ShaunLucas

I healthy vegan diet, low low carb (ezekial bread is as complex as my carbs get), lots of veggies, beans, lower fruit consumption, and high nut consumption.

I really want to get rid of my hips. Mine are wider for a guy, and I feel as thought they stick out more because I', shorter (5'2 and ~135 lbs). I do side sit-ups and eat well, what do you suggest I do to get "straighter," rather than curvy/hourglass-like. I hear all the time that more cardio reduces abdominal fat, but how much do I have to do? It really bothers me. thanks for responding. Shaun 8/10/09

I'd been torn on what vegan protein powder to buy, so I finally got one at Whole Foods in Illinois called "100% Vegan Protein" by Biochem. I've only had 1 smoothie so far and it was good, I used soy milk, soy yogurt, a banana, and 2 heaping scoops of powder. Everything I used was vanilla flavored so it was really sweet, but still good. What do you guys think about this product and/or smoothie combo? Any suggestions? I keep reading about VEGA on here and see it all over the place...is it "the" protein/performance powder? Thanks! -Shaun

+1 I do eat and really like Larabars, I did a raw food diet for 3 months a couple years back. I'll invest in some more larabars instead of regularly buying soy/chocolate/sugar-filled Builder's bars. Although I do enjoy the Builder's bars as a snack at work a couple hours before my workout (once in a while), it seems to help me out.

What do you think about them? Do you suggest eating them before or after workouts, and how often per week b/c of the sugar content?

My name is Shaun and I live in Chicago. I've been vegan for 2.5 years now, and I love it! I did notice that I lost some muscle mass when I began, but I learned to increase intake of nuts, seeds, whole grains, and meat alternative proteins. I've noticed some awesome results lately, but would like to lean out more. Anyway, I'm 21 years old and a senior at Indiana University. I would love to be a personal trainer or chef someday after school.