What Happens When You Go Vegan

Do you know all the great things happen to your body when you go vegan?

To start, you’re cutting out:

• Processed meats – These have been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization
• Most saturated fats – A majority come from animal products such as meat, eggs and dairy products
• Animal-based protein – Contains larger amounts of sulfur-containing amino acids that require calcium from the body to process, much of which is taken from our bones

We know the above to be directly linked to osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, cancer, and obesity.

Filling the Gaps

When cutting foods out, you’ll be replacing them with others. Aim to fill those voids with more fruits and vegetables. 75% of Americans don’t eat even 1 piece of fruit in a day and 90% don’t get the recommended intake of vegetables. Going vegan practically guarantees you won’t fall into these categories. By eating more fruits and veggies, you’ll be getting more fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. Even your genes change!

Many experience weight loss when switching from the Standard American Diet to veganism. This is much more so when switching from veganism to “whole foods plant based.”

Experiences Going Vegan

This week I asked a group of vegan women online what changed for them, here is what they said:

• “Lost 30 lbs, resting heart rate went from 70’s down to 52, and my BP went from 150’s/80’s down to 119/72.”
• “Felt lighter, mentally clear and weight loss”
• “Cholesterol dropped 75 points. My teeth are cleaner. I had a problem with adult onset asthma. I haven’t had an attack in over a year.”
• “Cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, and glucose numbers dropped. My gums no longer bleed when I brush them.”
• “Lost 40 lbs, ache less, no headaches, no IBS symptoms, and no blood sugar crashes.”
• “I no longer have any acid reflux issues, I also have a much better daily digestive routine, I feel more energized and my skin looks and feels better.”
• “My lupus improved. The meat was causing inflammation in my body.”
• “Dropped 30 lbs and counting, no more gas, no more bloating, no headaches, no blood sugar highs from my diabetes.”
• “More energy, clearer thoughts, blood pressure way down along with cholesterol, etc.”
• “My arthritis pain lessened. I no longer have polyps in my intestines, and constipation never happens.”
• “Less bloated, my skin got lighter, like a glow. More connections with nature”
• “No more gallstone pain and digestive system fully working plus slimmed off all bloating gone!”
• “Bowel movements became super regular. NO CONSTIPATION!!”
• “Less hair loss, stronger hair and nails”
• “Mental fog and depression slowly improved.”
• “No more pain from Fibromyalgia. IBS cleared and blood pressure down.”
• “My eyes lost the black floaters I had for 60 years, my arthritic pain dropped a lot, my blood tests went from good to exceptional.”

My Personal Experience

As for me, I feel more energetic, very rarely get sick, my skin and eyes are brighter, my hyperthyroid numbers have improved, my bone density went from average to above average, and I feel so much better about how I eat. It’s been about 4 years for me. My weight has been steady throughout, which I’m confident has to do with the fact that I still eat processed vegan foods and am not “whole food plant based.”

Different Strokes

Everyone is different and will experience changes differently. Going vegan isn’t a magic pill to health and vitality, but as you can see above, the benefits are undeniable.

If you haven’t made the plunge yet or are considering going vegan part time – “meat” me halfway! Here’s an action plan on making the transition easier: Transition Tips