I want to go vegan but I'm being forced into treatment for...?

Question

ok so i'm already vegetarian and when i started being in treatment for my eating disorder, they let me continue to be vegetarian (which they rarely did) because of my beliefs, and now i'm in an outpatient program and i want to go vegan but i have one problem- how would i do my exchanges on the meal plan that i have to do? i know what i would do for my protein exchanges because my younger 13 year old sister is vegan, but what can I do for my milk exchanges? and plus my dietitian doesn't think that being vegan would be healthy but she's the one giving me my meal plan so like what would be the problem if i just " veganized" it!?! (and please dont comment on my e.d bc all i want to know is about milk exchanges and making them vegan- like if you actually know from experience what do do!!!) thanks ^_^

Answer 1

Not sure what you mean by 'exchanges'.  I assume you mean that your moron dietitian is taking a typical moronic N. American diet, and trying to substitute each item on the menu with something that's vegan/vegetarian.

First, fine some other vegans to help you defend yourself against this bull.  And remember, you don't have to do what they say, BUT just play their game, say "yes yes yes," make them go away, then presto, do what you want.  Well, that's what I'd do.

Second, educate yourself.  Read some books on the topic.  Start with the book called Becoming Vegan.  Can buy it anywhere, and if they don't have it, they can bring it in for you, no problem.  Check www.abebooks.com for used copies.  Give a copy of the book to the damned dietitian.  

Join some local group such as EarthSave or something.  Meet others your own age doing what you want to do.

This might help:

http://www.bestbread.ca/QUICK_-_REFERENC...

Answer 2

I don't have any experience with this, but I think soymilk would be a good milk substitute.

There are lots of non-dairy products available these days, like soy yogurt, soy cheese, vegan cream cheese, soy butter, etc. Here's a list of some popular vegan products:

http://www.vegcooking.com/guide-favs.asp

Good luck!

Answer 3

You could use soy milk instead of regular milk. Your dietitian could probably recommend you a type and/or brand that will help you fulfill your eating goals.

Answer 4

I'd ask your dietition if plant milks are an option.  You might want to use soy milk, as it's usually the thickest and creamiest.  There are also soy ice creams and soy cheeses (but watch out for casein, a milk protein).  If your dietitian says no, get through the program and go vegan then.

Good luck.

Answer 5

I do not know your dietician, so I cannot say what she is doing is right or wrong, but no matter what profession you are in you may influence others based on your beliefs and she may not favor veganism. You could consider switching to a dietician who *specializes* in vegetarian/vegan diets. As with doctors, you might want to get a second opinion. The American Dietetic Association's website (http://www.eatright.org/cps/rde/xchg/ada... you can search for a dietician/nutritionist with 2 Specialities. For instance, you can enter your zip code with a radius THEN under specialty select "Vegetarian Nutrition" AND "Eating Disorders".

With proper instruction, a vegan or vegetarian diet should be healthy. You just need to make sure that you're getting all your calories, nutrients, etc.

As for milk, there are a lot of milk substitutes out there: Soy milk, Almond milk, and Rice milk are just some examples. Most are fortified so that nutrients should not be an issue.

I hope this helps!

Answer 6

Soy or even rice milk (which I prefer) would be ok, but make sure to get the enriched kind. Also, people use dairy products at least partially for the nutrients, etc like calcium. Make sure you add some food to your day that is high in calcium (greens like collard greens or kale for example) if you aren't using the prescribed dairy products or if your food choices aren't enriched with it. That said, if you decide to atler the food plan you should at least make your dietician aware of your changes. They are in a position to help you and need to know what you are doing if they are going to be at all effective. They may disagree with your life choices, but at least they know what to work with then.

The book "Becoming Vegan" was hugely helpful to me when I started my transition to a vegan diet. It has tons of information on how to eat in order to provide your body with what it needs. If you educate yourself more about these kinds of things, your dietician may see you are serious about the diet change. They also may believe it a good step toward recovery (learning to take care of yourself properly through food).

Good luck!

Answer 7

Soy milk is absolutley delicious,esp the one flavored with vanilla.A very healthy alternative to milk.I drink it all the time with my cereal.Hope this helps.Take care.

Answer 8

Point out to your dietician the heathy fats in nut butters and avocadoes, and the like. Find some information on http://www.whfoods.com/   They have a neat "Food Advisor" (put in your food for a week and they'll let you know what you're missing) and other information on vegan (I think) and vegetarian ways of life.

Answer 9

Well, they have soy milk..

Answer 10

Soy milk is wonderful =]

Answer 11

I'd strongly recomend that you finish your eating disorder program before making any changes to your diet. I'm sure your dietitian understands that a well run vegan diet can be healthy, but she is concerned with your eating disorder right now.

Answer 12

soy milk and soy dairy products

Answer 13

You could use soy, rice or almond milk. I really think it's best if you would sit down and talk to your dietician about it though, and either get her blessing to do it or wait until you are no longer an outpatient before becoming vegan.

Answer 14

Don't. And I know this isn't what your asking, report me if you want but I went into treatment vegetarian for my beliefs, and I decided to go vegan when I was outpatient, but it just ended up setting me back ridiculously

(ultimately I was sent back. suprise)

Listen to your dietitian, they know what they're talking about. you should be able to ask her to exchange MOST of the non vegan items.

CHANGING YOUR GIVEN MEAL PLAN CAN COMPROMISE YOUR RECOVERY. talk to her. She can help you!

good luck!