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Post by unclebubbles on Mar 5, 2007 23:12:33 GMT
About a year ago, I was diagnosed with FIBROMYALGIA - (FM), also linked with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and M.E.
After reading many books on the subject, one of the conclusions is a VEGAN DIET will help. I have been a vegetarian, for all right reasons, many times. BUT, I have always fallen off the band wagon. This time I feel I have been given a wake up call.
At the moment, I am eating a "normal" diet, substituting meat with all the meat free products. Quorn, nut cutlets, veggie sausages, etc etc. But I feel I need to go further.
PLEASE can anyone out there help me? What else should I be doing with my diet? Are there any other things I should include?
Any suggestions would be really helpful.
THANK YOU - UNCLE BUBBLES
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Post by sluggie on Mar 5, 2007 23:30:37 GMT
Hi, sorry to hear about your illness. It would probably be worth investing in a good vegan recipe book. I like Leah Leneman's "Vegan Cooking For One". It's full of really easy recipes.
Quorn isn't vegan as it is cultured on egg, but I don't know whether that would have any effect on your condition. There are other meat substitutes which you can buy from health food stores.
Quinoa is my favourite vegan 'discovery'. You just boil it in water for 12-15 minutes, and you can use it like rice or couscous. It's high in protein and has the full range of amino acids that we need. I quite often fry up some onions, garlic and whatever other veggies I have and mix it with quinoa and some vegan pesto, for a quick supper.
Good luck - I hope your change of diet makes you feel better.
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Post by veggiesosage on Mar 5, 2007 23:31:17 GMT
Sorry to hear about your health problem.
The best tip I would normally give is to invest in some good vegan cook books to give you ideas about what things to try. Try the Vegan Society's shop for the widest selection. While you're there, pick up a copy of the 'Animal Free Shopper'.
I appreciate you may have problems cooking more involved things if you have low energy levels but there are simple tasty things to do.
Sorry to say, Quorn isn't vegan. Try shopping at Holland and Barrett or a wide selection of the meat substitute thing if thats what you're into, I'd recommend Fry's range which I think is all vegan and is probably one of the tastiest around. Also look out for Redwoods range which includes the only vegan bacon (including an organic one) and their range of vegan cheeses, although these tend to take a little while to get used to.
Good luck and enjoy.
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Post by Pob on Mar 6, 2007 10:22:41 GMT
A mix of red, green or brown, and puy lentils boiled up for about 30 minutes makes a good mince replacement. It's actually tastier than veggie minces.
Yeast extract added to a dish instead of salt will give it a more "meaty" body, as well as extra vitamins.
Dry roasted veggies are a quick and easy way to add nutrients and flavour to a burger and chips kind of meal. Just chuck a halved courgette, a quartered pepper and a quartered onion into a hot oven for about 20-25 minutes, with no oil. Tomatoes and mushrooms take about 15 minutes, too.
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Post by fezzarooooo on Mar 6, 2007 11:06:37 GMT
It's a difficult one because it depends on whether you have developed any food intolerances with your condition?
I've had ME for yonks and find it best that I don't eat too much of any one food or I develop and intolerance to it. I've been veggie for over 20yrs and always did struggle with egg and mild but forced myself to eat them because I was under the misconception that they were 'good for me'. I've found since going vegan that my health has improved a bit, I think it's because my body no longer had to fight as many sensitivities.
For me personally I find yeast, acidic foods, oats & too much wheat flares up my symptoms in regards to IBS, sinusitis, headache & joint pain.
You might want to consider getting a York Laboratory sensitivity test done, it would be able to pinpoint any food sensitivities.
Welcome to EV and feel free to ask me anything you think I can help with.
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Post by unclebubbles on Mar 6, 2007 14:33:31 GMT
Thank you all, very much. Your ideas and suggestions are taken on board.
Veggiesosage - The Vegan's Society Shop - is that on line? I find it very difficult getting out and about to do shopping. I have a full time carer but don't want to put them to added trouble.
Sluggie - Quinoa - yes I've tried it and love it too. It makes a good porridge with soya or rice milk in the morning.
Pob - Lentils - I love'em. I was brought up on an indian diet, so I have lot's of interesting recipes for them.
Fezzarooooo - Sorry to hear about the ME. I understand what you mean about food intolerances. I also have IBS, sinusitus, headaches & joint pain. It seems that regardless of what I eat or don't eat, the IBS comes as and when it pleases. Despite a few years now, of trying to work out what does or doesn't trigger it, nothing seems to work. I find a good mug of peppermint and fennel tea, or several mugs, does help.
Once again - thank you, hope to hear from you all soon. Uncle Bubbles.
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Post by Pob on Mar 6, 2007 14:39:02 GMT
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