Vegetarian Advice: Beans & Gas Attacks for New Veg

Question: New vegetarian has embarrassing gas attacks at work after eating beans, would greatly appreciate feedback.

Thank you so much for the Vegetarian Reports. I am new to this all, about a month into a vegetarian diet. I have given up meat, poutry, eggs, dairy. Although I have a little seafood, that is something I think I can do without too. I have switched over to a mostly organic diet as well.

I do feel better, I just have one issue, that is not addressed in the becoming vegan books that I have been reading. I find that when I eat beans or even a veggie burger I am extremely gassy. I work in a doctors office and after lunch has lead to some embarassing situations. Do you have any advise about this? I would greatly appreciate any feedback. - K.C.

Savvy Vegetarian Advice:

Dear K. C.,

I've attached the SV Bean Report for you - that should give you a lot of helpful info about cooking and eating beans, and making the transition to a bean based vegetarian diet.

I've always found veggie burgers gassy, I think it's the combo of TVP (soy isolate), garlic, onions and whatever food additives might be in there. I try mostly to eat bean dishes that I produce in my own kitchen - not always possible, I know.

If you must eat out for lunch, you'll encounter all of the worst gas producing bean productions in the land. When I worked outside my home, and commuted or travelled, I brought my own food as much as possible. There was always a microwave around somewhere.

When I eat out, I favor ethnic restaurants, Indian, Italian, Chinese, or Thai - they seem to be best for the vegetarian bean and gas problem.

Savvy Vegetarian has some good bean recipes So does Vegetarian Kitchen. Here's a list of SV recommended cookbooks

Hope your digestion improves soon! Judy Kingsbury, Savvy Vegetarian

More SV Advice Letters About Vegetarian Digestion

Constipation An Issue In Vegetarian Diet

Friend Goes Vegetarian, Develops Acne For First Time

How To Cook and Eat Beans Without Gas

How To Cook Non-Spicy Black Beans

Vegetarian Diet Helpful for Constipation

Vegetarian Loves Flavor of Onions, But They Cause Gas

Back To Advice Index

Send a note, recipe, link, resource, etc. to Savvy Vegetarian

Savvy Veg Privacy Policy, Health Disclaimer, Publishing Policy

Download Free Savvy Vegetarian Reports

Get Free Savvy Vegetarian Advice