Low Fat Vegan Diets

I haven't been around for a while. I had a number of health setbacks, and was feeling remarkably down. On top of Diabetes related problems, I was one of the lucky ones who caught the swine flu. Ugh. I can't reccomend it. However getting sick and having to stay home in bed did have one benefit...I got bored out of my mind and started reading random things....essential ly anything that wasn't nailed down. I stumbled across a book by Conrad Esselstyn. And one by Rip Esselstyn. Father and son. Then I read the China Study, a huge diet study rivalling the Framingham study that was done years ago in the U.S..

Now I know that Vegan diets sound remarkable unappealing, they always have to me. And add low fat...ugh. But, I tried it. Yes, me on a low fat vegan diet, based on whole foods, unprocessed foods. Not that the diet I was on wasn't good for me. I ate moderate meats, mostly chicken and fish, lots of vegetable, about 30-35% fat, but
always good fats. I couldn't believe how much difference the change made, though. I know I am sounding repetitive, but, I am stunned. The mind boggles. In less than 10 days I've lost 5 pounds, and I feel...better. Less aches and pains, even my hip pain is less. My face isn't as puffy. Food tastes better. I have less dizzy spells. My thoughts are clearer, and I respond more quickly to my insulin. I have less gastroparesis. My sugars are improving slowly. That is the slowest part, but it is
getting better. My blood pressure went from 130/80 to 118/68 in just 10 days. I hear that my cholesterol will improve and I am very curious to see if that is true. I am going for labs this week for a new baseline. This benefit is quite important to me as I don't tolerate cholesterol lowering meds well. I get tons of abd pain, chest pressure and bloating.

The whole thing is...well, at the least very intriguing for me. I feel
better than I have in years. Has anyone else tried one of these diets? What kind of experiences did you have? I have to admit thinking of things to eat has been..challenging, and not reaching for the foods I am used to nibbling on, that has been difficult. And I don't really like the taste of whole grain bread. Ick. I was a sourdough fan anyway, I''d love to hear any ones thoughts.