yes I try to eliminate whites but I will eat quinoa and sweet potato.
For dinner we usually have meat 2 servings of veggies and then some berries. I ate some quinoa salad today for dinner and baked teriyaki/ginger salmon and roasted corn and raspberries. I don't eat corn very often.
It is working for me.
bizi

Hi,

The diet in western countries is entirely different from India.

Let me tell you about my background. I am a Hindu by religion. I am a pure vegetarian. Majority of the Hindus do eat meat(other than beef) but my caste/sect does not allow it. In my caste,it is prohibited to eat any type of meat or even egg. It is considered a serious sin because you are killing the animal.

Killing any animal (even a small ant) is considered a sin. It is permitted however for self defence.eg say a tiger attacks you ,then you are permitted to kill the tiger.

Cow is regarded as equivalent to God in India. Cow slaughter is considered a serious crime by ALL Hindus.In fact ,in my state in Mumbai, beef has been banned officially around 7-8 months back. If somebody is caught killing or slaughtering a cow,buffalo (particularly a cow) or even in possession of beef , the person is liable for five years or more imprisonment and/or fine. Cow milk is considered good and recommended
because you are not killing the cow by deriving her milk.

I have never eaten ANY TYPE OF MEAT(any animal food other than cow milk) in my entire life,be it beef,chicken,pork,lamb or fish. I am deficient in proteins because of this and hence carnitine. Also I was low in B12 once but I am taking tablets to rectify it.

The only protein sources I can think of are plant sources - chickpeas,soyabean,soy milk, pulses,legumes,whole grain and lentils.

Bizi, I like your dinner :).

I agree with you about avoiding "whites" (= highly processed carbohydrate products).

However, unprocessed carbohydrate foods (for example, brown rice or bread products made from unprocessed grains) can be part of healthy eating.

Amitsa, people who have chosen, for religious and/or ethical reasons, to adopt a vegan diet are at risk of being nutrient-deficient.

I suggest that you talk with what is called here an Accredited Practicing Dietitian (APD) - I don't know what the Indian equivalent is.

APDs are evidence-based health professionals who specialise in nutrition. An APD will be able to review what you eat with you and suggest ways in what you eat could be changed in a way which meets both your nutritional needs and your religious beliefs.

Amit,

I agree with Kiwi that you should, if you can, set up a plan with a Dietitian. It is especially important as you are intending to cut down, have underlying health problems and are already vitamin deficient.

I would expect you to need more supplements than the b12 you are currently on.

Dave.

good morning.
If I remember right most vegetarians are thin. Have you checked out yourself with a complete physical...a thyroid test. You may have some ailment physically going on with you.
Yes b12 is needed to be taken...I think that is the only vitamin that you need to supplement.
I just heard about tempeh...a meatless entree.
I am going to look into that.
Do you eat cheese?
bizi

I have always been a breadaholic....:( I used unbleached flour....and antioxidant water when I baked.....so for me not having pizza was hard the first three days....but it does get easier.....:grouphug:

They do make a gluten free pizza crust at our local parlor.
I am sure you can buy bread/dough mixes at your health food stores even target carries them. Also sprouted breads like ezecial are very good for us.
From what I have heard, It takes some getting used to, I don't use it though.
Bizi

Bizi,

My thyroid tests are normal ,all T3,T4 TSH.

I do my CBC,Thyroid,B12,VIT D3 ,LFT ,Serum creatinine atleast once annually.

It is a myth that all vegetarians are thin.I have been eating loads of sweets since childhood. My parents developed that habit in me. My parents not at all calorie conscious. They themselves were obese.My mother has passed away. .My father is 71. He is a diabetic for the last 32 years.

In India,you would see many obese vegetarians. In fact,vegetarians are more obese than meat eaters here. Because Indian veggies eat lots of rice,chapatis (wheat), sweets which are fried and made of condensed milk ,ghee,fried food - all these in large amounts.

Amit,

Indian food is very popular here in England and with me, so I understand the calorific content of even the vegetarian meals. Whilst we usually have meat or seafood I enjoy the vegetarian dishes - Aloo Saag, Chana Masala and tonight I have a pack of Paneer Butter Masala which I have never tried before. It is not the same as cooking fresh, but comes from an authentic Indian Company. I am looking forward to it, despite the spices setting off my Neurological burning - one cannot live on bland alone.

Naan are a downfall I have had to virtually eliminate. I know that would be difficult for you with chapattis, but you must try to cut down on amount and those fried, sweet desserts.

Dave.