Diet/Training Advice for a VEG

[skinnyfat]

Little Sha,

How much protein do you eat per day, in terms of grams per pound of bodyweight. There seem to be many lean and muscular bodybuilders who mostly eat vegetarian, and don't eat a TON of protein, but still see good results.

I have found that I, too feel better eating mostly vegetarian (I was only joking with my I love animals--they are delicious comment). Really helps the digestion.

 

[littlesha]

more on veg

Wow MS---you are so liberal and non-judgemental in your posts that I actually had no IDEA you were veg! I agree with so much of what you are saying, especially the part about people falsely thinking meat is "essential" and they cannot live without it to maintain a fit body. I had actually been vegan (no dairy OR meat) for about a year, but I like ice cream too much, and although I'm very limited on my intake of it, I decided to eat dairy when I want. Although I HATE milk (my mom used to force me to drink a glass a day---FULL FAT MILK---BLECCHHH!!!).

Reading the book FIT FOR LIFE is what convinced me that I don't NEED meat, and also talked about how nutritious vegetarian options really are.

Trust me, if my body turned into a pile of mush or I got out of shape once I went veggie, I REALLY don't think I would have been able to maintain a veggie lifestyle. But it was clear to me that it was extremely beneficial for me.

Skinnyfat, I don't count grams of protein---I just work with what I feel is right, and if it isn't, then I adjust. I eat a ratio of about 50 protein/30 carbs/20 fat.

MS--I'd love to see a sample menu of yours when you get a chance. I can always use new veggie ideas.

 

[chabbah]

littlesha...I've been thinking about taking up my old veggie ways again, although I probably wouldn't eliminate ALL animal products from my diet. I had a question for you about BF. You said you have more energy now -- as did I when I ate mostly veg -- but what abou your BF levels? Did you notice any drop/change? Also, how do you manage to eat 50% of your diet in veg proteins? Veg proteins always seem to fill me up, so I can only imagine that you must have quite a plateful to gobble down at each meal!

MS, I too am allergic/have reactions to cow's milk and was wondering if you had suggestions for alternatives if I do start to convert my diet more toward veg? I'm not crazy about tofu or soy, although I do love Boca burgers and some other processed soy products.

 

[NubianBeauty]

MS--I'd love to see a sample menu of yours when you get a chance. I can always use new veggie ideas.

Ditto!

 

[littlesha]

veg/bodyfat/etc

To me, vegetable proteins aren't any more filling to me than chicken/other meats were. A veggie burger is much lighter to me than a beef burger was. And I have protein shakes, bars, just like anyone else. I actually never have a problem with getting enough protein. I've always eaten a lot, and I can't say I eat larger quantities now. In the past, since I really didn't have a taste for meat, I'd eat more of the side dishes. So in effect, I eat more protein now, as a veg.

The way I get 50% protein in my diet is like this: In the past, I was more of a carb eater. My plate might have consisted of steak (MOST of which would be spit into my napkin or left on the plate), potatoes, and maybe dessert. My meal ended up consisting of 99% as potatoes and dessert....get the idea? Now, my meal may be a tofu dish with lots of tofu and veggies, and my dessert may actually consist of a piece of whole grain sprouted bread. But when I eat my tofu dishes, there's definitely lots of tofu in there. So, now it's the ratio of my meal that I watch. Even with a protein shake, I'll add a dollop of peanut butter for extra protein (and good fat). I'll add a slice of lowfat cheese to a veggie burger.

Bodyfat......can't say it changed. Like when I was a meat-eater, it goes up when I eat too much, down when I eat better, and stays the same when my eating stays the same.

let me know if you have any other questions....I love talking about this kind of thing as you can see

 

[littlesha]

By the way.......

if you guys can help, I'm asking for an opinion on the best T3 cycle to do with Clen?
I've posted a separate thread on the women's board. If you have experience with T3, I'd appreciate any suggestions. I"ve been getting so many different opinions.....now I"m totally confused!!

 

[KBgrl]

WOW u guys!!!! BIGGGGG PROPS to all u non animal eaters!! i was a veg for a long time as well. i went veg for almost all the EXACT reasons MS mentioned. i had no problem with my health or training went i did it so it was alllllllll good. ur gonna be just fine veggielifterchick! in fact i still believe that our bodies were not meant to digest meat and i think u can achieve better health without it. i started to eat free range chicken about a yr ago.. i now eat chiken and fish... sometimes turkey too but i have this horrible guiltly feeling about it alllllllll the time i feel like such a sell out . but thats another story... im sure u guys know where im coming from though. most people think im nuts when i say that . anywayyyyyyy... MS... im not sure if u would be "into" this sort of reading... BUT from the things u worte above i have a feeling that u will ABSOLUTELY LOVE this book... its called "Sexual Politics of meat: a feminist vegetarian critical theory" ... please... no flamming anyone! LOL. i can see the looks on some of ur faces right now!! yea... im one of "those chicks" MS... check it out... the author is Carol J Adams. great book!!!

 

[Debu]

The first time i was introduced to beans and rice I was in school. I LOVED IT!!! It's all I would eat for awhile and I felt great! But my roommate couldn't deal with it The only reason I eat chicken and fish now is because it doesn't give me gas!

 

[chabbah]

Veggie Bodybuilder

I sometimes look at Veg Athletes discussion board on www.vegsource.com and was recommended to the site of a famous veggie bodybuilder, Clarence Bass. Check it out:

www.cbass.com/

 

[VeggieLifterChick]

You all are wonderful, so many informative and insightful posts! I love these boards! You gals are motivating me so much!

LittleSha,
I agree. Nutrition is the key. So many vegetarians eat all processed carbs, very little fruit and veggies. Interestingly, my roommate became a veg after reading Fit For Life too! Personally, I became a veg for moral reasons, but it wasn't a sacrifice for me either because I never liked how meat tasted. I agree that it definitely feels more natural to skip it.

MS
Your posts are awesome. I think we might be inspiring a few others to consider going vegetarian!

I have a couple more questions about eating right. What is the benefit of taking flax oil? And how many calories should I be consuming? Again, I'm 5'4'', 137, and about 24% bf, trying to get down to 16-18.. I'm lifting heavy. Last night I wrote down a list of the foods I eat and how much protein/carbs/calories they all contain. Also, I just had some plain oatmeal with a scoop of no-carb chocolate protein powder and it was awesome! I recommend this to everyone. One serving of oatmeal has 6 g protein, and though the powder was bad as a shake it was damn good in the oatmeal. Anyone else got any favorite foods to share?