Posted by Nicole
Well, I’ve made it one week.
I’ve noticed some changes in quite a few eating habits of mine, and also in the way I feel. This is going to be quite a text-heavy post, but I think it is interesting to note the way that food changes can affect the body in as little time as one week.
- Protein powder is kind of becoming my new best friend. (<–sorry Lauren, you’ve been replaced ;)) I have yet to have a “protein smoothie,” but that hasn’t stopped me from enjoying Sunwarrior Vanilla’s 16g of protein per scoop. I use a scoop when making oat bran or I put about a tablespoon into a bowl of cereal. Protein has excellent satiety, and it fills me up like crazy. I love it. The flavor of the powder is really growing on me, now I just need to invest $50 bucks and buy my own 2.2 bag of Sunwarrior to take with me to college in a month. (hint hint Mommy/Daddy please buy it for me ;))
- Water intake has increased dramatically. The chalkiness of protein powder (it’s not too chalky though), has made me need to gulp a lot more water while eating oat bowls, cereal bowls, etc. It could be my weirdo mind, but pretty much any source of protein seems to make me need more water. I’ve noticed this about when I eat fake meat, beans, lentils, etc. I’m assuming it’s because they are “whole” foods, that have deep texture and require more water to get them through the system– although I really have no idea what I’m talking about. I also think I’m drinking more water because I have almost completely eliminated soda, flavored water, and sweet teas. Hopefully that saves me some money when I move back to college life.
- Essential micronutrients intake has skyrocketed. Call me crazy, but I know for a fact that I’m consuming almost double the protein I did before becoming vegan and/or vegetarian. Other than protein powder, my daily eats often include smart dogs, tofurky deli slices, beans, and other high protein sources. Also, my consumption of healthy fats has increased. At the start of the week, I had a lot of cashews. I’m not a huge nut fan, but I’m working on it. In addition, I’ve revived my love of avocados and enjoyed their nutrition benefits in guacamole or just eaten straight out of the skin. Consuming carbs (fiber/sugar) is never an issue, but I would like to find a good vegan bread to buy!
- Fruit is nature’s candy, and I love it. A couple of days ago I had 2 bananas, 2 apples, a cup of frozen peaches, and some watermelon in ONE day. I realize that this might actually be too much fruit, but hey, it keeps my blood sugar up. And it’s natural. And it’s delicious. And for now, I’m loving it.
- With that said, sweet flavors are really strong. My sweets threshold has decreased a bit. I don’t seem to need sweetener in my oats anymore and fruit is the perfect amount of sweetness to satisfy my sweet tooth. Although delicious, Oreos (like I had for dessert at Lauren’s belated birthday dinner) seemed extra sweet. Maple syrup seems like it would taste (almost too) sweet as well. It’s almost like I’m de-training my taste buds, and I’m starting to appreciate natural flavors more.
- My body is feeling a bit different. I’ve had a great energy level, but that could be attributed to my ridiculous amount of sleep and a cup here and there of green tea. My digestion has been kinda weird, I’m guessing this is from all the soy. I think I’ll continue to notice changes in the next couple weeks. Hopefully the smoothness of my skin improves!
- Salads have gone on vacation. I haven’t had much salad lately, mostly because I haven’t found/thought of a good vegan salad dressing to use. I was on a ridiculous ranch dressing and greek yogurt kick, and it’s time I found something to replace them. I miss my salads! I do, however, enjoy putting guacamole or hummus on top of a salad. Extra healthy fats and lots of great, creamy flavor.
- Snacks and “sides” of meals have changed; I’ve gotten creative. I wanted try being vegan as a way to extend my meal-making creativity, and I sure am. Black beans and nutritional yeast, sweet potato with applesauce and cinnamon, popcorn with PB2/vanilla protein powder sauce– for a few examples. I like the diversity.
It’s not all great though, there are a few things that I need to focus on now that I’m vegan.
- B-vitamins
- Omega 3, Omega 6 fatty acids
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Iron
- Essential amino acids
I’m going to look into good sources of these vitamins, etc. Let me know if you have any good advice.
Onto Week 2!
14 comments on “Vegan Week 1 Reflection”
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Wow good for you for taking this challenge. A few tips/hints/babble talk from me: ;)
1. Most breads are vegan. Bread isn’t usually made with eggs or milk but it’s not a bad idea to read labels. Ezekiel sprouted breads are my fav because they have tons of nutrients and are packed full of fiber.
2. I think you might be over-compensating in the protein and soy department. Our bodies don’t really need as much protein as we think (unless you are body building ;) and in all honesty, those fakey meats aren’t really that good for you. They are usually super high in sodium and preservatives and are highly processed foods. It’s hard to get used to eating vegan at first but I get nearly all of my protein from nuts, beans and rice, & hemp protein shakes. The occasional soy product (ie tofu or soymilk) I only enjoy maybe 2 or 3 times a week at most. But Sunwarrior is a FABULOUS protein powder so you are on the right track there!!!
3. Try to incorporate seeds and nuts and you will get your Vitamin E, amino acids, Calcium and a little extra protein. I use a lot of nuts, sesame seeds and ground flax see in my cooking.
4. If you get seriously into it, it’s not a bad idea to take a Vit. D and B-12 supplement. Those two aren’t as easily accessible in a vegan diet.
5. Leafy greens are a vegan’s main source for iron. Try experimenting with sauteed spinach, kale, collards or just huge leafy salads too.
I realize this is the longest comment ever but I love your blog ladies and when I saw your tweet today I had to head over and check out your vegan challenge. Awesome!! :)
Lindsay, thanks so much for all the great advice! I love getting epic comments because it shows that people are actually interested in the random stuff we post on here! I’ve heard great things about ezekiel, and will probably buy a loaf soon. I’ll cut back on the soy fake meats as soon as I run out of my crazy stash in the fridge :) I think I am just super paranoid about not getting enough protein, so I’m trying all the products haha. They are super expensive, so it will be nice to cut back. I love leafy greens, so that’s a good thing! I just need to start buying 3-lb bags of spinach again at Costco ;)
Thanks so much for reading!
-Nicole
Your welcome girlie! Good luck with everything. Can’t wait to hear more about your experiment. Who knows, it might just turn permanent! That’s how it happened to me. ;)
Hmm veganism seems to be working out pretty nicely for the most part! Except sunwarrior costs an arm and a leg.. i still haven’t tried it! I have a sample packet but nooo idea what the best way to use it is. I’ve always wanted to try veganism, even if it’s just for a week. You seem to have a lot of insight even after just one week, so i think it’s worth a shot!
Heck ya you should try it! It’s forcin me to try new things an extend my palette. I had never tried nutritional yeast prior to this week! (and it is delicious by the way) sunwarrior in a bowl of oats is so good!!!! Make sure to add the powder after all microwaving/cooking though, otherwise your oats will turn into soup, it’s so weird! Adding a bit to cereal is good too, if thickens and flavors your milk. Vanilla sunwarrior and vanilla almond milk = so good. And if you mix in melted PB too, you might just die and go to cereal heaven ;)
hi there :)
1. Protein powder is great but make sure you focus on getting protein from more natural sources as well! As Lindsay said above, it gets easier over time as your body adjusts to just go with the flow and not worry about protein intake. everything balances out :)
2. Water is the most magical drink in the world, besides coffee. however I find with the more fruits and vegetables I eat throughout the day, the less water my body seems to need. be careful not to overdo it because I am sure you are getting in much more produce than usual :)
3. Also like Lindsay said above, I would try to avoid fake meats and duh after your supply runs out. there are just too many awesome natural sources of protein! avocados are superb, especially plain! try it on toast :) almond butter and cashew nut butter are also delicious. and Ezekiel sprouted bread. BUY IT.
4. oh you can never have too much fruit. It’s the perfect food. I would live off of fruit if my mom would allow it, haha. 4 apples a day. necessary.
5. EXACTLY. Your taste buds changing will become even more evident over time. It’s kind of crazy. I used To need a boatload of almond milk and stevia to be able to tolerate coffee, and now all my tastebuds want is like one packet of stevia haha.
6. fruits and vegetables=skyrocketed energy. cutting out dairy probably has a HUGE part in higher energy levels as well, at least in my experience. soy can irritate digestion in larger amounts so just be aware :) your digestion should adjust over time!
7. I can’t agree with number seven, haha. I always want salad. I use newman’s own light Italian or annie’s naturals balsamic. they aren’t creamy at all but I hate creamy dressing because I find it takes away from the FLAVORS and vegetables! Both are delicious :)
8. vegetables and fruits have an incredible amount of vitamins on their own :) i take a multivitamin whenever i remember. regarding b-12, I take a vegan supplement every morning and I have found that it really boosts energy levels. Spinach, lentils, quinoa, and pumpkin seeds are great sources of iron! I also take a probiotic every day-it’s great for your immune system, digestive system, and general health :)
i love to write :) peace out girl scout!
Kenzie I love you. I promise I’ll buy Ezekiel soon! Thanks for the all the great advice, as usual ;)
So great to read this! My hubby and I are going to start a 30 day Vegan Challenge (Engine 2 Diet) very soon and I’m excited to try it. My fave salad dressing is mixing hummus with balsamic vinegar. I love creamy dressings, too and mixing these together gives you a perfect dressing for salads. Good luck with week 2!
It’s so crazy that you mention that! For lunch today, I had a salad with a “dressing” made of garlic hummus, one avocado, and nutritional yeast all mixed together! It was so creamy and added lots of great flavor to the lettuce. So delish!
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