Apple1

The fact is many people are assuming a lot about what they are eating. I know I was. Many people are assuming low carb high protein diets are healthy and safe in the long term and really there is no 100% scientific proof that is true. Keto, Paleo, all of these types of diets are fads. I used to buy into it but once you really start researching you see why some doctors are now prescribing plant based Whole food diets to their patients. I don't think I am spreading myths at all. I am just putting another opinion out there.

I never said it proves it. I said it is clear enough for me to eliminate animal products from my diet. All i am saying is I don't need to wait until the perfect study is designed and proves this without a doubt.

Nobody would refute this statement, but when the evidence is weighted more towards showing healthier populations consume very little or no animal protein, and don't show the same problems as the populations that do, we should be paying attention. Kaiser Permanentr of California is even recommending a plant based diet based on the weight of the evidence that this type of eating can prevent and reverse many chronic medical conditions. I don't need to wait until the science proves it 100%. The fact is I have nothing to lose by switching to a healthier diet. I don't know what my genetic makeup is and I don't think it matters much in this case. If I had certain food allergies or gluten intolerance then yes, but I don't. The weight of the evidence has convinced me it might not you for the same reason I used to argue for low carb, we close are minds to the truth. I had to look at this evidence with my eyes open. I am a researcher so I know how to evaluate research. There will always be faults with experimental design. It is very hard to control every variable present especially when people are your study subjects. This is just food for thought. Another opinion. Look into it if you are interested or not. There are many ways to eat and you can surely continue with what works for you. There are some bariactric doctors that also support this type of diet. Look up Dr. Matthew Weiner he has written a book and has a ton of YouTube videos.

Of course more research is always needed. Many of these studies do not prove 100% that eating a Whole Foods plant based diet will save you from developing heart disease or cancer. However the weight of the evidence is clear and it is enough to convince me to transition away from animal proteins. If you look at some of the populations studied one of them had a high genetic potential for type 2 diabetes, however they did not develop the disease until they moved away from their native diet to a more western one which included higher amounts of animal products. I can find the study later. I am not trying to convince anyone though. I just wanted to present another opinion which has its basis in science.

I personally wouldn't eat eggs daily. I never thought I would be saying this, but the research I have been doing points to better health when animal proteins, eggs included, are more of a condiment and not the main focus or portion of the diet. Dr. Garth Davis wrote the book Proteinaholic and he presents the research very well. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3662288/ http://nutritionstudies.org/questioning-the-ethics-science-of-a-pure-vegan-diet/ Just a couple of links for you to check out.

Exactly!! We really need to research for ourselves and not take what the USDA says as truth. There is a huge conflict of interest and that agency should not be telling us what to eat. Disclosure: I work for the USDA, but my research is in beneficial insects.

I used to believe this, but the science just does not support this. People thought they were eating low fat, but they really weren't. I can eat heart healthy without eating processed foods. The populations or cultures with the least amount of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, are from Blue Zones. These people live longer healthier lives eating more plants, whole grains, and very little animal protein or processed foods.

I was thinking the same thing last night. Once you have been introduced to the research and start learning the truth it is hard to read all the posts about the excessive amounts of protein people are eating. So many doc/nuts really push the high protein low carb diets. I am so grateful you posted this information and that I was open to looking into it for myself. I think to each his own though. If the diet you are eating is working for you and you are happy then that is all that matters. But if you are searching for a diet that will give you optimal health you need to look into the research because the science is clear. Why would our bodies be designed to process and use sugar for energy as its first choice if we weren't supposed to eat a diet heavy on carbs? Fat burning for energy is the alternate process. The light bulb went off for me when the science showed that vegans and vegetarians have the lowest percentage of type 2 diabetes.

Yes, It is the bean salad over a mixed asian salad blend. The two went well together and my dh was finishing up the bean salad. It was very good.

Oh no, lol, that was my dh plate. I should have been more specific. I can eat 4oz of salad and I am full.

I followed my plan and ate low carb for the first almost 3 months post-op. I am getting close to my goal weight and have decided to transition to a whole foods plant based diet. I believe I can get ample protein now without eating animal meat/products. I am transitioning and hope to also eliminate most dairy products in the coming weeks. I think following your doc/nuts plan is best, but there are doctors out there that support more fruit/veggies in your diet.

Dinner at my house tonight.

You warned me. I am not offended at all. I wasn't sure what you meant by attitude so I checked it out. 😉 no worries.

Oh wow. That language was a bit much for me. I didn't even get off the first page of the website. I think I will skip that site..but thank you for posting.

At your stage I could eat 2-3oz of food depending on what i was eating. Dense protein only 2 oz, but yogurt I could eat 4oz. I weighed my food because I felt it was more accurate. I didn't have any problems eating either. I was a fast healer. I think it is great because you can transition away from shakes faster then those that have more issues eating. Just stick to appropriate portions sizes and the eating plan your doc gave you and you should be fine. I am 3 months post-op and I eat between 900-1100 calories a day and I am losing just fine. I run 2-3 miles 4-5 days a week for exercise.

I have been looking into this, thank you for bringing it up though. Something I found in my research is how low-carb diets can interfere with the T-3 thyroid hormone. I honestly don't think my thyroid is working much at all anymore so i am less worried about soy or even gluten. I am taking 2.5 grains of armour thyroid medication and I may even have to increase it some more. I will be getting my blood drawn in a couple of weeks. My last blood work my tsh was still too high at 7, so I am hoping it will be lower this time.

None at all. I just really understand why some people do not trust their bodies anymore. Maybe that will change with time, but maybe not. I think it may be possible for me. I do not crave the same types of foods that I used to. I actually believe eliminating most all processed foods is a game changer for me.

I agree with this. We are all so different. I was tall and skinny all of my life. I didn't start gaining weight until about 10 years ago. I could eat anything and I never gained. Something happened to change my endocrine system. I became very insulin resistant and developed hashimotos disease. My body was still telling me to eat the same and I gained 100 pounds over 8-10 years. This surgery has taught me proper portions again. I have a second chance at fixing my metabolism and keeping type 2 diabetes in remission. I think animal protein contributes to type 2 diabetes based on research I have been reading. I am happy to be transitioning to a Whole Foods plant based diet. I think this is the perfect time for me to do this. I am only 11 pounds from my new goal weight of 160. Everyone needs to find their own sustainable way of eating and exercise. One size does not fit all.

Great job!! I had the option today at a barbecue and I chose a veggie burger. I would not have made that choice 3 weeks ago. I am feeling really good about my decision. I do wish there was a cooking course for vegan/vegetarian near me. I think it would be fun and educational to learn better ways of preparing these types of foods.

Welcome PAguy. I think 50 lbs lost is great! Slow and steady wins the race. How has your journey been? Any issues for you?

My adult son comes by our house 1-2 times a week to do his laundry..lol.. When he is over he always opens up the fridge to see what I have for leftovers. Yesterday he stops by and I can hear him rummaging around in the fridge and he yells out Mom are you and Dad eating vegan now...lol. He couldn't find any lunch meat or cheese in the fridge. He thinks it is cool, but he asked me if I am still cooking a turkey for Thanksgiving. I did't know the answer. I am still thinking about that one.

You look Great!!! Congrats on your success.

Congrats!! You look great. Keep up the great work.

@Newme17 congrats on the great doctors visit! I bet you will have your doctor on board. I hope he reads the book!! I have spending a ton of time researching the WFPB diet in my spare time. I watched a videos on Youtube where Dr. Greger was interviewed. He talks about Soy: I trust his advice because he always says don't believe me look at the science. I am going to buy his book soon. I also wanted to share this recipe. I am going to make this for a barbecue we are going to this weekend. I will just omit the sugar and cut down on the oil a little. It looks so good I had to share. http://allrecipes.com/recipe/14169/mexican-bean-salad/

My guess is that there are many people that are the same, they just don't post. I log everything I eat in a food journal and I weigh all of my portions. It helps keep me accountable and accurate. I think we all need to do what is going to help us be successful. I have followed the advice of veterans that were successful and I know that has made a difference for me.