Vegetarians & Vegans Support Group

Vegetarianism is the practice of not consuming the flesh of any animal . Veganism excludes all animal products from diet and in some definitions from attire also. Vegetarians have varied motivations including religious, cultural, ethical, aesthetic, environmental, social, economic, health, political, and personal concerns. Join many others in sharing your experiences to...

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okapi2 08/30/2011

Hey everyone,

I have been vegetarian for a little over a year, and avoid dairy and egg as well. I have a muscle disease and was put on prednisone, so I began eating this way to avoid gaining weight on prednisone and just to try something new that might help my symptoms.

Here's the problem though: because of this disease, I have a lot of atrophy in my muscles. I need to build them up. I have had a hard time doing this, and it has been suggested that I am not getting enough protein.
This is possible, as I am a poor college kid (ha!) and am probably not being the best vegetarian I can be...

Here's the other problem: the treatment I am now on requires me to avoid Vitamin D, and certain other foods that interact with the meds I'm on. The big thing is I have to avoid soy products.

I considered adding some egg, and maybe a little fish, back into the mix, but was told the Vitamin D content was too high. I guess what I'm asking is, since I just can't stomach eating any other meat or dairy, what kinds of things would any of you recommend if someone is trying to build up muscle strength?

Thanks!

deleted_user 09/01/2011

Exercise! Exercise builds muscle and bone. Start with walking and swimming and yoga and eventually add more difficult cardio + weights. Go slowly and be patient. One must be dedicated over many months to see a radical change. Foods nourish but exercise sculpts.

deleted_user 09/01/2011

I agree exercise is what builds up muscle tissue. If you think you need supplemental protein there are vegan powders which do not contain soy. I have seen a rice based one, a hemp based one. Spirulina has a high protein content.

When I read your post I remembered a blend from a raw food network. Its thor's raw powder. Certainly check the list of ingredients over carefully. There maybe something you might have to avoid, but its vegan and soy free from what I saw on the list.
http://www.rawlife.com/store/Thor-s_Raw_Power-_Protein_Superfood_Blend_-Green-_-29.95.html

Its just an example, there has to be other products out there. Or just plain eat whole vegan foods which are high protein, and exercize. I don't know what else to say i am not a nutritionist or an md

JillianLeia 09/10/2011

I'm not a nutritionist either, just have learned a lot over the years. I know that our body doesn't need as much protein as we think (there's a big push to eat protein in this country: meat meat meat). That being said, as a vegan, lots of our protein comes from legumes, nuts, and seeds. Also try quinoa! It's like a super-grain! It's one of the few foods that has the enzymes in it to make a complete protein.

I agree with the 2nd reply about checking out the raw food stuff. Raw food has no soy and people eating that way learn to get their protein. :-) That's my snippet of advice.

deleted_user 09/15/2011

I agree with JillianLeia!! A common misconception for the West is that meat is seen as the only option for protein!!! But meat is yeah protein with a lot of baggage that no human should deal with!!! But their are a vast amounts of veggies that are packed with protein!! Lentils are heavy in protein and they are dirt cheap when you buy them in bulk at grocery stores!!! Lean towards legumes and beans for cheap but good protein!! Leans toward nut and and seeds for protein as well as good amounts of fat!!! I t's a new day for vegetarian who can't eat soy!!! Almond milk for example is both a replacement for dairy and soymilk and it is enriced with Vitamin D!!! Also excercise moderately with specific muscle groups targeted helps!

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