Advice for Tired, Lethargic, Sick Vegetarian
Posted By Savvy Veg On March 16, 2009 @ 6:16 pm In Health Blog,Nutrition,Veg Advice Blog | 1 Comment
Hi, I have been vegetarian for two years and during this time I have felt tired and lethargic. I am prone to colds and flu and generally feel weak
I do not want to go back to eating meat but feel at the end of my tether. The only supplement I take is Perfectil as I found my skin and nails were in poor condition. Any advice would be gratefully received. Thanks, VH
Savvy Vegetarian Advice:
Please go and get blood tests to be sure, but it sounds to me like you’ve got some nutritional deficiencies. Possibilities include B12, iron, and Vit. D. You could also have food allergies. The good news is it’s not necessary for vegetarians to suffer like that!
My advice is to get tested, take the vitamins, go back to square one and start over being a vegetarian. Learn all you can about veggie nutrition, so you know what to eat to get what your body needs. Here are a few resources to get you started:
[1]
Savvy Veg Nutrition Report [2]
Ten Tips For Going Vegetarian [3]
How To Get Enough Protein In Your Vegetarian Diet [4]
Vegetarian Protein Sample Menus [5]
Plant Food Protein Chart [6]
I included the protein articles because if you’re eating enough good food and calories to get enough protein on a vegan diet, then you’re more likely to get the other nutrients you need, with the possible exceptions of B12, Omega 3 and Vit. D.
I also recommend the books Becoming Vegetarian [7] or ‘Becoming Vegan [8], by Vesanto Melina and Brenda Davis, registered dietitians and long time vegans.
Get tested - and feel better soon!
Judith Kingsbury, Savvy Vegetarian
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[2] Savvy Veg Nutrition Report: http://www.savvyvegetarian.com/blog/nutrition-report.php
[3] Ten Tips For Going Vegetarian: http://www.savvyvegetarian.com/blog/ten-tips-offer.php
[4] How To Get Enough Protein In Your Vegetarian Diet: http://www.savvyvegetarian.com/blog/articles/get-enough-protein-veg-diet.php
[5] Vegetarian Protein Sample Menus: http://www.savvyvegetarian.com/blog/vegetarian-cooking/protein-sample-menus.php
[6] Plant Food Protein Chart: http://www.savvyvegetarian.com/blog/articles/plant-food-protein-chart.pdf
[7] Becoming Vegetarian: http://www.savvyvegetarian.com/blog/articles/new-becoming-veg-review.php
[8] Becoming Vegan: http://www.savvyvegetarian.com/blog/articles/becoming-vegan-review.php
[9] Image: http://www.savvyvegetarian.com/blog/advice/mom-suspects-vitamin-deficiencies-in-teen-vegetarian/
[10] Image: http://www.savvyvegetarian.com/blog/advice/vegetarian-advice-energy-diet-protein-supplements/
[11] Image: http://www.savvyvegetarian.com/blog/advice/blood-type-diets-vegetarian-diet-energy-nutrition/
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