Vegan Bodybuilding & Fitness

I'm Kayla! Originally from the Bay Area in California, but has lived in Idaho for the 3 years (prior Air Force and hubby is still active duty). I'm a full-time student on-line, wife, and step-mommy. Right now, I am pretty overweight..bigger than I've ever been It bothers me A LOT. I was at my skinniest a few years ago when I started eating a "clean" high-protein/low-carb diet (LOTS of chicken and other animals products). While I was very thin and gained a lot of muscle through weight lifting, I found the diet hard to stick to for long periods of time. I had cravings for carbs/sugars a lot and would often binge, hence my weight gain.

Out of my love and concern for animals, I have recently decided to go vegan (I am almost there, still eating whey protein powder or eggs a few times a week). I am the only one in my house making this decision, so that alone makes this a pretty hard lifestyle to maintain, but I am still happy I've made this decision. My dilema, however, is HOW I will LOSE weight! I NEED to lose weight badly. I am feeling very uncomfortable and my insecurity has even made me dislike going to gym. I have been starting to get back into going to the gym, just doing light excerise for now since I haven't been to the gym in months.

SO, what should I eat for optimal weight loss? I am fearful of eating too many grains considering my very low carb past. Lately I've been eating too much vegan junk, but this week I started eating more fruits and veggies, whole grains (oats, brown rice, quinoa, soba noodles, Ezekial bread), beans, and some fats like peanut butter and olive oil. I also have soy yogurt and almond milk. Is this type of eating appropriate for weight loss? Is the 811 diet perhaps more effective? I am interested in hearing the stories of people who have lost a significant amount of weight being vegan or raw vegan (and which is better/more sustainable).

So that's why I'm here. To learn how to lose weight and get back in shape while being vegan. Sorry for the novel...I am just desperate for info!

You should try picking up some books and just educated your self as much as possible. I found Vegan Bodybuilding and Thrive to be incredibly helpful when I was starting out. Honestly they don't leave many topics untouched.

Thanks, Vicious! I'll check it out

Welcome Kayla!

That is my cousin's name. I've always liked it.

Thanks for joining our forum. Hope you enjoy it here. All the very best and welcome aboard! Happy Holidays!

Robert

Hi Kayla! I'm new to the forum as well, and am also anxious to learn as much from the knowledge and experiences of this community as I can. I am not an expert by any stretch of the imagination, but in addition to the resources viciousvixen suggested above, I would also recommend the "Engine 2 Diet" book to you, as well as the movie "Forks Over Knives".

Wishing you (and all of us!) a healthy and happy 2012!!

All the best,
Karen