Vegans? Vegetarians?

[*Anya*]

Originally Posted by Gayandgray

My biggest issue with eating vegetarian/vegan is I overeat carbs..... I’m obese to begin with so I don’t need to be pigging out on pasta, rice, etc. I’m trying to get myself psyched up to work a low carb version of a vegetarian plan.

I know this is from last month but wanted to respond again.

I can only speak for me and what works for me but maybe it will work for you, too.

When it comes to carbs: there is no such thing as a little bit.

There is something about carbs that makes me crave them if I eat a little bit.

For me, it literally means no breads (not even low carb ones), no rolls, no wraps, no rice, no potatoes, no sweets (other than maybe a fresh pear or peach with cottage cheese).

It is even hard to find yogurts that are 2 or 4% milkfat but no added sugar. I look for at least low fat with sugar grams 5-7 max. You would think yogurt is healthy but some have 16-17 grams of sugar!

You get the idea.

A week of this and I am rechecking my pantry to make sure that there are no triggers in there for me. (I do love Graham crackers and always find a box that I throw away).

Low carb or keto does usually involves eating the M ( meat ) word for some of us low carbers and I know this is the vegan/vegetarian thread so I won't go there.

I think for any healthy way of eating, you have to identify your goal and perhaps break it down. For me: no processed foods or carb-laden foods. I am still on a lazy keto (40-ish carbs, veggies and occasional fruits) but hard-core low carbers or those just starting out drop to 20. I don't think I could do that.

Regardless, being able to have fats totally satiate me and I am never hungry. Low-fat diets are a disaster for me.

It is just peace for me to not have to think about food or to feel guilty or bad about myself or what I am eating.

If I am hungry (and I am rarely hungry on low carb) I eat.

I hope it is ok I invaded the vegan/ vegetarian thread. I would like to get there at some point but that is a longer-term goal for me.