Vegan / Vegetarians Only (Chat about lifestyle, opportunities, food, whatever...)

[Frances Kelleher]

@StrikingViper69 I assume you are thinking about testing a plant-based diet since you ask about an adaption period.

For an anecdotal reference for you I will briefly sum up my plant-based/vegan journey and hope that you will find something of value in it.

I did a 180 turn from paleo to plant-based overnight.

Initially I went plant based only for health reasons and later stuck with it for ethical reasons.

I was very sick from 7+ years of the Gym-Bro/Paleo Diet and was desperate to try anything that would help me. After some research I figured a plant-based diet for some months as a therapeutical intervention/experiment could be of benefit.

I remember my first plant based meal was potatoes with some steemed vegetables - I honestly and for real wasn´t sure If I was gonna survive/starve with protein deficiency (lol) - but I was commited.

Back then there weren´t as many plant based/vegan communities and role-models around as are now (or at least I wasn´t aware of them at that time), only some books and research papers. So the whole change felt like a giant leap into unknown territory to me.

You certainly go through an adaption period, in which your body/microbiome has to shift to be able to properly process the increase in fiber and new food(groups). Go easy on the beans and slowly work yourself up. Educate yourself about the Do´s and Don´ts of proper food combining. Mind Vitamin B12. Expect a bit of flatulence and/or bloating for the first few weeks, but that will eventually sort itself out. Just give your body some time to adapt. Mind the vegan junk food products.

Also there are many reasons for going plant-based/vegan, the most common of them being health, environment and ethics.

After a few months of being plant-based, most of my ailments had significantly bettered or even completely reversed. The more I educated myself about the plant-based lifestyle however, the more I became aware of the ethical aspect, which is now my main motive/driver for living a plant-based/vegan life.

I would highly encourage you to do a deep research dive into the ethical aspect of veganism.

Over the years I have seen many people abandon a plant based lifestyle that simply were in it for health reasons, jumping on to the next trendy/promising diet.

People intuitively know that smoking isn´t healthy and they still light up that cigarette.
If one is only plant based for health reasons, the occasional steak (cigarette) will sneak in due to YOLO mentality.
If however you have a strong vegan identity - to reduce the suffering of all beings to the greatest extend possible and practicable - you simply will not falter.

As far as positive results go, some take immediate effect, some take more time and patience.
No longer participating in the needless suffering of animals being the most immediate effect.

Since you inquired about Blue-Print aswell:
I am not fully on Blue-Print. My main Protocol is AIR ("Age Inhibition Regimen"), architected by Dr. Nun Amen-Ra who is an Epidemiologist by training. This Regimen serves as my general framework and guiding principles in the gerontology sphere, however I do incorporate many aspects/principles from the Works of Bryan Johnson, Dr. Michael Greger and several others aswell.

Imho, a month of testing sure is enough time to get your toes wet and see, if Blue-Print is something that you can benefit of and sustain.

Although Bryan personally is plant-based/vegan, Blue-Print doesn´t require a plant-based diet and is a challenging regime (- remember the cigarette?). Keeping this in mind, I would encourage you to research the ethical aspect of veganism and also research Bryan´s Philosphy behind "Don´t Die".

This Is so helpful.Tks a million.I m starting this asap.

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[heavy_industry]

Also here is a selfie with a goat I met when researching for my biology presentation.

That goat has a better beard than you.

You should start taking notes and learn from the pros.

 

[Spenny]

You certainly go through an adaption period, in which your body/microbiome has to shift to be able to properly process the increase in fiber and new food(groups). Go easy on the beans and slowly work yourself up.

+100. PLEASE, I repeat, PLEASE bear this in mind if you're going to go plant-based. I was nuclear for two weeks, ostracized and told to stay away from my friends (I don't blame them). As well as this, my body was screaming at me for such a sudden change.

Over the years I have seen many people abandon a plant based lifestyle that simply were in it for health reasons, jumping on to the next trendy/promising diet.

This is common, a lot of misunderstanding of plant-based = lots of fake meats and processed garbage.

If one is only plant based for health reasons, the occasional steak (cigarette) will sneak in due to YOLO mentality.

Drawing lines between cigarettes and steak seems a little extreme, doesn't it?

 

[Freigeist]

Drawing lines between cigarettes and steak seems a little extreme, doesn't it?

I agree, smoking and eating meat do not compare from an ethical point of view.

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[MTF]

@MJ DeMarco do you take creatine these days?

Any vegans in this thread taking creatine? Worth it or not?

 

[Matt Sun]

@MJ DeMarco do you take creatine these days?

Any vegans in this thread taking creatine? Worth it or not?

Vegan Novak Djokovic seems to care abou it, screams for creatine in the middle of the game lol:

View: https://youtube.com/shorts/ZquMgPWItHo?si=GYi_8x50pR093Fjf


My take:
110% worth it. Been starting my day with 5 g in 1 liter of water for months now and it helps a lot to have more energy since I’m doing caloric deficits and even i’ve been progressing at the gym. I Also take 3g after a gym session.

 

[MJ DeMarco]

Any vegans in this thread taking creatine? Worth it or not?

Yes, it's part of my workout regime, and was long before I went plant-based. IMO, creatine is one of the most effective workout supplements out there.

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[MTF]

Yes, it's part of my workout regime, and was long before I went plant-based. IMO, creatine is one of the most effective workout supplements out there.

Thank you, I just got it today and will test it.

I hope to get as buff as you are in 2 weeks or I'll ask you for a refund.

 

[Spenny]

Thank you, I just got it today and will test it.

Creatine makes a big difference. I think remember watching a video somewhere that 5 months of progress is sped up to 3 months from taking it. I promise this isn't bro science

It'll make you heavier and more rounded from the water uptake, but it's well worth it.

 

[socaldude]

Any vegans in this thread taking creatine? Worth it or not?

Yeah, I take creatine in capsules. Just a few grams. There are people who take 20 grams. It does help with strength.

I also take caffeine pills.

I was at the gym the other day and this guy said I was hurting myself by not eating meat. I'm not big and bulky but I am pretty strong.

I did see a video the other day of Ronnie Coleman. He was in a wheel chair at Mr Olympia. He used to be a cop. He does have a supplement business. Yeah buddy. LOL

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[Timmy C]

@MJ DeMarco do you take creatine these days?

Any vegans in this thread taking creatine? Worth it or not?

Back in my bodybuilding days, I went from 79kg to 83 kg after a month and increased all of my lifts massively after taking creatine every day.

This was after a long platue. It's the best supplement you can buy I think.

I still take it to this day. Massive cheat code.

 

[socaldude]

Back in my bodybuilding days, I went from 79kg to 83 kg after a month and increased all of my lifts massively after taking creatine every day.

How much would you take ?

 

[Timmy C]

How much would you take ?

Just the regular amount, not much, like 5g a day I think it is.

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[Timmy C]

I did see a video the other day of Ronnie Coleman. He was in a wheel chair at Mr Olympia. He used to be a cop. He does have a supplement business. Yeah buddy. LOL

Ronnie Coleman messed himself up due to his own stupidity.

He would have a serious surgery then be straight back in the gym ignoring all advice from his surgeons and doctors and be straight back into lifting heavy.

He did this repeatedly after many surgeries, it's entirely his fault, and didn't have much to do with what he ate, it had to do with him being a moron.

It's like you getting your finger cut off, going to the doctors to get it stitched up, then leaving and cutting it off again on purpose.

 

[Noyaux]

creatine is one of the most effective workout supplements out there

I received mine a few days ago, do you have tips when it's better to consume it ? Right before training, right after ? During your meal ?

 

[MTF]

I received mine a few days ago, do you have tips when it's better to consume it ? Right before training, right after ? During your meal ?

This is the best non-biased resource on supplements:

https://examine.com/supplements/creatine/

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[Noyaux]

This is the best non-biased resource on supplements:

https://examine.com/supplements/creatine/

Hey thanks a lot I didn't know this site !

 

[Timmy C]

I have gone from 82 kg to 77 kg since being plant based, it wasn't even hard.

I never tracked my calories, I wasnt even trying to lose weight, it just happened.

Let's see how I go putting on muscle eating plant based now, the goal is 79 kg.

I have been lifting weights again, for the first time in years the last few weeks and it's going well.(wasn't able to due to chronic pain)

One of my physiotherapists said he's very impressed with how I'm going with my shoulder.

He said he expects to see atrophy and everything being very out of wack in people with my shoulder issues, but he said it's a credit to my hard work ive put in the last 5 or so months, and for me to stay the course.

 

[Timmy C]

I've been baking sweet potatoes and then stuffing them with avocado, lentils and hommus sprinked with lemon juice.

It's incredible, I reccomend it.

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[Subsonic]

One thing I've noticed since going vegetarian is that my immunity got really sucky.

I get ill basically every other month and injuries take forever to heal. Not to mention my gym recovery, sometimes it takes me a week to recover from leg day.

My hypothesis is that either I eat too little protein, too little calories in general due to my cut or that I lack some important vitamin in my diet.

If someone here had a similar experience or some ideas on what could be wrong, I'd love some pointers.

 

[MTF]

One thing I've noticed since going vegetarian is that my immunity got really sucky.

I get ill basically every other month and injuries take forever to heal. Not to mention my gym recovery, sometimes it takes me a week to recover from leg day.

My hypothesis is that either I eat too little protein, too little calories in general due to my cut or that I lack some important vitamin in my diet.

If someone here had a similar experience or some ideas on what could be wrong, I'd love some pointers.

I've had that when I was cutting too much or for too long.

And if I remember correctly, you posted some pictures of yourself and I'm pretty sure you don't need a cut, you need to build muscle.

 

[MTF]

A sign in a restroom in a vegan restaurant in Pécs, Hungary (still blows my mind that there are vegan restaurants even in such small cities).

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[Freigeist]

One thing I've noticed since going vegetarian is that my immunity got really sucky.

I get ill basically every other month and injuries take forever to heal. Not to mention my gym recovery, sometimes it takes me a week to recover from leg day.

My hypothesis is that either I eat too little protein, too little calories in general due to my cut or that I lack some important vitamin in my diet.

If someone here had a similar experience or some ideas on what could be wrong, I'd love some pointers.

Hi subsonic, a few thoughts on the matter:

Theory #1: you might me lacking micronutrients.

- do you take a multivitamin at the moment?
- If not, maybe try to incorporate one for a few weeks to see if your issues subside.
- If they do subside, you indeed are lacking a few micro nutrients and have to adjust your diet accordingly.
- The App "Cronometer" can be an awesome tool to see if you get all of the micros right


Theory #2: not enough protein, not enough calories

- in the western hemisphere it is nearly impossible to have a lack of protein, as nearly everything has protein, even plain potatoes. so imho if you are getting 1g of protein per 1kg bodyweight, you should be fine - even as an athlete

- not enough calories: are you currently cutting? if you run to big/agressive of an energy deficit for to long, it will harm you. intermittent periods of controlled/planned undereating/fasting are imho however beneficial


Theory #3: you might not be lacking micronutrients, but consuming something that is actively harming you.

- possible food allergies, intolerance, junk foods etc.


Theory #4: other underlying conditions

- not enough recovery/sleep?
- undetected systemic issue/diseases?
- have you checked your thyroid hormones?

 

[MTF]

Powerful story from Geoff Neupert's newsletter (he's not vegan but the point makes sense either way):

True story.

We went to the beach a couple of weeks ago for a long overdue vacation.

In the mornings, my wife would go for a long walk on the beach.

I’d do the same in the afternoons.

One afternoon, I was about halfway through my outbound leg, when out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of an older, but thin woman, struggling to help her husband get up out of the surf zone.

He had literally fallen and could not get up. The water was running over his body and hitting him in the face.

She noticed she’d caught my attention, so she waved me over, beckoning for help.

This gentleman was in his mid-to-late 50s - maybe early 60s, a bit shorter than me, and about 40 to 50 pounds (19 to 23kg) heavier than me, with a decent sized belly.

He literally could not get himself up out of the surf zone, no matter how hard he tried.

And neither could his wife.

So, I went over and asked if they needed help. His wife said “yes,” and she and I each grabbed him by one of his arms and pulled him up.

The truth is, I did most of the pulling.

Fortunately, it was easy.

I checked to make sure he wasn’t dizzy and didn’t need more help, then went on my way.

Minutes later, I looked back over my shoulder, and he was down again.

This time he appeared to be OK and neither he nor his wife were waving for help.

I have determined to never be like that guy.

In fact, I think no self-respecting man should ever be that guy.

Determine to keep yourself healthy and strong so you’re not a burden to your family or society as a whole.

And especially so that you don’t put yourself and a loved one (like your wife) in a dangerous situation where one or both of you could be severely injured or even killed.

That’s just selfish.

And contrary to what some may believe, working out - training - daily or near daily, is not selfish - as long as it’s not taken to the extreme.

I've been traveling through Europe the last few weeks and being very active on most days, with lots of walking, hiking, and running as well as my usual strength training.

I don't want to ever lose the ability to hike up to a castle, go hike in the mountains or even just stroll for hours through a nice old town. But that's just the base: I also want to be able to swim, surf, dive and climb and do other things because it's what makes life worth living.

I look at older people in various places and often wonder if they're so unfit because one day age really catches up with you or if it's you who's failed to maintain your fitness and health.

I do hope it's the latter and would love to consistently improve my health rather than watch it deteriorate.

One of my most important realizations as of recent is that I really need to get much more muscle. I've been stuck in a skinny fat phase for most of my life. If I cut, I just end up a skinnier but still not defined version of myself. So now I'll just focus on adding as much muscle as possible ideally while gaining little to no fat (all this activity should hopefully help).

 

[Timmy C]

I don't want to ever lose the ability to hike up to a castle, go hike in the mountains or even just stroll for hours through a nice old town. But that's just the base: I also want to be able to swim, surf, dive and climb and do other things because it's what makes life worth living.

It's scary watching your health deteriorate. These last few years of slow degradation of one of my joints was really scary, and I took my health for granted. as someone who has always exercised, I was shocked that it was happening to me. (maybe this is just what happens once you hit 30 i thought)

I look at older people in various places and often wonder if they're so unfit because one day age really catches up with you or if it's you who's failed to maintain your fitness and health.

I do hope it's the latter and would love to consistently improve my health rather than watch it deteriorate.

One of my most important realizations as of recent is that I really need to get much more muscle. I've been stuck in a skinny fat phase for most of my life. If I cut, I just end up a skinnier but still not defined version of myself. So now I'll just focus on adding as much muscle as possible ideally while gaining little to no fat (all this activity should hopefully help).

Due to my own determination (or stupidity? really not sure) I continued to do BJJ despite my issues, and I continued to eat relatively well, so I didn't lose much muscle at all, if any muscle, despite not lifting for a few years. I guess BJJ being a mixture of both cardio and strength training kept it on, so my body composition has remained intact.

I think age will catch up to us all, it's just a matter of how steep the decline is. I train with guys that are 50 years old, some are 60 years old, and they inspire me. I can do this shit when I am old, I just have to take care of my body as much as I can.

They all look great, whilst they say they have had friends that have dropped dead over the years, due to the usual (not taking care of themselves)

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[Timmy C]

One of my most important realizations as of recent is that I really need to get much more muscle. I've been stuck in a skinny fat phase for most of my life. If I cut, I just end up a skinnier but still not defined version of myself. So now I'll just focus on adding as much muscle as possible ideally while gaining little to no fat (all this activity should hopefully help).

Yeh, muscle is important but it's not a massive deal. If you are frail or really thin you should live longer due to your internal organs doing less work, but do you really want to be struggling to move around the last 20 years of your life just to maybe live another 3 years?

There is a balance that needs to be had I think.

 

[MTF]

It's scary watching your health deteriorate. These last few years of slow degradation of one of my joints was really scary, and I took my health for granted. as someone who has always exercised, I was shocked that it was happening to me. (maybe this is just what happens once you hit 30 i thought)

I can relate to that as I'm still dealing with some injuries.

I think age will catch up to us all, it's just a matter of how steep the decline is.

Peter Attia has this awesome graph on decline and what you can accomplish if you take care of yourself (more here: How you move defines how you live - Peter Attia):

Yeh, muscle is important but it's not a massive deal. If you are frail or really thin you should live longer due to your internal organs doing less work, but do you really want to be struggling to move around the last 20 years of your life just to maybe live another 3 years?

There is a balance that needs to be had I think.

Yeah I don't mean to be super huge but I just realized how weak I am physically. I should be able to lift way more for my weight. I've been gaining lots and lots of muscle the last couple of months for the first time in my life and the difference is staggering.

 

[Matt Sun]

One thing I've noticed since going vegetarian is that my immunity got really sucky.

I get ill basically every other month and injuries take forever to heal. Not to mention my gym recovery, sometimes it takes me a week to recover from leg day.

My hypothesis is that either I eat too little protein, too little calories in general due to my cut or that I lack some important vitamin in my diet.

If someone here had a similar experience or some ideas on what could be wrong, I'd love some pointers.

Do you take creatine ?

 

Dislike ads? Remove them and support the forum: Subscribe to Fastlane Insiders.

[Matt Sun]

Yeh, muscle is important but it's not a massive deal. If you are frail or really thin you should live longer due to your internal organs doing less work, but do you really want to be struggling to move around the last 20 years of your life just to maybe live another 3 years?

There is a balance that needs to be had I think.

I disagree with this. We don't talk about how muscle is key to sustain joints. And joint health is key to have a normal life.

Also joints are important for stability and so many old people die prematurely because of a fall, breaking a hip or something else important and when you are old it takes you so much more time to heal if you ever do.

So yeah, muscles > joints > quality of life / longevity. They are all connected.

In both this pictures I had been vegan for years but in one I had shoulder and ankle pain and in the other (which I took today) I have not.

 

[Timmy C]

I disagree with this. We don't talk about how muscle is key to sustain joints. And joint health is key to have a normal life.

Also joints are important for stability and so many old people die prematurely because of a fall, breaking a hip or something else important and when you are old it takes you so much more time to heal if you ever do.

So yeah, muscles > joints > quality of life / longevity. They are all connected.

In both this pictures I had been vegan for years but in one I had shoulder and ankle pain and in the other (which I took today) I have not.


View attachment 56198

View attachment 56199

I don't think we actually disagree man, I was referring more so to having it in excess.

Less Weight = less work for your internal organs that's just true.

You see bodybuilders at age 40 just getting massive because "muscle is good"

Yeh it is, but not to that extreme.

Of course having some muscle is a good idea because of all of the reasons you mentioned.

Looking good by the way man, keep it up.