Vegans, how do you keep cravings and hunger at bay?

[Anonymous]

I was a vegetarian, but I've recently cut dairy out of my diet for health reasons. What kinds of foods help you do away with hunger while staying within vegan territory?

[nermalinda]

I believe people can be healthy on any diet, but personally I was vegan for years, and it just made me really sick.

However, I would say just make sure to keep your protein up. Eat lots of beans, tofu, tempeh, soy milk. Make sure to get in good fats like avocado, olive oil, flax oil, and nuts.

Eat whole grains and as much fruits and veggies as you want. Eat a giant salad with avocado and tempeh. Yum.

[nermalinda]

Oh yeah, don't forget peanut butter and almond butter. Super yum on whole grain or sprouted bread with apple or banana.

[nermalinda]

Haha forgot hummus like with veggies! Get a whole wheat pita, stuff it chock full of hummus and veggies like cucumber, sprouts, tomato and scarf :)

[nermalinda]

oooh, and vegan protein powders are good. Try hemp protein. Kind of gritty and tastes a little funny at first, but really yummy thrown in the blender with fruit and soymilk.

[nermalinda]

I guess I should add that the main reason I got sick on vegan/vegetarian diets was because I never ate enough real food. Sure I would have some brown rice and lentils here and there with a few veggies, but then I would be starving and eat vegan junk food. Bad idea. If I had to do it again, I would definitely incorporate LOTS of protein from beans and nuts plus healthy fats. And I would eat a LOT more - real food keeps the cravings away.

[Hyped_up_on_coffee]

You know they have soy cheese right and other soy products to substitute. But me I love cherry tomatoes they have that umami flavour going. And when I'm watching my weight I drink a lot of water and I'm less hungry .

[cassandra-zim]

I'm a vegetarian, and whenever I need a boost of energy, I have a bananna, or a few rice crackers, or a handful of nuts. All work equally well, and it depends what you're in the mood for :)

[EverythingReal]

Strawberries, oh my gosh, they are the best snack ever. (I'm a vegetarian). Blueberries are also an awesome snack food! As far as keeping your cravings down, just keep yourself occupied and distracted!