Talk to me about veganism please

[bigbuttons]

I have been toying with the idea for some time now. I am fed up with feeling so brain foggy and tired all the time. My diet is hugely to blame; it is too reliant on sugars, bread and dairy. I have developed eczema on my face recently too.
However, I do love and consume loads of mostly raw veg. I am not overweight and I exercise.
I have just ordered myself a dehydrator so that I can snack healthily at work.
I have dramatically reduced my sugar intake these past few days and it hasn't been as awful as I thought it would be. I'm still waiting for the pay off for that though. I have really reduced my milky tea intake to my morning two cups and now drink herbal tea the rest of the time. I have stopped reaching for hunks of cheese in the fridge whenever I fell peckish.
I was hoping for someone here to come and give advice or tell me success stories with regards to health and wellbeing suggest cookbooks etc.
I'm not looking to be hardcore but I just want to feel and look better really. Oh and hopefully sleep better too!
Thanks

[LentilAsAnything]

Hi,
There is a vegan quiche on Mn, not very active, but come on over and maybe we can get it up and running again!
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/ethical_living/1756857-The-Vegan-Quiche?msgid=51323239

There are several good documentaries mentioned in the above thread, they should help you clarify just how beneficial veganism is for our health.

I went vegan 15 years ago, having been vegetarian for five years. I felt immediate health benefits - I wasn't poorly, but I did notice I felt clearer, lighter, more energetic. My skin is better too, and I do believe my skin now is better than average for someone of my age.

If you are on Fb, there are loads and loads of helpful groups on there. I can list some for you?

[ItsAllGoingToBeFine]

If you're a bit lazy like me I'd recommend a vegan multivitamin. Vegans also need to supplement with B12 (lots of food is fortified with it, but if you don't eat processed food...), this will be in multivitamin.

I'd also suggest supplementing with vit D, vitashine do a vegan d3, and also K2 which you are very, very unlikely to get in a vegan diet.

[ItsAllGoingToBeFine]

Cookbooks wise, I love all of the Post Punk Kitchen ones, but because I'm lazy I actually subscribe to a vegan meal planner at //www.wellvegan.com

[bigbuttons]

Thank you so much!
Yes please lentil yes I am on FB ( shouldn't be really) I will check out the link and join the thread.
I am a bit confused about the difference between being a vegan and being on an alkaline diet. Are they the same thing?
ItsAllGoingToBeFine thank you, I already take d3 and all the b bits. I will look into K2 or as you say just get vegan multi vits!

[ItsAllGoingToBeFine]

I don't think K2 is in most multivits - I take a separate one. ..

[LentilAsAnything]

I've cut right back on Fb and Mn, I know what you mean!
But Fb I find especially useful for vegan stuff (and Pinterest!).

Here are some health-conscious health care professionals/groups who promote/support veganism/plant-based diets:

www.facebook.com/drfuhrman?fref=ts

www.facebook.com/DrJohnMcDougall?fref=ts

www.facebook.com/NealBarnardMD?fref=ts

www.facebook.com/PCRM.org?fref=pb&hc_location=profile_browser

I'll post some general vegan groups too.

[LentilAsAnything]

A useful group for finding/learning about vegan products available in the UK:
www.facebook.com/groups/veganproductsuk/?fref=ts
Similar type of thing:
www.facebook.com/groups/194421304090499/

A worldwide group of vegans. Helps remind me we are not alone!
www.facebook.com/groups/vegans4life/.

Loads more vegan groups on Fb, hope the above is a useful start.

[LentilAsAnything]

These should have been on my first set of links (HCP type pages):

www.facebook.com/drgarth?fref=ts

www.facebook.com/NutritionFacts.org

www.facebook.com/Dr.Esselstyn?fref=pb&hc_location=profile_browser

www.facebook.com/pages/The-China-Study/30125373591?fref=ts

www.facebook.com/nutritionstudies

www.facebook.com/michaelklapermd

[LiDLrichardsPistachioSack]

Hi OP, I'm vegan but mainly for ethical reasons. However I noticed when I made the switch I lost the last 5 pounds of baby weight that I'd been trying so hard to shift unsuccessfully, my energy levels have been way way higher, digestion running much, um, smoother...and I just generally feel better. I had a bit of a detox breakout on my chin but since that's cleared up my skin has been smoother.
Veganism is not the same thing as the Alkaline diet but it is by default much much more alkaline than an omnivorous diet, as animal products are very acidic.
Im a fan of Post Punk Kitchen as well as a couple of brilliant blogs called Oh She Glows and Keeping It Kind. (Sorry can't link as I'm on my phone)
I get my b12 through engivita yeast (so tasty) and almond milk.
Good luck with the transition! You won't regret it and it's easier than people think.

[pootlebug]

OP - are you already vegetarian? If you feel dairy/bread/sugar are the problem, then ditch them - have a look at the Paleo diet. (It's tricky to do if you're vegetarian though….which is why I asked).

[LentilAsAnything]

OP, this might also be of interest:

www.veganuary.com/

Good timing!

[bigbuttons]

No I am not vegetarian , although I don't eat much meat. I will check out the Palio diet I have heard of it.
Lentil.. Thanks so much for all those links, that's really kind of you, I am checking them all out. I have looked at the'oj she glows ' site. It's very tempting. I had a go at making some crackers last month, they didn't turn out too well!