Help going vegan?

Dear bodybuilders,

I would like to be vegan. However, there are obstacles:

1. I'm hypothyroid and have to take natural desiccated thyroid (made of cows or pigs). The synthetic stuff doesn't work for me. There are no other options; I've tried ashwagandha root, it helped, but I didn't have the energy to work out, let alone take a walk. Also, since I was undiagnosed for so long I have lingering adrenal issues.

2. Can't eat gluten or soy

3. Tried being vegan; felt like crap and was starving all the time. Noticed that my energy levels shot way up after I started eating animal products - and believe me, I was eating the "bean, green and grain with a sprinkling of many expensive and varied things" diet everyone so heartily recommends.

I don't know what to do. I'm most worried about arachidonic acid, protein, and cholesterol. Yes, under ideal conditions my body can make those things, but I'm not in ideal condition. Are there supplements? Should I eat lard and fish poached from my friends' plates? I seriously would like to be vegan, but not at the cost of my health and my sanity. I went down that path before and it wasn't pretty.

Sincerely,

Clueless Wannabe

1. Just keep having desiccated thyroid then.

2. How is that an issue?

3. Was your diet balanced? I suggest to get a book about veganism, it really helps.

From what you say, maybe being vegan does not just work you?

Just stick to the diet that makes you feel healthy and happy, or try to prepare better / get more information before trying to go vegan again.

Hobbs,

I remember eating bread and soy foods as staples my first time being vegan, which worked, but later I developed issues with those things. They kept me full unlike the beans and rice stuff i was eating. I'll definitely think on it more; maybe get a nutritionist's advice. There is no denying that i thrive on animal products... but there's also no denying that it's cruel. Thanks for the kind reply!

I see what you mean, I'm starting to feel allergic to lentils and chickpeas so having more rice, quinoa or tofu.

Thankfully there are plenty of options if something does not work.

I think information is key when switching to a vegan diet, thus seeing a nutritionist is a great idea.

Either of these books would also be useful:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Vegan-Life-Norris/dp/0738214930/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1401338844&sr=8-4&keywords=becoming+vegan

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Becoming-Vegan-Express-Plant-based-Nutrition/dp/1570672954/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1401338844&sr=8-1&keywords=becoming+vegan

Good luck!