Embarrasing personal question (probably TMI).
I have been trying to go back to eating vegan...from vegetarian. So all week I have eaten almost exclusevely vegan, though yesterday I cheated and had two slices of cheese pizza. But I have been having constipation, I probably pooped only 3 times all week. That isn't like me. And I am 3 lbs overweight now, probably because of the poop. I am also gassy but that is normal for being vegan.
Is it the diet change that is making me constipated? I thought that a vegan diet was supposed to make you poop MORE, not less. I am typically a really good pooper, once a day, but this is odd. Now it is once ever 2nd or 3rd day which isn't healthy. Is there something I can do to get things moving again, or do I just need to give my body time to adjust?
I would say that as long as you are getting enough fiber and liquids, you may just be adjusting. I know I have never had these great "vegan poops" that everyone raves about. I only go once every few days, which has been the case for years and is unchanged now that I'm vegan.
Cheese will "bind you up" if you're not used to eating it. And stress will too. I certainly gain weight when I'm constipated. Did it last week. That though was due to a reaction to some meds I was taking. For some reason, with me, antihistamines shut the whole process down. When I got things going, I dropped 2 lbs overnight.
Let your body adjust and remember, it's not just fibre, you need plenty of water too. Water makes the fibre "bulk up" and moves things along. And make sure you're getting enough sleep.
being vegan (if u stick to it) poop should be flying out of ur butt... seriously... i go like 3 times a day... so if u keep with it u should definitely lose that extra weight soon... u could drink an herbal laxative tea if u really want to get it out i suppose
have u read skinny bitch? i strongly suggest it it is a great book and u won't want to eat that crap anymore
Actually no, I haven't read skinny bitch but I want to. I have heard a lot about it.
I am proud, today I had a vegan day ;)b. And I feel great! Dinner was pumpkin coated tofu and on the side was baked squash with cranberry sauce (homemade recipe from this site, tofu recipe from VWAV). I couldn't stop eating it, even when my son was hanging on my legs crying wanting me to pick him up, I just couldn't stop!
A lot of fiber + not enough water will cause constipation. I've had similar issues, until I remember to drink more water again.
I've never been the 3-times-a-day vegan, though.
i don't know what it is... i seriously do not drink enough water... like none except crystal light... i know... but since going vegan i used to go number 2 like a few times a week now it is constant... i do love vegetables though seriously they r so yummy... snow queen ur dinner sounds awesome... please read the book it's not even that expensive i will seriously buy it for u if u want
Is there something I can do to get things moving again, or do I just need to give my body time to adjust?
You might try picking up some Miralax at your local drug store. It used to be only available by prescription, but you can get it over the counter now. It is a white powder that you dissolve in 8oz of fluid that basically works by increasing the amount of water in the intestinal tract to stimulate bowel movements. See http://www.walgreens.com/store/catalog/Stomach-Remedies/Laxative-Powder-for-Solution/ID=prod3488186&navCount=1&navAction=push-product?V=G&ec=frgl_549112&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=sku3487029
Without going into too many details, I've had severe issues with constipation (some of which resulted in hospitalizations) for years. Most laxatives and enemas reak havoc on the body and induce a great deal of pain, but I found that Miralax was much gentler on my system. You might start by taking it once a day, and if you don't get any results increase the dosage to twice daily. Once you're back to normal, take yabbit's advice! Fiber without enough water is bad news!!
A couple of tablespoons of olive oil first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach, will get things moving.
Seriously, I know it's gross, measure it out and chug it down and chase it with a glass of water.
Zippity doodah.
A couple of tablespoons of olive oil first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach, will get things moving.
Seriously, I know it's gross, measure it out and chug it down and chase it with a glass of water.
Soaking flaxseeds overnight and then drinking the water will do the same thing....doesn't really have a taste but the water is thicker than normal.
I have more luck being regular when I make sure to include ground flaxseeds with my breakfast (start with a rounded teaspoon and you can work your way up gradually to a tablespoon or two). I have also found that I need to remember to include enough good fats in my diet as well. Lots of spinach (cooked for me) also helps. Even with a lot of stress lately, doing these things really seem to help with my constipation predominant IBS.
i don't know what it is... i seriously do not drink enough water... like none except crystal light... i know... but since going vegan i used to go number 2 like a few times a week now it is constant... i do love vegetables though seriously they r so yummy... snow queen ur dinner sounds awesome... please read the book it's not even that expensive i will seriously buy it for u if u want
I'm surprised you drink Crystal LIght after reading Skinny Bitch. Doesn't it have aspartame and other chemicals in it? I would think regular lemonade would be better than that stuff!
Not trying to criticize, just sayin'.....
ya i read the book but don't follow everything about it or i would lose it... no sugar :( no caffeine :( no alcohol :( i think u get the point... i know i probably shouldn't be drinking it but it get's me to drink water