Hi Everyone!

I am new to the vegan life.  I made it official on 1/3/2011.  I cut everything that day. No transitioning.  However, I have cut beef and pork 3 yrs prior and started using soy milk about 2 years prior to my change to vegan.  I am surprised at how easy it's been so far. I haven't had any cravings.  My big thing is bloating! OMG. My stomach has always been flat and now it looks likes I'm expecting :(    I planned my meals snacks and all that stuff to make things easier.  So every meal thus far I have protein (beans), and grain, if anything.  I at least have one service of veggies each day but most days I have two.  By day 3 I woke up feeling like I had a cold, and I've have mucous and coughing since then.  Any suggestions on what to do about the bloating, or how long the symptomns of detox will last? Suggestions and quick and easy alt meal plans? Anything that will help a newbie.  I've been getting baby pimples too!

Hi Crystal,

ahhh the bloating!! It lasted about one week for me. It still happens to me when I've "been bad" and eat too many veggie dogs, or I am impatient about cooking lentils and eat them a little under done.  My cure is loads and loads of ginger tea with a little bit of lemon. At night, I have chamomile tea too. I feel that it soothes my mind AND my stomach.

To stop gas from forming, try a vegan probiotic, chew your food sloooooowwwly, and cut down on the beans. I would also avoid veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage.

Congratulations on making this change, btw.

Hope this helps,

Mary

http://www.marystestkitchen.com

Ginger is a powerful digestive aid but it is also a strong ant-acid which neutralizes stomach acid and in turn makes digestion weaker.

Bitter herbs pre meal on the back of the tongue are a great digestive aid, plus they also cleanse the liver and improve bile flow.

Amla Powder & Vegan Blog

Thank you guys so much!  I'm going to slow down on the beans. It will be hard because I love my beans.

I love beans, too, and have had to cut down on them some for the same reason. Something that has helped me with bloating also is eating fruit, especially things like bananas and melons. My favorite is cantaloupe but I'm sure any of them would probably work. Fruit gives you great energy & actually seems to help alleviate bloating!

Thanks, Amber!

Crystal,

I am new to veganism as well. I switched over from a full blown meat and dairy eater to full blown vegan overnight. It's been a month for me and I feel that my body is just NOW getting used to this new way of eating (however my skin still hasn't cleared up yet). I had MAJOR detox symptoms that then moved onto withdrawal symptoms. It's way hectic to get through but if you are dedicated, you will be just fine! I experienced bloating, gas, stomach cramps, sore throat, pressure in my head and sinuses, mild headaches, ear aches, acne, dizziness, lightheadedness, NO energy whatsoever, tiredness, etc. you name it, I had it! I think it's worse for people who just give up meat and dairy overnight then to ease themselves into it. TOTAL shock to the body! Good luck!!! :)