My Two Weeks Into The Vegan Diet

After Two Weeks, I Am Feeling Pretty Good.
Tuna-less salad on a bed of leafy greens.
Tuna-less salad with sun dried tomatoes on a bed of leafy greens.

If you read my last post, you know that I decided to follow a vegan diet in hopes of  balancing my hormones as I prepare my body to transition off  hormone replacement therapy.

Although I have, reluctantly, chosen to follow this diet, I must admit that I actually feel really good!

Initially, I was concerned that I would not be consuming enough protein, only because I lift weights 3-4 times a week, which helps build muscle.

I have not had the cravings that I usually get when I lift heavy.

Usually, after a hard lifting session, I want meat for dinner.  Fish or chicken.  Probably because my body wants the protein.  But I haven’t been experiencing that same kind of hunger.  Maybe that was a “newbie” lifting thing?

Buddha bowl.
Is it still considered a “Buddha Bowl” if it’s on a plate?
Sweet potato, Brussels sprouts, gf noodles, greens, onion, avocado with a drizzle of peanut sauce.
Sweet potato, Brussels sprouts, gf noodles, greens, onion, avocado with a drizzle of peanut sauce.

I seem to be transitioning to the vegan diet fairly well but,  in all fairness, I was already eating multiple vegetarian meals during the week.

Almost two weeks down ………..

“A goal without a plan is just a wish.”

Most people know that a quick change will not be a lasting change, and I  entered this dietary challenge keeping that in mind.  I know I need to allow myself a little leeway.

………… At least that’s what I was telling myself on Friday night when I ate small dish of vanilla ice cream with a drizzle of chocolate syrup and a few peanuts.  

It’s really important to make sure when you follow a vegan diet that you get all the nutrients your body needs, especially the ones you can’t get from the food.

My daily supplements.
The supplements I take daily.

Although living a vegan lifestyle is super healthy, a poorly planned diet can deprive you of some vital nutrients:

  • Vitamin B12
  • Iron
  • Calcium
  • Vitamin D
  • Protein
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acid

Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial.  Most people get the two most important ones, EPA & DHA from fish.  The other omega-3 fatty acids your body needs are found in plant sources such as nuts and seeds.

One of the things I am doing to ensure that I am getting enough omega-3’s in my vegan diet is to include a fish oil supplement.

Good sources of omega-3’s:
  • avocado
  • olive oil
  • flaxseed
  • walnuts
  • chia seed
  • soybean
vegan brownies that I made.
Hmmm …….. do you think vegan brownies are a good source of omega-3’s? 🙂

Vitamin B12 is only found in animal and milk products and some breakfast cereals, therefore both vegans and vegetarians need to make sure they take a supplement.  According to Dr. Shivam Joshi, that is the simplest and most reliable way to make sure that you get an adequate amount of B12.

Dr. Joshi states that 1 in 6 meat eaters is also vitamin B12 deficient.

You have probably heard the worldwide reports that a vitamin D deficiency is fairly common, not just among vegetarians and vegans.  I am taking a vitamin D supplement, as well.

I put all my supplements in this gorgeous salt box and keep it on the kitchen table, where I will be reminded to take them. No ugly bottles sitting around!
I put all my supplements in this gorgeous salt box and keep it on the kitchen table, where I will be reminded to take them. No ugly bottles sitting around!

There’s a lot to consider when you decide to make dietary changes in your life and, until I really started to submerge myself in this project, I didn’t fully comprehend what a vegan diet entailed.

This is where those cool meal-planning containers would come in handy.  Making meals for the week, or at least several days in advance, can alleviate a little of the stress when learning a new style of cooking.

“Don’t expect success.  Prepare for it.”

xoxo, Katy

Author: Katy

I am a business owner, a mom of two grown daughters, a wife, and lover of life! I am an active 50+ -er with many new developing interests. Physical activity has always played a role in my life. Sometimes, more ........and sometimes, less. As a "Baby Boomer," it has become increasingly important for me to navigate the aging process with grace and agility. Part of the healthy living equation is, of course, the nutritional aspect as well. This blog, first and foremost, is devoted to women over the age of 50 looking to improve the quality of their life by exercising and consuming a healthy diet. Cheers to a life well lived! *You can read more about me by visiting my Home Page.