Veganism. My Savior.
Posted by Anonymous on May 28, 2007 · Member since Dec 1969 · 11789 posts
So, today, I weigh myself at 220 lbs. Yeah, its big. But im also 6'4 1/2.
But get this. Last August when i first started vegetarianism, which eventually led to my vegaism, i weighed a whopping 288 lbs.
I lost 68 lbs. i love it.
And you know whats best about this?
Im saving lives. I love animals.
OK, I know someone who is about your height and is trying to be your current weight. He used to be in the high 200s too, and is now 240. He eats vegan at home, and his wife makes vegan lunches for him, but there's a high likelihood he supplements his lunches with...who knows? I do know that he really likes to eat.
So if you don't mind, tell me, do/did you eat a lot of food? What did you eat before you went veg? Did you only make changes to the types of food you eat, or also the amount? Have you become more active as well? Do you think my "friend" could still get to 220 (or even less) by going completely vegan, even if he didn't really change much else? You may end up being an inspiration for him.
By the way, congratulations! Well done!!!
Going to echo AP here: Congratulations!
Thank you guys!
Well APSTAATS,
When I went vegan, I tried to limit the amonts of food I was intaking. I did become more active by working out 1-3 times a week. But also, I kept my self busy to keep my mind off of food. Sure, you can lose weight by going full vegan. Just make sure that you are getting the right amount of vitamins and minerals to keep your self healthy. Before i was veg, I ate lots of food. Very unhealthy food. My doctor told me that I was over weight, and i was running the risk of getting diabettes. I made the changes of the food i ate and the amounts. Even if it was having a few veggies or an apple in between meals. So, yes, it is possible to lose all that weight, but it does take time.
sometimes, when i think about being vegan, i get this really warm, good feeling in my stomach and i want to cry really hard. it's happening right now - i just have to say out loud "i love waking up every day being vegan!!!!!!"
it just keeps getting better.
sometimes, when i think about being vegan, i get this really warm, good feeling in my stomach and i want to cry really hard. it's happening right now - i just have to say out loud "i love waking up every day being vegan!!!!!!"
it just keeps getting better.
Ditto!!!
It is getting better.
What I do hate is when people question me.
I hate that, and when I tell them why, they laugh.
I never say anything back, but the joke is on them.
But yea! I love it as well, and it is getting way better!
sometimes, when i think about being vegan, i get this really warm, good feeling in my stomach and i want to cry really hard. it's happening right now - i just have to say out loud "i love waking up every day being vegan!!!!!!"
it just keeps getting better.
Ditto!!!
Yeah, I love the feeling, too; and the more I read about the implications of eating meat, dairy, and eggs, etc., the more I love it. :)
It is getting better.
What I do hate is when people question me.
I hate that, and when I tell them why, they laugh...
I've never understood why people ask. Why do they care what you eat? I suppose the only reason they wouldn't laugh at someone is if the person were to say s/he were allergic (the only health reason that is valid to some). I'm not even sure if environmental reasons escape the laugh-factor. It's almost as if they're hoping to laugh at you--you know, the thought that, gee, if they say they're vegan because of the abuse and killing of animals, I'll get to laugh at them because that means they are silly and sentimental. Also, of course, if they laugh, it dimishes what you do and makes them feel better about their choices. Otherwise, it really shouldn't matter to them why you eat the way you do. I can understand interest in WHAT you eat, however, since so many omnis think there is nothing good to eat but meat, dairy, and eggs. :(
I do hate it when people ask me the why question, too. :P
I lost 68 lbs. i love it.
And you know whats best about this?
Im saving lives. I love animals.
Good for you Ryan!
That's great to hear. When I was your age, I was eating crap and though I loved animals...I was eating them...big time. I was just uninformed, had no clue, and did not even think about animal rights issues. I'm so impressed by all of you "younger" veggies/vegans here on vegweb (Rachlove2, Twink, Gotskates, Ashely, Courth, Pretty N Punk, I know there's more...sorry if I did not mention you). It's good to know that maybe your generation will be able to make a major change in the way animals are treated and in the way people in this world "think" about what it is they are actually putting in their mouths. It would be nice to think that during your lifetime all animals will one day be treated with the respect and love that we humans come to expect from one another. I think you all can, and will. :)
-dave
I live in California, so maybe it's different here when people ask, "Why are you vegan?" Perhaps there's less immediate condemnation. I really lke it when they ask me that question. I never discuss food choices made by other people, unless it's supportive. So.... I don't get to tell people about the health benefits (usually something they'd care about) until they bring it up. A few people I know have decided to try to give up meat or dairy (not both) after discussing health effects. Even small steps are steps. Also, I like the question, "What do you eat?" I don't like tofu or rice, which is what people who ask imagine I'd eat solely. So, I get to tell them about all of the mouth-watering recipes I eat that they'd consider really tasty side dishes. I've even shared recipes with omnis just because what I eat sounds so good.
I live in California, so maybe it's different here when people ask, "Why are you vegan?" Perhaps there's less immediate condemnation. I really lke it when they ask me that question.
yeah, definitely different here in Tennessee/Georgia.
in the religious bible (judgment) belt that a few of us find our places of residence, saying you're vegan automatically (and ironically enough) makes you some amoral heathen. it' sad, because i am christian, yet caring for ALL life has led to my ostracization.
the south is a place where people regularly buy "lifetime fishing and hunting licenses" as shower gifts--seriously.
it's horrible.
Believe it or not, I went vegan for animal rights reasons.
Not because I was overweight. I saw the weight loss as a bonus to saving lives.
Hey, great job!
I think besides saving the lives of animals, the lives of PEOPLE- especially those overweight kids- would be saved by veganism, giving them a long, healthy, happy life with strong hearts and bones.
the south is a place where people regularly buy "lifetime fishing and hunting licenses" as shower gifts--seriously.
I didn't even know you could get lifetime fishing and hunting licenses. Nothing says "congratulations on your marriage" like a license to kill (probably presented with ammo).
the south is a place where people regularly buy "lifetime fishing and hunting licenses" as shower gifts--seriously.
I didn't even know you could get lifetime fishing and hunting licenses. Nothing says "congratulations on your marriage" like a license to kill (probably presented with ammo).
worse than that!f they're given at "baby showers" too! for babies! to use as soon as they start to walk nonetheless...
it is a shameful admittance that i have witnessed this occur, and perhaps more shameful that it has as well occurred within my family.
i hate hunting.
especially when people brag about what they got.
It makes me say "do you feel proud you've killed a helpless animal?"
I can just picture these baby showers now.
"Aww, how cute! A little pink shotgun! Thank you! Oh look, the baby's chewing on the barrel! So precious..."
And thats sad.
I dont know why most people think of Veganism as a bad thing.
I use this site alot, and recently started posting. Everyone is so nice and I like that.
My parents arent vegan or vegetarians, but they have never forced me to eat meat, nor they never tried to get me to go hunting. In fact, no one in my family ever hunted at all.
I personally love it when people question me about why I am a vegan. Because then they are ASKING for information about it. That way, when I tell them the reasons, I cannot be accused of lecturing. (I still get accused of lecturing of course, but then I just say "hey, you ASKED and I am just answering your questions...that shuts them up).
Anyway, I love it when they ask because it gives me an opportunity to make them think about the whole issue.
The more veganism and animal rights are discussed, out in the open, the more mainstream it will become, the more people will be exposed to the issues and the more animals saved. So, I say, bring it on!
Of course, in discussions, I am always non-judgmental and friendly, and not defensive, because I want people to have a positive impression after speaking with me, so they cannot apply the old stereotype of "angry vegan" to me.
The problem with most of the people in my school and area are close minded.
They ask not for information, but to make fun.
There loss though.
Pages