vegan dieting

[Chef]

I am looking for a safe and effective way to lose 15 pounds in the next 3 weeks.... Both my wife and I have been Vegans for some time now and I like to think that after working in the food industry and my own personal research that I know a fair amount about food... But I have never reallly read anything about losing weight as a vegan... I am sure I could do a google seach and come up w/ 100000000000000's of unhealthy ways of accomplishing this goal... but I was wondering if anyone here may have any suggestions or links?

Thanks in advance,
Chef

[VOW]

15 pounds in 3 weeks comes out to 5 pounds a week....and really, there is no SAFE way to do a loss that rapidly. You put your self at risk of gallbladder trouble, among other things.

Five pounds a MONTH is considered to be a reasonable goal.

That said, in ANY weight loss plan, you need to increase your fiber intake, drink LOTS and LOTS of water, and find some activity that you can if not enjoy, then at least devote some time every day to.

The activity part is the HARD part for me. I consider "exercise" to be a four-letter word. However, the weight loss success AND the control I've achieved with my diabetes is partly due to my commitment to.....*gasp* exercise.



~VOW

[sarahrose]

The healthy amount would be a pound a week. To do this, you consume 500 calories less and/or burn 500 extra calories a day. You could also cut out all refined carbs ( NEVER limit vegetable and fruit carbs, unless you want to cut back on something like potatoes) But it can be helpful to cut out pasta, bread, ect, and only eat whole grains. Like VOW said, water is key. It naturally supresses your appetite and helps your body metabolize fat. Also, cut back on juice and eat fruit instead, and cut out all soda and sugar. Doing these things, you may be able to lose more than a pound a week, but 15 in three weeks will not only not last, it will make it harder to lose weight in the future because it unbalances your metabolism (yo-yo effect). Do it right and you will feel much better and will keep it off!