I don't know what to do. I was vegetarian with weight fluctuation for about two years and now, I've been completely vegan for a while and am at a standstill. I'm 5'3", weight 160 lbs. and have very large breasts (which I love...) I don't love my extra weight and stomach fat. I should only be around 130 for my frame. What's the DEAL??? If ANYONE can help, I'd truly appreciate it! Thank you. :)

Charity,  Come on over to The Booty Drop.  There are women over there who are going through the same thing.  Chances are, you just need to make a couple minor adjustments in what you are eating.  So, what are you eating?

Charity, there are a lot of vegan who are still overweight because they are eating the unhealthy vegan foods (fried foods, chips, lots of processed food, faux meats, oreos, etc).  I"m not sure what your diet looks like, but stay away from processed foods and sugar.  Try to not rely on faux meats too much in your diet.  And make sure to get in your exercies, cardio and weight-lifting.  If you like spicy foods, season food with tabasco because it speeds up your metabolism.  Godo luck!

I am in a similar spot. I need to loose about 10 lbs. but can't seem to shake them. I plan to stop the munching on chips and drink more water. I also plan to snack more on fruits but especially veggies. I will let you now how I do. I already workout quite a bit, so I feel like I am good there. Good luck !!

Jami

Also, I have heard that Marilu Henner's Book:  30 Day Total Health Makeover is a great source for weight loss...

im in the same boat but i ganined 15 lbs since becoming vegan, i know i am eating more carbs then i ever did and cant seem to get my protien in - i cant stand tofu and am getting sick of beans. Anybody have suggestions for protien sources

I stand by Jillian on this. Read through the Booty Drop forum, maybe there'll be some suggestions you've never thought of, and then if it feels right, join our group! I find it really helpful from a weightloss standpoint to log my food intake- maybe that'll help you too.

Good luck!

Unfortunately I cannot offer you any advice because I am still in the same boat myself. I originally started this life-style change because I was searching for a way to lose the weight but after reading the book and already being vegetarian for my own reasoning I liked how I felt with this idea of a change. My biggest problem is that I still can't kick the excess sugar, i dont know why but it really feels like an addiction. Even if i go the entire day without any added processed sugar, by the end of the night I feel all icky and not right so i drink a soda (worse thing to do for sugar, plus right before i go to bed) and i feel better and go to sleep. Anyone have any help for me with kicking the sugar addiction?

Sorry about that, I think I double responded but I am not sure. Please simply disregard this message

I have been vegan for about two months now. This is one new year's resolutions which has stuck :) Well i did see a dramatic difference in my shin, my face does actually glow and the whites of my eyes got whiter. I use to have horrible dark circles under my eyes and they are almost gone. I have an insane amount of energy and felt great until a week ago. I have caught a bad cold. I thought a vegan diet prevented getting sick. I have a really bad sore throat and have tried everything. Don't really know what to do. Does anyone have any suggestions. Could this cold be a detox thing?

sorry posted my blog in the wrong section. I have reposted it in the illness section. oops, I'm new to the blog thing.

I have lots of weight to lose, and am gradually losing.  I have always eaten healthy.  No chips, no soda, no processed foods, no sugar.  Dropping the animal products has make a really big change in how I feel, my energy level and my weight. 

Sounds like you all have issues with other things like sugar and processed foods.  Try eliminating on thing at a time gradually. 

I've put on about 15 pounds since starting my mostly vegan diet last may. I'm not big on chips, or processed foods, would way rather drink water then pop, but will have them on occasion like a birthday or something like that. I still think I've been eating too many carbs, even healthy ones. I've being trying to eat more lentils and beans and maybe only having wheat or rice once a week. I've also started a protien shake in the morning which seems to give me extra energy.  It's frustrating as normally I can lose weight easily. Maybe it has more to do with being over 40 and hypothyroid (treated).

Hi Maiya, I wouldn't start drinking protein drinks unless you are working out hard core.  I think that will only add weight.  Protein supplements are usually to repair damaged muscle from microtears during weight lifting.  If you are not doing that, I would not add that kind of protein to your diet. 

Maiya,  I agree with catconsrv.  FYI: protein drinks are processed foods.  Try buying things that come in their most natural state. 

I too am over 40 and hypothyroid!  I all of a sudden had many issues last year, and had to look at lots of different issues going on with me, including food allergies.  Look realistically at what you are eating, maybe there is something you are not aware of that is not as good a choice.  Make sure you get enough physical activity.  And be kind to yourself!