Make Friends With Fat, & Be Low Carb And Vegan

Being vegan or vegetarian is not an easy path and many people abandon the diet. They claim they felt tired all the time, constantly hungry, bloated, or like they were gaining weight on the same number of calories.

Maybe your body doesn’t want to be veg, that could be true. But before concluding this…really take a close look at what you were eating while trying the plant based life style.

The bulk of any well formulated plant based diet really ought to be comprised of Vegetables! And lots of them! It should also contain good quality vegetarian proteins and a generous amount of healthy fat. In other words, it  should be a balanced diet, and it should consist of very little if any processed food.

Many people go vegetarian and simply replace the animal protein in their diet with WAY too many carbs: think bread, cereal, tons of fruit, vegan ice creams and treats, etc. Or, they simply drop the fat in their diet way too low. All of these things will make you feel like S***, but it isn’t necessarily because you stopped eating meat….  it could be because your diet was lacking in vital nutrients, calories, and again, overall balance.

The reality is, some people don’t handle carbohydrates well. This can be because of specific health conditions or because of a sluggish metabolism / inactivity, or…because your body simply does better with more FAT and less CARBS. No need to over think it! Trust what your body is telling you.

Below are a few things to help you formulate a BALANCED, lower carb … plant based diet.

Healthy Fats For The Low Carb Vegan:

Avocados (this is key!)
Coconut Oil
Olive Oil
Olives
Nuts and Seeds (so many options here!)

Coconut yoghurt and coconut flakes
Dark Chocolate (minimum of 85% cocoa)

Stick To Low Carb Fruits And Veggies Such As:

Cucumber
Celery
Leafy greens (spinach, kale, collards)
Cruciferous veg (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower)
Green beans
Tomatoes
Red peppers
Lemon & Lime
Super foods like bee pollen
Berries, carrots, beets *small amounts!

Low Carb Proteins Can Be Added Such As:

Plant based protein powders

Spirulina and chlorella
Seeds (see our post on this awesome Superfood!)
Tofu and Tempeh
Nuts (especially almonds, macadamia nuts, walnuts)

* If you are vegetarian and not strictly VEGAN you can also get your protein from dairy products and eggs

Change Does Not Happen Overnight! Be Patient.

You may still feel low energy when you switch to a low carb diet, but give it at least a month! You will probably have some uncomfortable symptoms as you detox from the grains and sugars you were eating before. Sugar / carb withdrawal is a real thing! But you will likely be rewarded with less brain fog and more energy if you persevere.

You have to eat for the rest of your life, take the time NOW to find the perfect diet and macronutrient mix for unique, fabulous YOU…

xo! Teshia 

LOW CARB as a PLANT BASED eater?!

Yes, it's possible. You CAN eat a plant based diet while also, eating low-carb (if that is how you feel best or, if you have a condition that requires you to keep your carbohydrates low). Never forget, anything is possible. The most important thing is that your BODY, MIND, and SPIRIT feel good about the foods you are eating. Your food becomes you, so eat the food that makes your body and soul sing. It's all about aligning with what is best for you, no split energy. Take the time to figure out what resonates for you.

 


Do you want an assessment of your diet and your body?

Just a reminder, I am available any time for a Skype consultation about what you are eating, the issues you are struggling with, and how you can accomplish your body and health goals. It is not impossible, believe me. I’ve been through it, I’ve helped dozens of people through it — maybe hundreds! Life is so much better when you are eating properly. Contact me today for a session.


 

by Teshia Maher

Teshia Maher is a Nutritional Consultant, Yoga Teacher, Yoga Host for thedailyhiit.com, and a health awareness activist. She believes Yoga and Food to be the most powerful medicines on the planet and the very best vehicles for liberating the human spirit!