Discussion Board

I am newly joining this discussion group in the hopes of getting some good info and support as a vegan triathlete. I've been a vegetarian for 30 years, a vegan for the past 2 years. I did complete a full distance Ironman as a vegan--and was a bit chubby despite all my hours of training---imagine what I could do if I was able to get to a leaner weight??
I know there are many exemplary vegan athletes and/but it is hard to get support regarding achieving and maintaining a racing weight as a vegan triathlete. I don't want to consume a lot of soy. Also as a 53 year old woman--I just can't seem to budge these 7 extra pounds!! Also these days I'm at a loss for what to snack on---as I look at my diet I think I tend to eat way too high a % of fat on a daily basis ( @40%) and it does seem to translate to weight gain for me? Any and all thoughts very much welcome---at 53 the ease with which I gain weight is discouraging given my high level of activity??

Wow! Your fitness accomplishments are impressive!

Dr. McDougall likes to say, "The fat you eat is the fat you wear." Obviously, you are not "fat" if you only want to lose the last 7 pounds. But my guess is that if you lower your fat intake, you will quickly and easily lose those last stubborn few and see an improvement in your overall physique. A diet with 40% fat is pretty high; I'd start there if I were you.

Here is a great article that outlines the above quote.
http://www.drmcdougall.com/misc/2008nl/dec/fat.htm

Also, you may enjoy this blog:
http://vegantriathlete.com/

Many thanks, what a great article and perfectly timed for me!! I'm wondering what , if any, sports bars or quick foods you ( or Dr M) would suggest to eat while training? I like the cliff builder bars, but these are ( all bars are) high in fat.

Hi Vegantri!

I am very excited to see your post this afternoon, and it is for a whole pack 'o reasons!

For one, thanks for being such an inspiration with challenging your fitness. Are you talking full triatlon? Wow! Now, I did a 'modified' triathlon several years ago, meaning each leg wasn't full length (though it felt like it). I keep telling myself that since the water we did the swim in was 54 degrees, that should count for something! I did medal in my category, how fun is that?

Next, I just sent a survey to the thousands on my newsletter list asking them what they would like to see in a 'how to' guide - and I'd love to hear your response to the survey, too! If you want to participate (it just takes about a minute), please send me your an email at lani@lanimuelrath.com. Or, you can use the contact form in the navigation bar on my website here:

http://www.lanimuelrath.com

Next, how do you know it's 7 lbs? Do you know what your body composition measurement is, or do you just know your body well enough to know it's the '7 lbs'? I find many athletes and well-conditioned people have a very clear sense about this.

That said, it may be easier than you think to find where the 7 lbs is being generated. And your body, at the same time, may be very resistant to letting them go as they may be providing an important balance for you at a 'healthy' weight for you. Some may also be related to menopause, not knowing where you are in your cycles.

So much for a quick simple answer, hunh?

And yes you're right on the bars - the ones with nuts are so high in fat and if you don't need the calories, it's easy to store them.

Be sure you are eating enough carbs in the hours before your training, which is where your energy supplies are primarily generated. During events, the quickest energy can come in the form of liquids and gels made almost entirely of carbohydrates that are quickly absorbed and delivered as energy. You can get these at sports stores.

But that's not a typical "snack". So are you thinking 'snack' as in right before or during training, or hours away from?

So glad to see you here,
Lani

THanks Lani, I'm happy to complete a survey. Ok so 7 pounds because I just feel much better and clothes are more comfortable and I have this belly!! I was done with menopause ( if such a thing is possible!) over 2 years ago. I did have a weight gain then even greater, got myself down to where I am now but want that 7 lbs to go to!

Thanks Vegantri - let me know when you get the survey or if you need help getting your hands on it.

PLUS cholesterol levels are famously UP post-meno, not just during.

Lani

The belly could possibly be from fibroids, not fat. I knew a nurse who was thin all over but had a pot belly from fibroids.