Trying to go Vegetarian.....again!

[KelleyGirl]

Hello one and all! I am trying to find out if you can really get good results doing Atkins as a vegetarian with other soy products. Over a year ago, I lost about 45lbs on my own then stalled out. My hubby lost 75lbs on Atkins (eating meat) and I wanted to see if I could do it as a vegetarian. I lost about 30 more lbs and got to my goal of 138lbs/size 8. I was working out as well. I only ate the tofu, eggs and cheese for protein. We lived in New Orleans and lost everything in Katrina and throught the course of moveing our family of 5 four times, I gained back 25lbs. I cant seem to stick w/ anything and I just cannot do Atkins w/ only eggs, tofu and cheese. I want to gag thinking of living off that again. If I could incorporate other soy products (was told it was a no-no) I could stay on it alot easier. Someone posted that she did this and it worked, however, she also said she only was over by about 10lbs. Does anyone know if it works for more weight loss? Is it as fast? I want to try, but before I invest in alot of the soy products (kind of expensive) I would love to hear from someone who knows! Thanks!

[julirama723]

I'm not a vegetarian, but If I remember from DANDR correctly (PLEASE DON'T post to tell me to read the book...I'm at work and don't have it with me! LOL) vegetarians can't really follow induction, but can follow OWL and LM. So basically you could start in OWL and slowly add back foods to see if they cause cravings or allergies, in proper order, of course.

What soy products did you have in mind? I don't think soy is a no-no; it's just that you must be on Rung 6 (legumes) to legally incorporate them into your diet. I drink soy milk, use soy flour, and burn soy candles (ha ha). My advice is to read up on the OWL sections of DANDR or the board...here is the order of rungs:
Rung 1 Veggies
Rung 2 Dairy
Rung 3 Nuts/seeds
Rung 4 Berries
Rung 5 Alcohol
Rung 6 Legumes
Rung 7 OTHER FRUITS
Rung 8 Starchy Veggies
Rung 9 Whole Grains

I'm guessing you'll be able to add in MOST if not ALL of these foods...

The minimum time spent at each rung is suggested at 2 weeks...that way you can see what foods give you cravings, or bad reactions. Nuts are a great source of protein, and you really could almost introduce them right away. I'm guessing you might be able to start on Rung 3 (nuts/seeds) so you can get enough protein. Beans, though higher in carbs, are a great protein source, and they're on rung 6.

Hope this helps...I'm guessing that someone with experience with this will be along to help shortly!



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