before breast feeding was "in".) When I got older I started putting cream in my coffee and eating ice cream and cheese. It will be interesting to see how else going off dairy and eggs will affect me. (I've already been off all meat for a year.)

RE: Health Victories Over These Two Weeks
Posted Thursday, January 14, 2010 at 9:46 PM

What I have noticed since going vegan, week 2, is hardly any heart burn, yeah. I also don't feel as bloated, or heavy feeling. I feel I can breath easier with less stuffiness. I still get a bit tired during the afternoon, but it maybe that I need to start my exercising. Get my butt off the couch, lol. So far so good and I must say, I've never been in the kitchen as much as I have been in these past two weeks. I really don't like to cook, but I'm finding its really not that bad. The only thing is is having all the ingredients for these receipes. It seems to me that I'm at the grocery store or health store more as well. One of these days I've gotta have everything.

RE: Health Victories Over These Two Weeks
Posted Friday, January 15, 2010 at 8:09 AM

My "health victories" have been similar to those mentioned already, but I will still add my "two cents" worth.
I have NEVER been so regular in my life. I was lucky in the past if I went 3 days a week. Now, I'm going 3 times PER DAY. Unbelievable!
Also, my energy level has been great. My husband and I work from home, have a 2-year-old, a 6-year-old and an 18-year-old in college. Life is hectic! But, I am energize throughout the day, noticeably more than before.
I, too, am challenged with finding the ingredients here in The Bahamas. But, I am finding sufficient ingredients to make some delicious dishes.
Thanks KickStart and you vegans willing to share your expertise and give words of encouragement.

RE: Health Victories Over These Two Weeks
Posted Friday, January 15, 2010 at 12:08 PM

My energy's definitely higher, which means my kitchen is cleaner. Smile

Digestion is better, stamina for walking is better (even with a broken foot). Edema in my legs is almost gone.

But the biggest thing for me is that I feel like I'm doing the right thing for myself and my ethics and the planet.

Serene Vannoy, Oakland, CA
--
My daily Kickstart blog: http://serenecooking.livejournal.com/tag/kickstart

RE: Health Victories Over These Two Weeks
Posted Friday, January 15, 2010 at 1:41 PM

[list]Like many others regular is a new experience
Feel, light and tighter in the tummy
Much more energy
Clear head, able to focus better[/list]

RE: Health Victories Over These Two Weeks
Posted Friday, January 15, 2010 at 5:25 PM

My breathing is much better also. The fruits seem to taste sweeter. I also feel happier. I'm running out of containers to freeze meals. I make 2 meals out of one, but still have plenty left-over. I do eat alot more on the vegan meals. I look a meat differently. I have to cook it for my husband. I'm so glad I started the Kickstart.

RE: Health Victories Over These Two Weeks
Posted Friday, January 15, 2010 at 10:53 PM

Hello all,

I am feeling much more energy. Also, a plus is my kids are going to grow up knowing what to eat.

RE: Health Victories Over These Two Weeks
Posted Saturday, January 16, 2010 at 1:55 PM

I've lost 5 pounds in a week, mainly from my midsection,(I got started on this vegan journey late!), and also feel less "full" in my stomach and intestines. The weight loss has been a great fringe benefit as losing weight was not a big concern of mine. Got to stay positive-yesterday at the market I was starving and tempted to grab something non-vegan to eat in the car. Lesson to be learned: don't go to the grocery store hungry!!!!

RE: Health Victories Over These Two Weeks
Posted Sunday, January 17, 2010 at 11:35 AM

I'm still extremelybloated and gassy.I've wondered if I'm gluten intolerant. I also have days I'm constipated but nothing like before.

RE: Health Victories Over These Two Weeks
Posted Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 10:55 AM

I don't have nearly as much phlegm in the back of my throat anymore, which is amazing to me because before I quit eating dairy, I always thought it was due mostly to allergies (I knew the dairy was probably making it a little bit worse but not as bad as it got before I went vegan). That alone is enough for me to keep eating this way. Wink

Also, just got back from a doctor's appointment and he told me to go off of my cholesterol medication! (Yay!) It was never that high (it was borderline high) but he said with the way I'm eating now and the fact that I've lost 3-4 pounds(and not gained any), he'd be really shocked if it turned out that I still need that medication. He just drew more blood to double check but my last labs were great, so I'm sure they'll at least stay the same, if not be better. He was REALLY happy that I'd changed to a vegan diet and was super supportive, which is awesome because I wasn't sure how he'd react so I didn't tell him right away. LOL

Oh, also my skin is way clearer, not that I thought it was that bad before but I've definitely noticed a difference. Very Happy And, my eczema is still slowing getting better, too.

Edited 01/19/10 10:56 AM
RE: Health Victories Over These Two Weeks
Posted Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 11:09 AM

One other thing that came to mind last night. My teeth and gums feel much better. Flossing is much easier. Not always having to get chunks of meat out from under the gums etc...

RE: Health Victories Over These Two Weeks
Posted Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 11:16 AM

This thread is making me happy.

Serene Vannoy, Oakland, CA
--
My daily Kickstart blog: http://serenecooking.livejournal.com/tag/kickstart

RE: Health Victories Over These Two Weeks
Posted Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 11:19 AM

The other night when I was lying in bed on my back, I noticed I was breathing through my nose....Ok, this NEVER happens. I have has horrible sinus problems since I was little. Needless to say I have not snored in the past week and a half. (No, I am not over weight) It cleared up soon after my "metal" taste went away...Coincidence? I think NOT! I think my favorite "side affect" is I am so aware of what I put in my mouth, that even if I want something sweet, I don't. And anything that calls for sugar, I try it find another form of sweetener or cut it as low as I can.

I really thought this was going to be a 21 day trial, and then go back to whatever...hahaha! I think this is really a life changing experience! Thank you!

Your stomach shouldn't be a waist basket.

RE: Health Victories Over These Two Weeks
Posted Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 12:55 PM

In answer to the post here:


"I'm still extremely bloated and gassy.I've wondered if I'm gluten intolerant. I also have days I'm constipated but nothing like before.[quote]


You very well may have wheat/gluten issues. I went through a similiar vegan program several years ago. Some amount of gassiness is normal when adding so much fiber. Mine was over the top and they gave me "charcoal tablets". It did help some, but in the meantime I did some food allergy testing. The results came back that I was highly allergic to wheat bran. Anyway, when I cut out the wheat/ gluten I do much better. I miss a good slice of bread so much and when I indulge I pay for it.

The best test is to eliminate it and see how you feel. I have lots of alternative wheat & gluten free products I use. Would be happy to share some of them with you if you'd like. Some are good and others I've tried are not. They are not inexpensive, so always good to get some other opinions.

Once I was on the vegan diet and off the wheat for a period of time.....Once in awhile I could have a veggie pizza with no cheese, but regular crust. Didn't seem to bother me too much. You just have to experiment and see what "your" body will tolerate.

Hope this was helpful.

Craftycat - Southern, CA
~Isaiah 43: 18 & 19 - "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!"

RE: Health Victories Over These Two Weeks
Posted Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 1:08 PM

Sandra41, that's *exactly* what happened to me with my sinus and allergy issues once I quit dairy. No more snuffling, mouth-breathing or snoring. Zero sinus infections, hardly a cold, and I can even hear better.

AMAZING. And easier breathing goes a loooooooong way to giving me more energy. Smile

Very happy to hear so many people have noticed big positive changes. For those who haven't, hang in there! Some changes just take more time and everyone is different.

Edited 01/19/10 1:10 PM
RE: Health Victories Over These Two Weeks
Posted Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 2:20 PM

I agree - this thread makes me happy too! Just hearing all of your positive changes makes me even more energized and inspired to continue.

I feel like everything is UP - my happiness, my self-esteem, my motivation to cook/clean/get work done. This lifestyle change is amazing!

RE: Health Victories Over These Two Weeks
Posted Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 4:15 PM

craftycat
I would love to know which products u use that are glutenfree. Any help would be great. Is millet gluten free?

RE: Health Victories Over These Two Weeks
Posted Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 7:55 PM

Since getting rid of the dairy I too can breathe through my nose- yay!! I was at yoga and got SO EXCITED and yelled out hey i can breathe through my nose (everyone there knows I could never b4)lol they all laughed. I also feel more hopeful, my depression is almost all gone, and so are my allergies. I was vegetarian for 2 yrs previous but I still feel unbelievably better. I was allergic to milk as a baby but the DR said I could go back on it when I was 2- NEVER AGAIN from this day fwd. I limited dairy b4 but now I won't touch it at all. I also like that even though I'm full I can still move- I don't feel like I have to go sit down for awhile like b4. I think I may have to give up wheat or eliminate it for awhile though to see because it is making me gassy. Also 2 days I didn't watch so close what I was eating (no animal products but sugar, additives etc) and felt the sluggish, depressive mood come back a little-it's not worth it- its like living in a fog. Crafty cat if you could mention the gluten free products u like that would be great. Most of all I am happier with myself for not contributing to cruelty towards animals. AND...my brother even asked what food replacements he could make (big progress- he was rolling his eyes b4). The more people are aware of veganism the quicker we can turn the tide so it is no longer out of the ordinary. I still need to lose weight (about 40 pds) but I think I need to decrease my portions- although I am noticing when I am full now, which stops me quicker than before. Thank you Kickstart team- I'm doing so much better!

RE: Health Victories Over These Two Weeks
Posted Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 3:06 AM

Gluten free bread items:

http://www.foodforlife.com/gluten-free-wheat-free-breads.html

Rice noodles, spelt noodles, spaghetti squash, and spiralized veggies like zucchini and carrots make a good substitute for pasta.


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