Question: How does this work?
Hi, I am new to all of this. My 12 year old son and I have been vegans for exactly one week today.
We also are gluten free and use no added oils in our diet.
So, I just have a few questions and they may sound silly to you but please bear with me.
After yo-yo dieting and never feeling "quite right" the last 15 years, I have lost 8 pounds this week and my son has lost 10. Is that normal? Are we eating enough?
We eat 3 meals a day and snack when we want and we are always full (Bonus) but I am just curios.
My son has Asperger's Syndrome and an insensitivity to wheat, he could never gain weight until about 2 years ago but has went from 85 pounds as a 10 year old to 194 at 12. Very scary and every doctor I have taken him too keeps saying he's very tall for his age and getting ready for a growth spurt but I think something is not right.
He has never slept throug the night until the last 3 days and now he is going to be at 8:30 on his own and getting up at 7 the next morning and sleeping straight through. This has never happened? Is this directly related to being vegan now?
And all of his zits have completely cleared up, especially in the last day or two, its amazing.
So, what do I do for recipes? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!
Thanks
Jenn
(By: Jenn)
Category: Health Questions
ANS: Question: How does this work?
Hi Jenn
So sorry for the late response. Somehow we missed this and this is a classic story. All the changes that you mentioned are typical results. Sleeping better, acne clearing up, and losing the excess weight, these are all normal. Eventually the weight will stabilize and if you are eating a healthy vegan diet (vs junk vegan food), then you may have to eat a little more than before. It sounds like you are doing okay with this since you mentioned eating snacks. Keep eating those healthy snacks! Now that it has been a little while, I'd be interested to know if you are still enjoying the benefits and if things have stabilized so that this is now your new normal.
Category: Health Questions
ANS: Question: How does this work?
> Hi, I am new to all of this. My 12 year old son and I have been vegans for
> exactly one week today.
>
> We also are gluten free and use no added oils in our diet.
>
> So, I just have a few questions and they may sound silly to you but please
> bear with me.
>
> After yo-yo dieting and never feeling "quite right" the last 15 years, I
> have lost 8 pounds this week and my son has lost 10. Is that normal? Are we
> eating enough?
>
> We eat 3 meals a day and snack when we want and we are always full (Bonus)
> but I am just curios.
> My son has Asperger's Syndrome and an insensitivity to wheat, he could
> never gain weight until about 2 years ago but has went from 85 pounds as a
> 10 year old to 194 at 12. Very scary and every doctor I have taken him too
> keeps saying he's very tall for his age and getting ready for a growth
> spurt but I think something is not right.
>
> He has never slept throug the night until the last 3 days and now he is
> going to be at 8:30 on his own and getting up at 7 the next morning and
> sleeping straight through. This has never happened? Is this directly
> related to being vegan now?
>
> And all of his zits have completely cleared up, especially in the last day
> or two, its amazing.
>
> So, what do I do for recipes? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!
>
> Thanks
>
> Jenn
> (By: Jenn)
I have a few gluten-free recipes you might like.
Feel free to add/omit ingredients to suit your taste.
---
Gluten-Free Pizza
1/2 cup garbanzo bean flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup tapioca flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup oil (can sub whipped tofu)
Pre-heat oven to 400 F.
Mix dry ingredients thoroughly.
Add oil and water. Mix until smooth.
Pour into 10" pizza pan.
Bake 10 minutes.
Add toppings, then bake 10 minutes more.
(By: Chef Deb)
Category: Health Questions
Are vegans known to have calcium problems?
I recently went vegan a few months ago and instantly went to work to find out everything I could about veganism so I could defend myself. I have almost all of my bases covered so I can answer all my omni family's well meaning concerns for my health, but one issue has recently come up that has me baffled. I just had to have some fillings put in for some cavities in my teeth. I don't think this had to do with my diet, but it has my family all in a tizzy. They did some research about a vegan diet in relation to teeth health and found that healthy teeth has become a big problem with vegans. I have been researching this diligently and found all kinds of opinions from "just eat more greens and calcium enriched soy products" to "a vegan diet ruined my child's teeth". I am torn over this and worried about the future health of my teeth! Help!
(By: Emily)
Category: Health Questions
Are vegans known to have calcium problems?
Emily, thanks for making the decision to become a vegan. Those answering questions on VEGAN Q & A would love to answering any of your questions. As for this question I will say this: vegans that have a good vegan diet do not have more problems than flesh eaters. A junk vegan diet COULD cause you problems with your teeth plus many other health problems. A junk vegan diet is probably the worse diet that anyone can eat. It is even worse than a junk flesh eaters diet. On the other hand a good vegan diet is probably the best diet that one can eat. I am 69 and have been a vegetarian for over 43 years and of those, the last 14 years have been vegan. For my age my health is far better than others of the same age.
Please understand that flesh eaters will say anything to get you to quit being a vegan. Shortly after becoming a vegetarian I was able to get my college to instute a nutrution course for the biology requirement. The prof made a statement that vegetarians will have many health problems and strict vegetarians (vegans) will not live more than few years unless they become almost a scientist so they can balance everything. Of course I took issue with the prof. After several studies she came back with an appology to the class and admitted that she was wrong.
She admitted that vegetarians could live a healthy life but she increased what she said about vegans. She now said vegans could live up to 10 years unless they were almost scientists. I did not defend vegans because I thought that they were too strict. I just did not know the truth.
There are those that have been vegan all of their lives and are very healthy with excellent teath. If you join VEGAN Mailing List you will meet Lu and others that are around my age and have been vegan all their lives or at least 50 years. I think Lu is older than me and she is in excellent health. Vegans with a good diet have better health than a vegetarian or a flesh eater.
I hope that this helps and feel free to ask us any other questions that you have.
Doc
(By: Doc)
Category: Health Questions
Question:
I have recently switched to a vegan/gluten free diet. Prior to this I have ALWAYS been regular. Since the switch I have become constipated. It's driving me crazy because I feel great in every other way, but the constipation is really starting to get to me. I have also been drinking plenty of water. Any suggestions?
(By: jill)
Category: Health Questions
ANS: Question:
A lot of gluten-free flours are pretty much pure starch, with very little protein or fiber. Most vegetables and fruits (especially the peels) have a lot of insoluble fiber (the kind that keeps you regular). Try eating about 5 servings of vegetables and 3 or 4 servings of fruit per day. That should solve the problem.
In the short term, prune juice works wonders!
Category: Health Questions
Question: What are the effects of not eating meat and how do I do my best to avoid them?
I am on my second week being a vegetarian, also no eggs or milk, I am becoming tired and am scared it has something to do with this. However I have absolutely NO interest in going back to eating meat. I am taking "Centrum" and vitamin pills and already looked up what other foods I could eat to replace the things we need that meat gives off such as protein and iron. Does me being tired have anything to do with this? and what other effects should I be looking out for?
(By: Christina Nichole)
Category: Health Questions
ANS: Question: What are the effects of not eating meat and how do I do my best to avoid them?
Hi Cristina,
Remember you are making a major change in your eating. That could be causing you to be tired. When I became vegan about 14 years ago I lost about 21 pounds in about two weeks. I felt so much better but I was not tired. I had to learn how to make the transition. Now I use Silk on my cereal, Nanonase on sandwiches, and other substitutes. I also eat much more variety that I did as a flesh eater. Being vegan is great!
(By: Doc)
Category: Health Questions
Question: supplement
My concern of becoming a vegan is that since we get most of our vitamin D from animal products, what supplement can i use besides food and the sunlight
(By: Rosann Barker)
Category: Health Questions
ANS: Question: supplement
Vitamin D2 is vegan. D3 is not. D3 is less expensive so it is used most often. Silk veggie milks, as an example, uses only D2. If it just says vitamin D then it is almost surely D3 since it is much less expensive. Those that use D2 are proud of that fact so they make sure it is on the ingredients list. Yes, you can also get vitamin D from sunlight. Just be careful not to burn. It will show up many years later as skin cancer. I am one of those that played in the sun a lot as a kid and now I have skin cancer.
Doc
(By: Doc)
Category: Health Questions
Question: I am a vegetarian and i eat a lot of lentils and beans. What are some remedies for those of us who's digestive system doesn't tolerate these types of foods well? (ie.bloating and gas)
(By: Rachel)
Category: Health Questions
ANS: Question: I am a vegetarian and i eat a lot of lentils and beans. What are some remedies for those of us who's digestive system doesn't tolerate these types of foods well? (ie.bloating and gas)
Beans create a lot of gas but here is a tip: Rinse them in water. That takes a coating off the beans that create gas. This should help a lot. I am not sure if it will also work with lentils but I think that it will. You can also eat many other things like nuts and tofu for protein. Of course you want to balance your protein with fruits and veggies.
Doc
(By: David A. Weseloh, Ph.D.)
Category: Health Questions
ANS: Question: I am a vegetarian and i eat a lot of lentils and beans. What are some remedies for those of us who's digestive system doesn't tolerate these types of foods well? (ie.bloating and gas)
Try eating the beans without any other complex carbs especially wheat. Maybe with some fresh salad instead and some oil and vinegar dressing. If that works try having them with brown rice. Often it is what you are eating with the beans that makes them harder to digest. You can always have your wholegrains at seperate meal.
Susan
> (By: Rachel)
(By: Susan Lowry)
Category: Health Questions
Question: So Tired?
I'm 18 years old and just recently became a vegan and I am feeling SO tired during the day! But why?? (my sleep schedule is going to bed around 9 or 10 PM and waking up at 6:00 AM, is that not enough sleep? Or is the reason for my tiredness something else??)My mom was suggesting maybe I'm not getting enough Iron? I just don't know!
(By: Erika)
Category: Health Questions
ANS: Question: So Tired?
Well Erika,
When a person makes such a dramatic change in such a short time there will be needed adjustments. Give it some time for your body to adjust to a better diet. Of course you may not be getting everything that you need in your diet. All vegans need a B-12 supplement. Of course most "meat" eaters also need additional B-12. I strongly suggest a multi-vitamin for vegans and non-vegans.
The amount of sleep depends on each individual. Eight hours should be enough. What ever made you feel good before you became a vegan should be the same that you need now. BTW, Iron supplements are low priced so if you are worried about not getting enough than just buy some. Frankly I doubt that you have an iron deficiency. I just think that you need time for you body to adjust. Also you need to make sure you are eating a good vegan diet. A junk vegan diet is one of the worse diets that you can eat. On the other hand a good vegan diet is one of the best diet that you can eat. If you have more questions, please ask. We are here for you.
Dr. Weseloh
(By: David A. Weseloh, Ph.D.)
Category: Health Questions
ANS: Question: So Tired?
So what exactly IS a "junk vegan diet"?
(By: Erika)
Category: Health Questions
ANS: Question: So Tired?
A junk vegan is a vegan that eats a lot of junk food like potato chips, sodas, candy bars, and other things that are not nutritionally good. Just think of junk food that a flesh eater eats and that will give you an idea of what a junk vegan is. They do not eat flesh, dairy, or eggs but they also do not eat nutritionally good food.
Doc
(By: David A. Weseloh, Ph.D.)
Category: Health Questions
Vegan Skin Cream
Is skin cream that is made with the foreskin of baby boys considered vegan?
(By: Trisha )
Category: Health Questions
Re: Vegan Skin Cream
> Is skin cream that is made with the foreskin of baby boys considered vegan?
> (By: Trisha )
In my opinion, definitely no. It could only be debated if the boys had given consent, which is not the case in this situation.
(By: m)
Category: Health Questions
Question:
Thos is Priya i had a seviour pain two weeks back at that time i suffered with vomitings and giddiness,that i could not able to be a normal woman and i am forgetting some past days,this situation before i took restrill and some sleeping pills more,now also i am forgetting and suffering with pain at my brain,when i am crying also i am getting seviour pain,after this situation happend now i a not using sleeping pills,but i am having that pain syptoms,could u please tell me this is related to any disease and may i get any problem due to sleeping pills.and tell me this is symptoms to any brain diseases.i am waiting for your feed back please forward me immediately.
(By: priya)
Category: Health Questions
ANS: Question: Do Meditation
Hi
practice meditation...
no medicines, no doctors.
just be with your normal natural breath.
www.pssmovement.org
> Thos is Priya i had a seviour pain two weeks back at that time i suffered
> with vomitings and giddiness,that i could not able to be a normal woman and
> i am forgetting some past days,this situation before i took restrill and
> some sleeping pills more,now also i am forgetting and suffering with pain
> at my brain,when i am crying also i am getting seviour pain,after this
> situation happend now i a not using sleeping pills,but i am having that
> pain syptoms,could u please tell me this is related to any disease and may
> i get any problem due to sleeping pills.and tell me this is symptoms to any
> brain diseases.i am waiting for your feed back please forward me
> immediately.
> (By: priya)
(By: Deepak)
Category: Health Questions
Question Why am i so tired ALL the time?
im 12 1/2 and do gymnastics. and a vegan. What is wrong with me!!!>>>???
(By: Kiki)
Category: Health Questions
ANS: Question Why am i so tired ALL the time?
Teenagers need about 9 hours and 15 minutes of sleep a night. Are you getting enough?
If you are, look next at what you're eating. Are you getting enough calories? If so, are you getting the right amount of carbohydrates, protein, and fat? Too little or too much can make you feel tired. Eating large meals or lots of junk food can do that too- try having 5 or 6 small meals a day.
Low levels of B vitamins or iron can make you feel tired, too. If you're not taking a multivitamin, consider starting. Definitely take a B12 supplement, since vegans don't have a reliable source of B12 in their diets.
Dehydration is a common cause of fatigue, so drink lots of water.
Veganism shouldn't make you tired. If your diet is balanced and you're sleeping enough, it's worth seeing a doctor. She can screen you for health problems that could cause the fatigue.
Category: Health Questions
Question: tiredness
im 12 1/2 and a vegan but i also do gymnastics but im always tired what can this mean
?
(By: )
Category: Health Questions
ANS: Question: tiredness
That is a good question. Most vegans find they have more energy. Maybe you are eating a bad vegan diet. A junk vegan diet is probably the worse diet that anyone could eat. On the other hand a good vegan diet is probably the best diet that you could eat. I would suggest getting a good book on eating a good vegan diet.
Doc
(By: Doc)
Category: Health Questions
Lipbalm ingredients
Campher is an ingredient in my lipbalm is that a vegan friendly product Thank you
(By: dykinks@shaw.ca)
Category: Health Questions
ANS: Lipbalm ingredients
Yes! Campher is the German spelling of Camphor, which comes from an evergreen tree called the Camphor Laurel.
(By: rocketkoala)
Category: Health Questions
Question: asprin and ibuprofen
Are asprin and ibuprofen vegan?
(By: Kristen)
Category: Health Questions
ANS: Question: asprin and ibuprofen
Hi,
In theory, yes - the active ingredients come from plants. But most actual products tend to have a whole bunch of non-active ingredients, which may or may not be vegan. I heard a rumour that Anadin Extra is vegan, but I'd check first. If you have a good chemist, they should know and be able to advise.
That aside, if you have to take painkillers, then take painkillers. Not to do so is to place others' health above your own. Perhaps this is something you want to do, but not many vegans would, I think.
John
> Are asprin and ibuprofen vegan?
> (By: Kristen)
Category: Health Questions
Question: Menstuation
I'm a new vegan, 4 months now. I feel great but have noticed that I feel extra hormonal prior to and durning menstration. Have any other women noticed this? Is it at all related to my new diet?
Just wondering.
J. Snyder
(By: J. Snyder)
Category: Health Questions
Question: Do the non-stick cooking pots and pans release harmful deposits into the food??
I am going to go out and buy new cooking utensils and want to know if the non-stick products release harmful deposits into the food. And if they do what would be the safest and healthiest utensils to buy??
(By: Tom C)
Category: Health Questions
Previous posts << >> Next
tofu liquid
HI. I am a vegan 3 years now. I read somewhere that the tofu liquid is healthy, having calcium and such, and we shouldn't discard it. I just got a Tofu Xpress and can retain the liquid if I want. The question came to me when I got a recipe for a tofu marinade that required 1 1/2 cups of water. I thought why not use the tofu liquid. I guess it could also be thrown into soups.
[By: @ 2010-09-13, 22:29 | Reply | Print ]thanks in advance!
What do you think?
(By: Paula)
Category: Health Questions
ANS: tofu liquid
Hello Paula,
[By: @ 2010-09-13, 23:53 | Reply | Print ]That is an excellent question. I wish that I knew the answer. My gut feeling is that it would work but I really do not know that for a fact. Maybe sone one else will have the answer. In the mean time I will try to find an answer for you.
Doc
(By: Doc)
Category: Health Questions
ANS: tofu liquid
If you make your own tofu, the liquid can be reserved and used in things like bread dough, etc.
[By: @ 2011-02-03, 04:30 | Reply | Print ]Store-bought tofu, on the other hand, sits in water (sometimes in an open bin), and the water can be very unsanitary. This type of tofu liquid should be discarded.
All tofu (except tetrapacked silken) should be kept in the fridge, in a closed container, submerged in water (the tofu, not the container!) This water should be changed daily to keep the tofu at omptimum freshness. Even tetrapacked silken (shelf-stable boxed) should be stored this way after the box has been opened.
(By: Deb)
Category: Health Questions