When you start eating vegan, it is pretty crazy how good you feel. I have to say, I kind of felt like no one believed me when I would try to explain to them just how much “lighter” I felt. My energy levels were better, my digestion was better, and I hardly felt bloated. My insides actually felt like they were functioning to their greatest ability. I swear, it sounds crazy, but it how I felt. I knew I could never go back to eating the way I was previously. Animal welfare aside, I feel my very best self eating plant-based.
But as time went on and I experimented more and more, I realized that there is always room for improvement. Just because you eat vegan does not always mean healthy. Because honestly… you can still eat pizza, chips, cake, cookies, ice cream, and pretty much everything else under the sun that is certainly NOT healthy. Of course, I am not going to deprive myself of vegan cookies or vegan Ben and Jerry’s – I am not crazy – but I have made small shifts in my normal routine that have further improved how I’ve felt.
To be completely frank, I actually gained 10 lbs when I first went vegan. Newsflash – it is not a weight loss diet!
I found that in order to maintain my weight and eat healthier, I needed to make more changes (which I will get to below in a minute). If you are feeling like you could stand to lose a few lbs or simply want to take it a step further in the health department, these tips below can help. I know that when I follow the below, I always lose at least 5 lbs. And when I start to eat more of the below, my weight creeps up a bit. It’s ebb and flow for me, because I am not perfect. But I do my best.
Here are give ways to improve your vegan diet.
#1: Limit or eliminate oil intake. Olive oil, coconut oil… they all have their benefits and their place, but to be honest, way too many calories for such a small serving. I’d much rather fill up on avocado or a handful of nuts for my healthy fats and health benefits. I find that whenever I eliminate oil or minimize my intake, I feel better.
#2: Limit processed foods. I love Gardein and Beyond Meat products just as much as the next vegan, but they are still processed. Same goes for vegan chips, cookies, and other packaged snacks. I am such a sucker for trying new vegan products that hit the market (because yay!) but I don’t make a habit of including them in my diet. These types of products are definitely treats.
#3: Eat more greens. Always eat your greens. Whatever you like best – spinach, kale, escarole, bok choy, lettuce, collards, swiss chard… whatever it is. Eat them everyday!
#4: Make your own veggie burgers. Along the same lines as limiting processed foods, I like to make my own veggie burgers so I know exactly what’s in them and can load up with good stuff like flax, beans, etc.
#5: Use natural sugars only. I always feel 100 x’s better when I eat sugar-free. Instead of processed sugar, I opt for fruits and dates. I also will use pure maple syrup every once in a while.
Personally, I’ve found these to be the best ways to improve your vegan diet. I hope that these tips inspire and help you! Let me know in the comment if you agree or disagree with anything. I’d love to hear your experiences. xx bianca
