| MVE: Conclusion- Part 2 |
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| Sunday, 05 July 2009 21:36 | |||
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I've said from the beginning that I decided to do this experiment just out of curiosity. Prior to the 1st of June my eating habits have been good, not perfect, but not even close to being in need of major changes. I have always had good health; my blood pressure is always at a healthy range, even though I have a family history of hypertension. I have never had elevated cholesterol or blood sugar levels. I keep my body fat percentage within the fitness category classification. When I was younger it was always well within the Athletes category. I just wanted to know from experience if it would be difficult eating a very strict, limited vegan diet and if so, how difficult. I also wanted to see what kind of effect it would have on me, physically and mentally.After 30 days I have noticed some positive changes, but none which were so impressive that I would decide to adopt a vegan, or readopt a vegetarian diet. The best aspect, to me, was going a whole month without consuming a single milligram of dietary cholesterol, or transfat. I enjoy eating red meat, and since I have good health and workout hard to maintain it, I allow myself to have it on a weekly basis. As for the transfat, I do a good job of avoiding it, except for an occasional baked treat. I can't say that I noticed any health changes within a thirty day period by not consuming either one. I was concerned that I would not be able to eat enough to feel satisfied and maintain my energy levels. I set high caloric intake goals, enough to cause me to gain a pound a week, in anticipation of weight loss. I was eating such a high fiber, high fat (the best kinds), nutrient rich diet that hunger was no issue, even compared to my normal eating habits. It become more and more difficult as the month progressed for me to get close to my caloric goal. This did have an affect on my body weight, which I'll discuss on my next post. From my previous posts, you'll also notice that I had regular difficulty reaching my daily target for protein intake. Adding nut butters, soymilk, and vegan protein powder would have been an easy fix for that. The best thing that I will continue from this experience is adding more vegetables and fiber to my normal diet. Speaking of regular, I’ll just say that was a noticeable change too. I think for an omnivore with health issues or weight control issues, it would not be difficult to live on and enjoy a vegan or vegetarian diet and not feel deprived. It would be far better than taking prescription medications or needing surgery. Of course there would be no reason to make it as strict as what I did, but with some research and planning you could have plenty of variety and enjoy your meals without meat, or dairy.
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