JS17 Posted September 21, 2005 Share Posted September 21, 2005 I've been reading a book about the effects of sugar on the brain. I haven't had much time to read so it's going pretty slowly and since I haven't gotten all the way through it I haven't wanted to do a major change to my diet. I have been trying to cut back on sugars and simple carbs. My diet is pretty healthy to begin with, I'm a Vegan and pretty much live on fruit, soy and whole wheats. I've found that in trying to cut back my sugar intake I'm eating a lot more nuts and seeds. Now I'm concerned that my fat intake will be too high. I'm having trouble finding additional good sources of protein with low sugar contents that also have low fat contents. Does anyone have any comments or suggestions? Link to post Share on other sites
sophia34 Posted September 22, 2005 Share Posted September 22, 2005 Stick to "good" fats (monounsaturated fats found in nuts, olive oil, canola oil, avocados, peanut butter, etc.). They're healthy for you, so you really don't have to worry about how much you eat of them because of their fat content. You only have to worry about the quantity because of their calorie content. One tablespoon of oil or a handful of nuts is about 170 calories. Just make sure that, when you eat these fats, you don't pig out on them and that you factor their calories into your overall count for the day. The vegan part of it makes finding other sources difficult, but you've still got beans, veggie burgers, soy cheese and tofu, etc., that are excellent sources of protein. For example, you can make an incredible lasagna using tofu for the cheese content and crumbled veggie burger for texture. Beans and rice can also be dressed up with seasoning and vegetables that makes a great, easy-to-make dish. You might also try visiting a vegan-oriented Web site for ideas. There's a store in the Washington DC area called Pangea (http://www.veganstore.com) that does sell vegan food items online that might be a place for you to start to find ways to expand your diet into other areas. Some people don't like to cook, but in your case, if you don't cook you should probably learn. Vegans have it tough in the supermarket--it's often better in the long run just to learn to make it yourself from the raw ingredients. Cookbooks like those in the Moosewood series (which I think are vegetarian, not vegan, but many of the recipes would work) are a great place to start. Link to post Share on other sites
Author JS17 Posted September 22, 2005 Author Share Posted September 22, 2005 Thanks Sophia. I know a lot of good vegan sites and a bunch about nutrition but I've always tried to eat a balance. Now that I'm cutting back on sugar I am eating more nuts and seeds. I've always eaten a lot of tofu, setian, etc but my concern is the fat content in the nuts or coconut. I never eat things like potato chips or anything like that with the artificial fats. I guess I was just trying to find out more about natural fats. Maybe I'll start there. Thanks Link to post Share on other sites
sophia34 Posted September 22, 2005 Share Posted September 22, 2005 I was worried as I was writing it that I was going over common knowledge! Sorry about that. But I think the fact that you're sticking to natural fats is great--I wouldn't worry about "too much" if that's the case. People in the Mediterranean pour olive oil over everything they eat and eat a steady diet of nuts and seeds--they're supposed to be among the healthiest in the world. And I admire your commitment to veganism--I simply couldn't do it! I love things like honey and dairy too much. I'm a lazy vegetarian--a "flexitarian," I've heard it called. I eat meatless most of the time, but every once in a while, my carnivorous side comes out and I just have to ask the animal world to forgive me. Link to post Share on other sites
Author JS17 Posted September 22, 2005 Author Share Posted September 22, 2005 That's great Sophia. When people find out that I'm a Vegan they start to feel guilty and justify their eating preferences to me. I just say that they should do whatever they can and whatever they feel is right. No judgements from me. It's a choice that I made for my own personal beliefs and I realize that not everyone feels as strongly as I do. Thanks for the advice on all of the FAT Link to post Share on other sites
Author JS17 Posted September 26, 2005 Author Share Posted September 26, 2005 So I've been noticing that my really bad emotional days are on Sundays and I'm starting to wonder if it's because I'll usually drink more on Saturday nights. Is it the alcohol? Is it the lack of solid sleep? Is it the sugar in the alcohol?.....or is it not related at all, ie. weekends are just harder to be on the single scene meeting new people, constant disappointments, being alone etc. Anyone else find they have come across the Sunday phenomenon and can anyone discredit alcohol or an increase of sugar intake as the cause? Link to post Share on other sites
AndrewJ Posted September 26, 2005 Share Posted September 26, 2005 I can realte to Sundays being nasty for my body. Totally beer induced! However in that nauseous state i find walking the dog in the sunshine to be sublime. Just watching all the couples walk by by the bay hand in hand makes me feel like Munch's "scream" painting. Link to post Share on other sites
Author JS17 Posted September 26, 2005 Author Share Posted September 26, 2005 I don't always have much of a physical reaction. I'm pretty much talking about my emotional state. Link to post Share on other sites
AndrewJ Posted September 26, 2005 Share Posted September 26, 2005 So I've been noticing that my really bad emotional days are on Sundays and I'm starting to wonder if it's because I'll usually drink more on Saturday nights. Is it the alcohol? Is it the lack of solid sleep? Is it the sugar in the alcohol?.....or is it not related at all, ie. weekends are just harder to be on the single scene meeting new people, constant disappointments, being alone etc. Anyone else find they have come across the Sunday phenomenon and can anyone discredit alcohol or an increase of sugar intake as the cause? I think lack of sleep, excess toxins, and osmotically enduring luscious couplic trends explains your hollow emotive feel on the blessed day:laugh: Link to post Share on other sites
ReluctantRomeo Posted September 26, 2005 Share Posted September 26, 2005 So I've been noticing that my really bad emotional days are on Sundays and I'm starting to wonder if it's because I'll usually drink more on Saturday nights. Is it the alcohol? Is it the lack of solid sleep? Is it the sugar in the alcohol?.....or is it not related at all, ie. weekends are just harder to be on the single scene meeting new people, constant disappointments, being alone etc. Anecdotally, it seems that sundays are often more difficult for single career girls. Don't underestimate the effects of your weekly adrenaline cycle either, if your job is high pressure. Link to post Share on other sites
Author JS17 Posted September 26, 2005 Author Share Posted September 26, 2005 Anecdotally, it seems that sundays are often more difficult for single career girls. Don't underestimate the effects of your weekly adrenaline cycle either, if your job is high pressure. Well that is me, single career girl. My job used to be high pressure but it no longer is. Why do you believe this to be the case? Link to post Share on other sites
ReluctantRomeo Posted September 26, 2005 Share Posted September 26, 2005 Why do you believe this to be the case? Good question. Empirically it seems to be true, since many of my single female friends report this... My house is always a bit of a social focus on Sundays and single girls are always the most enthusiastic about this. I'm guessing it's because on Saturday you have plenty to do and it's great to be back off work again, but by Sunday the novelty is wearing off. What do you do on Sundays? Pancake breakfast with friends is a great way to start the day and feel fun and happening. Link to post Share on other sites
Author JS17 Posted September 26, 2005 Author Share Posted September 26, 2005 What do you do on Sundays? Pancake breakfast with friends is a great way to start the day and feel fun and happening. A pancake breakfast is bad for my a$$ and thighs. Link to post Share on other sites
ReluctantRomeo Posted September 26, 2005 Share Posted September 26, 2005 A pancake break fast is bad for my a$$ and thighs. OK, then a midmorning coffee... or green tea Link to post Share on other sites
Art_Critic Posted September 26, 2005 Share Posted September 26, 2005 A pancake breakfast is bad for my a$$ and thighs. Eat the whole wheat pancakes and skip the sausage.. Green tea is good for fertility All this talk about sugar and I've pounded away over 3/4 of a bag of Twix bars for breakfast.. and My bag of Snickers and Milky ways are all ready lined up..next Link to post Share on other sites
Author JS17 Posted September 26, 2005 Author Share Posted September 26, 2005 OK, then a midmorning coffee... or green tea I don't drink coffee or tea. I know, I'm the most horrible person to eat with. My social life doesn't revolve around food, I know it does for most people. It's not always easy but I do what I gotta do. Even when I have solid plans I still find myself depressed on Sundays. In the past two months it has happened 3 times. I'm reading about the effect of sugar on the brain and I just made this connection. I was just wondering if anyone knew anything about this. Link to post Share on other sites
Author JS17 Posted September 26, 2005 Author Share Posted September 26, 2005 Eat the whole wheat pancakes and skip the sausage.. Green tea is good for fertility All this talk about sugar and I've pounded away over 3/4 of a bag of Twix bars for breakfast.. and My bag of Snickers and Milky ways are all ready lined up..next 1. I'm a vegan...no sausage for me! 2. I'm trying to NOT get fertilized!!! 3. My breakfast consisted of Apple Strawberry Granola and Silk, one of my guilty pleasures. I guess you and I have different eating habits Art Link to post Share on other sites
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