I tried vegetarism in 2009 and was doing really well at it.  I lost 20 pounds, had clearer skin and had energy to work out.  I suffer from year round allergies, as well as migrains.  I remember feeling so much better when I was eating a plant based diet.  I have since got remarried and my husband is a BIG meat eater.  I have told him several times over the last several months that I want to do the vegetarian thing again.  I don't know if he is just not hearing, forgets or what.  What can I do to convince him that I NEED to do this for my health?  He complains that I always have headaches, no energy, etc.  Since being off the vegetarian diet, I have gained 40 pounds.  So, now, in addition to the allergies, migrains, no energy, stomach aches, I am depressed because I have gained weight.  I don't force the lifestyle on him.  I just know I will feel better.  I wonder if he forgets due to his traumatic brain injury from being blown up in Iraq.  I am sensitive to the fact of his situation, but I need to feel better too right?  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Sheri,

Absolutely, eating a plant-based diet can help you drop the weight - if you pay attention to the fats.  Be aware of nuts, seeds, avacado's, oils as they are high fats.  Also, by removing the meat and dairy you will eliminate the additional saturated fats and it may help with your allergies and other ailments.  It might take a little time to find your right system without causing havoc with your spouse.  Make a commitment, I highly recommend read a few books so that you educate yourself as to your new way of life.  Of course start with The Kind Diet, Food Revolution by John Robbins, Becoming Vegan by Davis & Melina, 80/10/10 by Dr. Graham.  I think this short list will give you the inspiration and a helpful guide to help you on your new and excitng adventure, to heal and to help be a part of the solution for the animals that you are sparing from pain, and the environment. 

I am not a doctor, I study weightloss and nutrition and from your description, I believe that what you feed  your body causes most of the problems.  So imagine in a few months dropping the weight, feeling lighter, feeling better, it is worth the commitment.  The other necessary part of the equation is to commit to exercising every day.  We humans were not meant to sit and sleep 24/7, our bodies were made to move.  Just 30 minutes of walking can do wonders for the body and the mind. 

I encourage you to make some lifestyle changes in your life, and your efforts can yield you healthy dividends.

Very best of luck to you,

Rhonda

http://www.natural-health-cafe.org

Allergies are partially due to a dysfunction of the adrenal glands, so yeah eating plant foods rich in vitamin C such as fruits and other foods rich in vitamin B5 help restore proper adrenal gland function.

I say just start incorporating more plant foods if you had good results last time and dont look for recognition. Your doing this for your own health. Maybe your husband will join in with some of your meals down the line.

http://www.amlaberry.co.uk

When I moved in with my husband, I adopted his eating habits.  After about 6 years of "fun" anything goes eating, I've gained about 40 pounds also.  Just like you, depressed about the weight, no engergy, no sex drive (not sure if you have that) and feeling crappy in general.  Plus my fibroids and females issues seemed to be worse.  Over a month ago  I said no more, and quit eating meat completely, try being vegan at least a few days per week, and am slowly laying off unhealthy choices in general.  At first he kind of teased me about being a VEGETARIAN....but I let him know how important it is to me.  He doesnt eat what I eat....but he did suggest me grilling us some veggie burgers this evening.  My approach was to stick to my ground, not talk too much about it, and just let him see how much happier I am this way.  Hope maybe this helps.  kva

The China Study was a great book that showed the increased risk of eating animal protein with chronic illness. Dean Ornish, The Spectrum, shows tens of thousands of people cured of disease by eating less or no animal protein. John Hopkins, in the NY Times, stated chemo and radiation doesn't work, the only affective way to reduce risk of chronic diseases like cancer is to eat no or minimal animal protein (which greats a acid environment) and to increase plant-based foods which can stop diseases. In biology there is a relatively new area called epigenetics that shows diet, stress and how we think can turn ON or OFF certain genes like cancer genes. I BLOG about this everyday and have written a book called "Food for Thought - An Epigenetic Guide to Wellness" See Http://georgefebish.com

I used to have chronic migraines since I was 14. I haven't had ONE since I went vegan in January! The relief alone is enough of a motivation to keep me going when temptation to cheat or give up is strong.

I was married to a major carnivore at one time; I don't understand your question - why do you have to convince him that you want to try vegetarianism again?  Just do it -- he will take you seriously when you stop eating meat.  Really - this is in your control!  I know it's difficult; my partner now is an omnivore, but he is doing the vegan 30-day challenge in November because of discussions we have had about animal conditions and rights.  No need to pressure anyone; your improved health will tell your husband all he needs to know about your decision!  I know it's not easy; I actually NEED to follow a vegan diet to lose weight - dairy makes me gain about 5 lbs. per week!  Hang in there, and check in here for support; good luck, and please take care of yourself! :)

Sheri, I've flirted with vegetarianism for years. When I met my husband it was exactly as is portrayed in My Big Fat Greek Wedding! 27 years later I more and more lean towards most of my meals being veg or vegan while cooking 'other' proteins for my teenage son and husband. Hubby loved the vegan lasagna (recipe on this site)...my son, always on the lookout for 'fake food' in my cooking ate it and my husband did not know it was vegan until the Teenage Detective questioned me towards the end of the meal because he is lactose intolerant and wanted to know what the ricotta was made from. As a young child he ate a lot of vegetarian meals and now is on the lookout for tofu posing as 'real food'! I, for the most part, plan a veg/vegan meal and toss a hunk of meat at the carnivores. It can work and eventually you may find that he enjoys your menu. I NEVER thought my lamb lovin' Greek husband would enjoy vegetarian meals never mind a vegan meal!

Beware of soy products, i read that it isnt digestable and carcinogens which promotes cancer. You should check out brendans braziers website on his book "thrive diet" or something like that. I read Skinny Bitch, and the authors explain that researchers predict if women consume more than 2 servings of soy products per day then they are at risk of getting breast cancer. good luck!

Watch the documentary Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead.  Its super interesting and they had a lady on there who cured her migranes with there diet, which is a juice fast followed by a vegan diet.