Carbohydrates and the Vegan Diet

by Dee
(Florida)

My daughter told me about your site, and I am enjoying the information found there.

However, my issue with ALL vegetarian/vegan diets is that when I eat carbs, 1) I am not satisfied; 2)my appetite goes through the roof; and 3)my weight climbs steadily upward. Potatoes/bread are major culprits.

Any thoughts?

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Sassy Sez: Hi Dee! Carbs are not just an issue with vegetarian and vegan diets. In some form or another, carbs are a part of just about every diet out there.

But I believe the challenge lies in eating the proper carbs, and this is where most people drop the ball.

If you are eating simple carbs (baked goods made with white flour, pasta made with white flour, sugary foods, fruit juices, etc), they digest quickly and your blood sugar can skyrocket. You remain unfulfilled, and you eventually have a "sugar crash".

When you are not filled up properly, your brain will continue to ask for more food until it feels satisfied. Also, when your blood sugar rises like that from the simple sugars of simple carbs and crashes soon after? That is a recipe for weight gain.

Complex carbs are what you should be eating. These digest slowly and your blood sugar stays steady. Complex carbs include foods such as baked goods made with whole grain flour, whole grain pasta, vegetables, and fruits.

Now, having said all that, it is important to shoot for balance in all you eat. If you overdo it on whole grain baked goods, you won't be doing yourself any favors. Your diet should include beans, whole grains, veggies, fruits, nuts and seeds.

You might consider my weight loss course Get Down With Sass!, which teaches you step-by-step how to build a healthy vegan diet that will help you to lose weight naturally and keep it off for good.

Best wishes. xo