Forum Thermomix
Welcoming Center, Management and General Chat => Chit Chat => Topic started by: Emily Mum of 4 on October 04, 2013, 01:34:18 pm
-
Hi everyone,
Hubby and I are eating vegan for a month and reassessing it at the end of the month to see how we are health wise.
We are on day 2 which hasn't been too hard since we are both off work until Monday.
Anyone out there vegan with some tips/recipes? I made coconut yoghurt tonight and we absolutely love Quirky Jo's vegan chocolate mousse.
Any links to a vegan/thermomix forum would be appreciated.
Thanks all
Em
-
We have a vegan section here on the forum Emily - http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?board=49.0
Tebasile's blog is vegan/vegetarian - http://tebasileskitchen.blogspot.com.au/
This one's vegan - http://earthbliss.wordpress.com/
If you decide to continue on after a month then perhaps you should invest in the vegan book Rainbow Recipes, here are some links to reviews from that book and details of where to purchase it - http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=8449.0.
-
Surprisingly, I find vegan very easy. I have been vegetarian for years and years and years then, a couple of years ago my DH discovered he was lactose intolerant so we simply went vegan - for us it was an easy and seamless transition.
The Rainbow Recipes book is very good and I have found, for a non-TMX recipe book, the books from Revive Cafe (http://www.revive.co.nz/) in New Zealand have really tasty and interesting recipes as well - I have never had a fail with them (their book no. 3 has just been released and I've ordered a copy, just waiting for it to arrive).
Judy, I had never seen the earthbliss blog before, thanks for posting that. I am about to try a new recipe from maplespice (http://www.maplespice.com/) this weekend - sticky lime and chilli tofu with rice - looks very tempting. I just found this blog a week or two ago and like the looks of many of the recipes. There are heaps of other vegan / vegetarian blogs around. My standby blog, though, is Quirky Jo's (http://quirkycooking.blogspot.com.au/) I have been in and out of her blog countless times and always find something new.
-
Thanks for your information Marina, it will be a great help for Emily I'm sure.
-
I'd really like to do this one day. Can you keep us updated on how you go? I'd be really interested. It will give me the kick I need to start.
-
We are not vegetarian or vegan but try to have one or two vegetarian meals a week. DH used to complain a little but now he is fine. I find Jo's blog wonderful.
-
We're like you cookie, 'Flexitarians' we're called.
I was just reading about John Nicholson, an Englishman who's written a book saying how his vegan lifestyle nearly killed him.
You need to be really careful when planning a vegan diet to ensure you are getting all the micro and macro nutrients.
Beans are a sustaining protein in a vegan diet but must be prepared really carefully as they contain phytic acid which actually inhibits absorption of key nutrients in the diet.
I would consult a nutritionist before embarking on any diet which completely removes a key ingredient such as meat.
-
Excellent advice, MJ - I don't think people really understand all the implications of suddenly and radically changing their dietary habits.
-
do be carefully Emily Mum of 4
-
All the above advice is exactly right, EMO4, nutritional balance and awareness of food combining is most important. The major vitamin that vegans have to be aware of is B12 as it is difficult, but not impossible, for vegans to get sufficient quantities of this. There are ways, of course, so don't be put off, just change - but perhaps change slowly, not suddenly.
-
Please do keep us informed. As a student of nutrition, I'm always keen to learn how people manage on restricted diets. Any good recipes etc, please let us know!
-
I'm really interested in how you're going?
-
We have recently started eating vegan the last two months as well. I have a sweet tooth and was beginning to miss my desserts. A friend recommended a webpage called "Wholefood Simply" which has lots of yummy vegan desserts. My favourite is a carmel slice. Have fun!
-
I am not a vegan/vegetarian but I just spent far too much time over there on that site rowie :D Great site for those who eat this way, thanks for sharing it with us.
-
Thank you Rosie from me too. Great site. Have bookmarked a few things and I'm not vegan either. Going to try the caramels first 😊
-
Thanks from me too. I love some of their raw sweet things.
-
Hi everyone,
Just letting you know how it's all going....
We have been completely vegan for 2 weeks now and I'm really encouraged to continue. We have far more energy and my husband who is a house restumper and trains in brazillian jiu jitsu twice a week (ie very physical) feels great and has energy he needs. The big thing was that I had to give him carbs for energy needs. He has also lost 5kgs. He still craves junk but I bought some vegan chocolate and have been making heaps of stuff. I couldn't do it without thermie.
For breakfasts we are having baked beans on toast with avocado instead of butter, or porridge, which I do by grating an Apple in thermie before adding 100gms oats and 400gms water and cooking 10 mins reverse speed 1 on 100 degrees. We have this with brown sugar and coconut cream (definately not counting calories!). I also have been finely grating different veggies like carrot, pumpkin, zucchini, capsicum and spinach, slicing some mushrooms and cooking that in olive oil and serving it on toast with avocado and tomato.
Teas have been veggie burgers, the pumpkin curry in vegetarian tmx cookbook, orange and lentil soup in the same, vegetable curries and I found some evaporated soy in a tin so I combined that with a tomato soup, grated veggies and macaroni and baked that in the oven with sliced tomato and yeast flakes sprinkled on top.
It was really easy to make my own coconut yoghurt and I'm finding that I have pretty much all of the ingredients on hand to make a meal, which is fantastic.
Lunches have been leftovers and salads.
Sometimes it's hard, like when I'm tired and don't want to think, but in all I'm really glad to be doing it, we feel terrific. I'll continue to update but just wanted to now while I'm sitting down.
-
Emily, your food sounds great. I am going to try some of your menu ideas. :)
I was very interested in your comment that you found it very easy to make coconut yoghurt. Could you please share your recipe? I have tried to make it quite a few times, and never get the 'mouth feel' right.
Thanks
-
I'm glad it is going well for you Emily Mum of 4.
-
Sounds like you're doing really well. Well done.
-
Once you settle in to it, a vegan diet is not really any harder than a "normal" diet ... you just have to take time to figure out and learn your nutritional requirements etc. and it's pretty straightforward.
-
We'll done Emily sounds like you are going really well.
-
Sounds great Emily! I adore Wholefood Simply and have made a few of her recipes. Janella Purcell is another one I follow on FB. I have her book and there's some good recipes. I also love Good Chef, Bad Chef on Foxtel.
Just Eat Real Food is another FB page I enjoy following. Once you start, there's so many out there!
-
Hi, well we successfully ate vegan for a month and my hubby was alcohol free as well. A few things happened:
Hubby went from 101kgs to 94 kgs without counting any calories. He was eating lots of coconut cream, avocados and vegan chocolate on weekends.
I went from 71kgs to 66.5kgs.
My daughter's eczema really settled down, even though I haven't been forcing vegan on the kids they have been eating the same evening meal as us.
I have a lot less bloating.
Hubby who is a tradesman (house restumper - hard work) and martial artist has actually had more energy and has not felt lethargic at all, which was my worry. He has been performing better in grappling - even more so than the guy who is on a high protein diet to lose weight.
I'm finding it harder now because I'm running out of meal ideas, so I think we'll go through a soup, bread and salad phase for a while.
Our weekly shop has been reduced from $170 to around $100 - $120 for our family of six (with two teenage boys).
Here's my coconut yoghurt recipe:
1 litre coconut milk (I use the ayam brand and use more coconut cream than milk)
Heat in tmx to 80degrees and add 2 tab tapioca flour and 1.5 tab maple syrup and stir. Cool to 37 degrees. Remove 1/2 cup and add 2 teaspoons probiotic powder. Sir then mix back in.
Pour into warmed thermoserver and ferment 7 - 9 hours. Will thicken in refrigerator.
It's not cheap, but a 400ML Coyo (my favourite brand) sets me back $10.50 so making it is definitely cheaper.
-
Oh and something else I learned: our protein need is highly overrated. The effect of too much protein in our diet means that acidity levels are raised and the body must then raise alkaline levels to compensate and maintain equilibrium - it does this by breaking down calcium in the bones.
Studies have shown that the Inuit people consume the highest protein and calcium diet (through consumption of fish bones), yet they have the highest percentage of osteoporosis. Animal protein is only 50 percent processed by the body with the remainder creating by product in the body, whereas plant protein and breastmilk protein is 100 percent processed.
Given that cow's milk is technically a protein food also, the bad may outweigh the good.
Anyway, I'm only posting this because there were people interested in the nutrition aspect, I certainly think each to their own with dietary choices - the last thing I ever want to do is pass judgement on people because they choose to eat meat or dairy - hubby wants to stay vegan but who knows, we may have meat again.
-
Emily, sounds like a very successful trial month! We are currently eating more vegetarian meals, some are vegan and enjoying them. Don't think I have your will power to continue only on them, however I admire you for planning to do so.
Thanks for sharing your coconut yogurt recipe. On the to do list. :)
This thread has helped with some good recipe and websites. ;D
-
Oh and something else I learned: our protein need is highly overrated. The effect of too much protein in our diet means that acidity levels are raised and the body must then raise alkaline levels to compensate and maintain equilibrium - it does this by breaking down calcium in the bones.
Studies have shown that the Inuit people consume the highest protein and calcium diet (through consumption of fish bones), yet they have the highest percentage of osteoporosis. Animal protein is only 50 percent processed by the body with the remainder creating by product in the body, whereas plant protein and breastmilk protein is 100 percent processed.
Given that cow's milk is technically a protein food also, the bad may outweigh the good.
Anyway, I'm only posting this because there were people interested in the nutrition aspect, I certainly think each to their own with dietary choices - the last thing I ever want to do is pass judgement on people because they choose to eat meat or dairy - hubby wants to stay vegan but who knows, we may have meat again.
Completely agree with this.
Sounds like you have done so well. Congrats!
-
Thanks mrsb! I'm currently making salads to keep in the fridge to make assorted salad boxes for our lunch. I've found some great recipes for salads that I'll have to share. I've liked some vegan Facebook pages and I love getting their daily recipes. Really helps.
-
I'm glad your month has been successful for you. You are all to be congratulated.
-
Well done with the experiment. Sounds like you have had a really positive experience.
Just as a matter of interest. My husband suddenly developed excema some years ago - it was driving him crazy and he was on all sorts of medications / creams to treat it when, quite by chance, he discovered that it was dairy causing the problem. He is now completely off dairy products and his excema has cleared up completely. He is so happy!!
-
I found out about this new website that a friend of a friend had just launched and immediately thought of you all who have participated in this thread. It looks really good. I have no intention to become vegan, but will certainly be using many of the yummy recipes :)
http://plantplate.com/Recipe/Detail?recipeID=10
Hope you find it inspiring :)
-
Your information re protein in animal products isn't quite correct. I've been studying proteins as a part of my Nutrition unit. This is what I've learned:
Animal protein is complete with all the essential amino acids required by the body daily. Only amaranth, quinoa and soy contain almost all the essential amino acids. Of course, you can obtain complete protein in your diet by combining grains and legumes carefully every day.
Animal protein is the most readily digested by the body (90 to 99%), whereas plant proteins are less digestible (70 - 90% for most, but more than 90% for soy and legumes). In general, plant proteins are lower quality than animal proteins and plants offer less protein per weight of food.
However, vegetarians can obtain all the amino acids over the course of the day as long as the diet is varied. However, it is more difficult for vegans if eggs and dairy aren't consumed. One of the most vital of vitamins is also only available in animal products, Vitamin B12. Some cereals are fortified with B12. A deficiency results in pernicious anaemia as well as general anaemia and a host of other conditions. Folate is also dependent on adequate dietary B12.
It's not as simple as it seems. Vegetarians who include eggs and dairy are far better off than vegans when it comes to a balanced diet. Dairy doesn't have to be milk. Hard cheeses, cream and butter and of course, yoghurt can be a part of the dairy intake. Eggs are nature's wonder food and should also be included.
Animal protein doesn't have to be a slab of steak. Fish is important in our diets as well. A high (good) fat diet will help you lose weight and feel better as long as starches and simple sugars are reduced as well.
Okay, I'll hop off my little soap box now! My family are calling me the Nutrition Nazi! ;D
-
McMich, a good vegetarian diet isn't a problem, but strict vegan can be. We often eat vegetarian and vegan, but we eat a varied diet.
-
All I know is that we never felt so good as when we were eating no animal products.
I found this article interesting. It does state that animal proteins are readily digested, so I will have to stand corrected about my previous idea that animal protein isn't really digested, I will look into where I read it and query it with them.
Anyway have a read, it's very interesting. And don't forget that horses and gorillas get all their protein from plant products and I wouldn't call them nutritionally deprived.
http://michaelbluejay.com/veg/protein.html#sthash.ajeEXZdq.dpbs
-
My DD was a vegetarian for a number of years but since studying nutrition at university and becoming a nutrionist she now includes all meats and fish in her diet. She still eats some non meat/seafood meals as do her husband and 4 children and overall enjoy a healthy balanced diet. My DH and I usually have a couple of vegetarian meals each week but enjoy our meat and fish too much to be totally vegetarian. I could never be vegan.
-
Sometimes removing dairy products will make people feel much better. A lot of people are intolerant to either the casein or to the lactose in milk. I think a balanced diet should include a little animal protein, a lot of vegetable protein, some grains (prepared properly - soaked, fermented or sprouted if possible) and plenty of good fats, including animal fats.
I don't like diets that remove an entire food group. Humans are omnivores and our digestive systems are designed to manage all types of foods, unlike gorillas and horses.
The issue of poor digestion and assimilation often comes about when we eat foods that haven't been prepared correctly or that are highly processed. There's nothing wrong with going vegan for a month. It can be quite de-toxing, just as eating raw for a week can be. But, all my studies indicate that it isn't good to continue such a diet. Perhaps it lowers the incidence of bowel cancer, but so does a good omnivorous healthy diet. Unfortunately, not too many people understand what this actually entails!
All of us here do, as we create meals from scratch with our Thermies, not relying on packaged, take away and processed foods.
MF, I can totally appreciate your DD's change of diet. The more I learn about our body and how amazing it is, the more I'm so careful about what I put in my mouth.
-
I checked out one of the references that Michael Bluejay used and it actually stated the opposite of what his article was all about, so I'm not sure I'd use his website for nutritional information!
-
MJ I am sure we could all do with better nutritional advice, and it is great that you so enjoy your studies.
Do you have time to start a thread and post articles from time to time?
Thanks for explaining things on here.
-
DJ, I'm no expert, simply learning! But, happy to post now and then as I learn more.
-
I checked out one of the references that Michael Bluejay used and it actually stated the opposite of what his article was all about, so I'm not sure I'd use his website for nutritional information!
Which was this MJ?
Did you not find the article thought-provoking? What is it about meat/animal products that vegetables cannot provide? (This is a genuine question)
I like your use of the word "designed" though.
Here's another article:
http://www.vega-licious.com/where-do-you-get-protein-vegan-part-i/
-
I read the first linked article that he used as a reference. I think it was the WHO one. About halfway through, the article states that animal protein is higher quality than vegetable protein.
I'm not ever saying that one should be eaten over the other. Vegetable and animal proteins complement each other. What I am saying is that we shouldn't remove a complete food group from our diets. Animal protein doesn't need to be red meat. Eggs, Fish and Dairy product all provide excellent sources of protein, plus added fat soluble vitamins and a host of other important nutrients.
We should all be including more vegetable protein in our diets - legumes, sea vegetables especially.
-
What do you mean by sea vegetables Megan?
-
I'm not ever saying that one should be eaten over the other. Vegetable and animal proteins complement each other. What I am saying is that we shouldn't remove a complete food group from our diets. Animal protein doesn't need to be red meat. Eggs, Fish and Dairy product all provide excellent sources of protein, plus added fat soluble vitamins
But why eat the animal products at all if vegetable sources meet the requirements of the body?
I have been wrong before so someone else might have to back up this claim, but when a friend was diagnosed with cancer, the first thing he had to do was cut out processed sugar and animal products. He was told that animal products hinder the body's fighting mechanism against cancer. Anyone else heard of this?
-
Sea Vegetables = kombi, nori etc.
There are certain nutrients that are only available in animal products - eg. Vitamin D is only found in animal products (and, of course sunshine, but with the slip, slop, slap and depending where you live, many people don't get enough Vitamin D from sunshine). The best sources of all of the B vitamins are animal products. Vegetarians can obtain from fortified cereals, but it isn't as bioavailable. I've attached some charts showing quantity per kcal for three of the most important B vitamins.
It's not all about protein, these animal products have other nutrients in higher quantities per kcal than vegetables. Vegetable sources do not meet all the nutrient requirements of the body. You may be able to get all the protein you need by combining vegetarian sources carefully, but you will be missing out on other nutrients unless you eat fortified foods or take supplements, which many vegans and vegetarians have to do.
Edited to add:
Only one of the charts attached, so I'll try again when I have better internet speed.
-
Thanks MJ! :-)
-
Just an update Emily, how did your vegan diet go for a month? I imagine it would have been fairly difficult, but not impossible. I'm also guessing that you all felt great as anyone would who does this type of detox.
I would now introduce each of those foods you cut out, one by one to see if you or your family have intolerances.
-
Hi mj,
Yes we did feel fantastic, we are hoping to do it again after Easter because now with animal product in our system wee are sluggish and tired like before. It seems a plant based diet might suit us better. It's my husband who is pushing it (a tradesman and martial artist mind you), he has a green smoothie for breakfast and a big one at lunch, baked beans, chickpeas etc and only meat for the evening meal. The smoothies have chia seeds in them also. The thing that has struck me is how tired we are now we are eating meat and I know dairy is a problem for me as well because when eating dairy I get stomach aches and bloating.
-
Fantastic update. Very interesting indeed. All the best with the new month