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Post by brian2957 on Jan 3, 2022 13:33:48 GMT
It's that time of year again where my mind turns to how I can live a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. I became a vegetarian 6 years ago and feel much healthier for it. Problem is I really don't have the imagination to live this lifestyle, and my diet has been fairly limited in this area. Any links to tasty, easy to cook, welcome  I've also struggled to move away from dairy and I think this should be one of my goals this year. I like milk in my coffee and butter on my toast. I also love all kinds of cheese. Today I bought some oat milk and I will probably start using it in my coffee, in my cereal, and in my smoothies. So that's the milk craving sorted. Now I need a healthy alternative to butter and cheese. I know our Mike has been Vegan for many years and will have a host of recipes and alternatives to eating meat and dairy so I'm hoping to tap into that fountain of knowledge. Paul also seems to be quite adept and finding tasty alternatives to meat , and I'm pretty sure there will be others on here who have lots of knowledge in healthy options. I would hope to take advice on all areas of a healthy diet which will not only benefit me, but others on the forum too. Oh...I also live with a wife and daughter who eat meat, although the more my daughter educates herself in this area the further she moves away from eating meat. I would rather cook a vegetarian/vegan meal which everyone (including the other fussy members of the family) will eat, rather than cook two separate meals, which does happen quite often. The other area I'm looking at is intermittent fasting. Any ideas on this also welcome. |
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Post by MikeMusic on Jan 3, 2022 13:56:54 GMT
Dropping dairy will do you good. Be surprised if not.
I tried various cow milk alternatives and settled on Tesco Soya Milk Unsweetened. Tried others including oat milk, too watery for me and stayed with what I like
Tried various margarines and settled on Pure Spread. Tried a few others since and always come back.
Both the above are different to what they replaced and you need to get used to them. Couple of weeks plus at a guess and then the new normality tastes better.
There are now loads of fake cheeses. Had some gifted recently and quite liked it but not that bothered.
After losing dairy my breathing improved, clagginess in my mouth went away, fuzzy head went away. Colds go away faster
All plusses. If I was desperate to go back to dairy for taste I wouldn't for the health.
Went fully vegan early last year. Was about 95% vegan just before that.
Look at Tim Spector's Biome YT clips and add fruit, veg, nuts and seeds you don't currently have.
My appetite has reduced without trying so weight is nicely under control.
NO sugar except that in fruit.
Huge amount of veggie and vegan foods can fool the carnies.
Will let you more when I think of it
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Post by brian2957 on Jan 3, 2022 14:11:37 GMT
Thanks Mike. I've only tried Soya milk and almond milk before and wasn't keen. Oat milk is the first one I've tried that I could live with. TBH it's not too expensive to try a few more milk alternatives. I could do with the 'fuzzy head' getting clearer I'll give Pure spread a go, it's not expensive at all. I've been feeding into the Zoe app for many months so know of Tim Spektor's work. Like you my weight has gone down over the past few years, form around 17 stones to around 13 stones now, but I could do with losing a bit more. Difficult to fool my two because they can be quite fussy and maybe I'm too lazy when it comes to cooking alternative meals. Like I said, no imagination |
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Post by julesd68 on Jan 3, 2022 14:41:02 GMT
Brian I can help with intermittent fasting but not the vegan / veg side of things!
I have used the same fasting diet a number of times with great success but because I am not exercising enough I always put the weight back on again so this is something to bear in mind. I probably also have too many calories once back to full time eating again.
There are a number of fasting diets to choose from but I do the simplest - one day eat nothing and the next day eat as you normally would, no more no less. On the diet day you can drink water, tea, coffee etc but no sugary drinks and no alcohol. You can start to find it very easy if you are drinking enough - your stomach is full and you feel less hungry as a result. One trap to be aware of - don't be tempted to have a huge breakfast on eating days! I got stuck with waking up early and doing this for quite a while.
You might find as I did that the biggest weight loss occurs in the first few weeks where I could lose 2kg in a week sometimes. After that things slow down but stick with it until you meet your target weight.
I'm about to start a new diet once I muster up the nerve to get on the scales!
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Post by Slinger on Jan 3, 2022 15:27:48 GMT
The main thing that pisses me off with "eating healthy," is that we're encouraged by the "enlightened" to do it, the government makes all the right noises about how we need to do it, we all know it will, really, have benefits for our health, and yet NOBODY is attempting (or so it seems) to make it affordable for the masses. You'd almost think that major food corporations carried some unseen weight with the people in charge.
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Post by brian2957 on Jan 3, 2022 15:29:13 GMT
Thanks Jules, that might suit me just fine. One I never thought of. I was thinking 16hrs fasting/8 hours eating. I have to live with whatever fasting technique I choose long term and I'm looking for something simple like the one you've suggested.
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Post by brian2957 on Jan 3, 2022 15:34:02 GMT
Paul, depends on what you choose to eat I suppose. Most vegetables and fruit aren't too expensive. It's the 'alternatives' to the unhealthy foods which tend to be expensive  |
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Post by Slinger on Jan 3, 2022 15:53:52 GMT
Paul, depends on what you choose to eat I suppose. Most vegetables and fruit aren't too expensive. It's the 'alternatives' to the unhealthy foods which tend to be expensive Yes, sorry, that was the point I was intending to make. Substituting a " healthy alternative," - usually vegan, or veggie - is what, generally speaking, sucks financially. [EDIT] Shopping for one, as I have to, often exacerbates the problem too. Buying in bulk is not a possibility, and before someone suggests it, my freezer is already full.  |
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Post by MikeMusic on Jan 3, 2022 15:57:11 GMT
Thanks Mike. I've only tried Soya milk and almond milk before and wasn't keen. Oat milk is the first one I've tried that I could live with. TBH it's not too expensive to try a few more milk alternatives. I could do with the 'fuzzy head' getting clearer I'll give Pure spread a go, it's not expensive at all. I've been feeding into the Zoe app for many months so know of Tim Spektor's work. Like you my weight has gone down over the past few years, form around 17 stones to around 13 stones now, but I could do with losing a bit more. Difficult to fool my two because they can be quite fussy and maybe I'm too lazy when it comes to cooking alternative meals. Like I said, no imagination Tesco Soya is the best for me. Alpro costs more and I don't like it that much. I remember when I first swapped from cow milk. "Like watery cream" The boss prefers Almond milk. Tesco or Alpro fine for her. Tasteless for me Pure has a good list of ingredients and isn't hydrogenated like so many margs I was hovering around 13 stone for a many years. 11st 5 last weigh in. Everything I read says the right weight keeps you healthy and alive longer. I still have a lot of music to listen to ! Cooking Can't get much lazier than me. Something like Cauldron sausages, Tesco Corn fritters, Peanut burger in the oven plus Spuds, Sweet potatoes, Carrot, Leek, Broccoli - dumped in the steamer. Some of the Tesco, Frys, Linda McCartney pies are wonderful I have items to add like lentils and many other items. Mushy peas are very nice but probably rubbish |
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Post by MikeMusic on Jan 3, 2022 15:59:25 GMT
Paul, depends on what you choose to eat I suppose. Most vegetables and fruit aren't too expensive. It's the 'alternatives' to the unhealthy foods which tend to be expensive Yes, sorry, that was the point I was intending to make. Substituting a " healthy alternative," - usually vegan, or veggie - is what, generally speaking, sucks financially. [EDIT] Shopping for one, as I have to, often exacerbates the problem too. Buying in bulk is not a possibility, and before someone suggests it, my freezer is already full. £40 minimum for a Tesco delivery. £4 extra if under £40 Perfect for the lazy like me ! |
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Post by brian2957 on Jan 3, 2022 16:40:56 GMT
Yes, sorry, that was the point I was intending to make. Substituting a " healthy alternative," - usually vegan, or veggie - is what, generally speaking, sucks financially. [EDIT] Shopping for one, as I have to, often exacerbates the problem too. Buying in bulk is not a possibility, and before someone suggests it, my freezer is already full. £40 minimum for a Tesco delivery. £4 extra if under £40 Perfect for the lazy like me ! How much for the actual delivery Mike ? |
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Post by MikeMusic on Jan 3, 2022 16:54:31 GMT
We average around £110 per week. The boss has the more expensive stuff That's virtually everything we need so no need to go out One of our regular delivery guys said we were his healthiest ordering customers |
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Post by brian2957 on Jan 3, 2022 17:06:13 GMT
We use the Asda click and collect service. It's our only outing of the week apart from a walk TBH I don't think we're near that amount per week, but I do find Tesco to be expensive compared to Asda (wife prefers Tesco and M&S, but she's an expensive bird) YMMV of course Oh...and I forgot Mike, we don't run a 'dog rescue centre' either lol. That must cost plenty |
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Post by Slinger on Jan 3, 2022 17:46:55 GMT
I have my groceries delivered by Sainsbury's, and my bill is around the £60pw mark these days.
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Post by MikeMusic on Jan 3, 2022 19:53:32 GMT
We use the Asda click and collect service. It's our only outing of the week apart from a walk TBH I don't think we're near that amount per week, but I do find Tesco to be expensive compared to Asda (wife prefers Tesco and M&S, but she's an expensive bird) YMMV of course Oh...and I forgot Mike, we don't run a 'dog rescue centre' either lol. That must cost plenty Interesting to hear Asda less than Tesco. What sort of percentage ? Been meaning to visit Aldi for food, also cheaper, Covid got in the way Dog food is about £100 every few months. 4 V-Dog 15kg sacks. Vegan ! |
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Post by speedysteve on Jan 3, 2022 20:19:01 GMT
I avoid the processed vegan foods.
Milks are tricky..
I like Alpro Soya Barista milk (fairly processed), with a dash of simple oat milk in it. Too rich otherwise. Steamed/Frothed in my cappuccino, twice a day.
Occasion tea is with ordinary Oat milk.
The Oat barrister milks are processed as F!
I like to make my own roast sunflower and cashew milks to pour over porridge (I soak good quality oats in water overnight, rather than heating).
Also bake all our bread - wholegrain Spelt flour sourdough. You can pretty much eat that as often as you like and ALL the grains nutrients and fibre are available. Very easy to digest. Gluten intolerance no issue!
Supermarket sourdough pizza actually only has sourdough flavouring in it!🙄 - the other half told me! They use fast yeast!
Fasting after evening meal for 14hrs and 'break'fast next day has huge benefits.
I only drink water of an evening, or herbal tea (rare).
Always a large glass of water when getting up.
Breakfast an hour or so after.
Morning coffee an hour after that.
Al harder to do if have a busy working/commuting lifestyle.
We spend on average £110 a week too. That includes domestic cleaning products and cat food though.
Not drinking alcohol regularly saves a packet!
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Post by MartinT on Jan 3, 2022 20:20:28 GMT
Sainsburys have never been the lowest for prices, but as it's our 'corner shop', we still use it a lot.
One bonus is Nectar points and I accumulate them at a rate of knots as I use their super-unleaded fuel next door, and pay for food and fuel with my Amex Nectar card so I double-up on points.
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Post by brian2957 on Jan 3, 2022 20:31:07 GMT
We use the Asda click and collect service. It's our only outing of the week apart from a walk  TBH I don't think we're near that amount per week, but I do find Tesco to be expensive compared to Asda (wife prefers Tesco and M&S, but she's an expensive bird) YMMV of course Oh...and I forgot Mike, we don't run a 'dog rescue centre' either lol. That must cost plenty  Interesting to hear Asda less than Tesco. What sort of percentage ? Been meaning to visit Aldi for food, also cheaper, Covid got in the way Dog food is about £100 every few months. 4 V-Dog 15kg sacks. Vegan ! I would say Asda is around 5-10% cheaper than Tesco. My wife was a Tesco (clubcard trap) shopper until Aldi came to town last year. A shop which was around £80 in Tesco is around £40-£45 in Aldi, based on the stuff we buy, and most food etc is of comparative, or better quality. We are now lucky enough to have Asda, Tesco. and Aldi all within a 10 minute drive from where we live. |
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Post by brian2957 on Jan 3, 2022 20:52:31 GMT
I avoid the processed vegan foods. Milks are tricky.. I like Alpro Soya Barista milk (fairly processed), with a dash of simple oat milk in it. Too rich otherwise. Steamed/Frothed in my cappuccino, twice a day. Occasion tea is with ordinary Oat milk. The Oat barrister milks are processed as F! I like to make my own roast sunflower and cashew milks to pour over porridge (I soak good quality oats in water overnight, rather than heating). Also bake all our bread - wholegrain Spelt flour sourdough. You can pretty much eat that as often as you like and ALL the grains nutrients and fibre are available. Very easy to digest. Gluten intolerance no issue! Supermarket sourdough pizza actually only has sourdough flavouring in it!🙄 - the other half told me! They use fast yeast! Fasting after evening meal for 14hrs and 'break'fast next day has huge benefits. I only drink water of an evening, or herbal tea (rare). Always a large glass of water when getting up. Breakfast an hour or so after. Morning coffee an hour after that. Al harder to do if have a busy working/commuting lifestyle. We spend on average £110 a week too. That includes domestic cleaning products and cat food though. Not drinking alcohol regularly saves a packet! Thanks for the comprehensive answer Steve. I'm going to try a few of the non -dairy milks before I make my mind up. I did try baking my own bread but the results weren't convincing. Again some more effort/experimentation required in this area. Yes, I really do need to drink more water, thanks for reminding me. I'm too fond of coffee in the evening. Again, I will have to place more effort and thought into fasting in the near future. |
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Post by Pinch on Jan 3, 2022 21:01:36 GMT
I've been on a ketogenic diet (very low carb, very high fat) for several years now. It suits me! The idea behind fasting is to spend more time in ketosis, a state wherein your body uses ketones derived from fat for energy, rather than glucose derived from dietry carbs. On a keto diet, you condition your body to derive the bulk of its energy from dietary fat, by cutting out carbs (no sugar, bread, pasta, rice, grains, spuds, etc), and loading up on healthy fats. Once your body adapts, it's great - lots of consistent energy, rather than peaks and slumps, and no food cravings (I eat twice a day and don't snack). A nice bonus is that milk, cheese, and butter are very much on the menu |
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TBH I don't think we're near that amount per week, but I do find Tesco to be expensive compared to Asda (wife prefers Tesco and M&S, but she's an expensive bird) YMMV of course 
