? for vegans / vegetarians re: weight loss

so i've been vegetarian (vegan most days) for almost 4 weeks now, and i don't think i'm getting enough calories.

i'm losing too much weight, too quickly.

i can afford to lose 3-5 more pounds, but problem is that i'm feeling kind of low energy and weak.

how do you all fit the calories in? i'm having trouble getting enough.

i should also say that i've cut out white sugar and white flour, which has also contributed to this.

suggestions?

Re: ? for vegans / vegetarians re: weight loss

Are you getting enough calcium? That's the very first thing I worry about when I hear someone has decided to start a vegan lifestyle.

Calories come in all forms, including how you prepare foods, but you don't want to start frying every last potato just to up your caloric intake. It sounds like you've also cut your volume back a great deal, which could be the problem.

I have a great recipe for vegan chocolate chip raspberry blondies if you want some extra sugar. Oh, it uses white sugar and white flour in it, but I'm sure you could sub... sorry.

Sorry I'm not more help. I'm worried about you! Maybe start googling for some additional recipe ideas to make sure your meal plans are hearty enough.

Re: ? for vegans / vegetarians re: weight loss

what are you eating in a day?

i generally have no problem getting in all of my calories (hah!) - in fact i find a lot of the healthier stuff is actually higher in calories (in terms of grains anyway).

if you're feeling weak, try upping your proteins. also, make sure you're getting enough carbs. actually, make sure your diet is balanced (fats, carbs, proteins, etc.) as you can be getting plenty of calories but still be malnourished if they're not what you need.

a good mutivitamin can also make a world of difference!

Re: ? for vegans / vegetarians re: weight loss

When you go vegan, pounds melt off.
It will subside.

As far as feeling weak, I'd up your iron & protein.
Eat some kale & beans, both are amazing for you.

You could also be detoxing, which happens a lot if you go vegan or raw. It is super common. read here about vegan detox symptoms and other info

Re: ? for vegans / vegetarians re: weight loss

Quinoa for protein
I eat a handful of nuts for energy - especially before workouts
I eat Clif bars and/or Luna bars
wheat crackers with almond butter
dates pack some good energy - I eat about 3 and that ties me over!
Make smoothies with flax oil in them - or flax seeds, soy milk, peanut butter, and banana

Re: ? for vegans / vegetarians re: weight loss

thanks for the replies, ladies.

i am doing a lot of research into getting the nutrients from vegetables that i used to get from meat and dairy, especially iron and calcium.

i am always a little anemic so i'm really going to need to step up my intake of green leafy vegetables. i'll also probably need a supplement.

the weight loss continues but has slowed down to a normal pace. and i'm feeling a lot better.

i think part of it was the "detox" experience... and another part of it was that i was getting sick when i wrote the post.

THANK YOU for the input!!