by vgpedlr » Sat Jul 22, 2017 6:46 pm
Congratulations on the weight loss, 45 lbs is no small feat, that is an accomplishment.
I reread the OP and I understand a little better. There are many WFPB approaches, and this one is particular in its requirements. It is very similar to Esselstyn's diet to reverse heart disease. NO oil is important. Limiting or avoiding high fat plant foods is important for many people. Take the time to educate yourself on the Program. Lots of resources under the Education tab. The Starch Solution is also very good. Then there are many resources in Jeff's forum. The information on Calorie Density is very important, especially for weight loss. Study that, track your intake and everything should become clearer. Weight loss plateaus aren't unusual, but they are mysterious. It's a time to record, track and analyze using the principles of calorie density to make adjustments. Also, you note weights, but not BMI. Sometimes people get fixated on a number when it's better to just focus on the practice.
Regarding the LCHF/Keto krowd, I know what you're referring to. I often feel inundated by their propaganda. I put it into perspective in that conflict sells and drives stories. So when a few people turn convention on its head it attracts attention. I've read Phinney/Volek and listened to many of the proponents of high fat fueling. They haven't convinced me that it's better for performance. Many of them believe that it's better for long term health, but I have not seen any evidence that that is true either. Most athletes at all levels and all distances use conventional carb based fueling, so we KNOW it works. As McDougall always points out, all successful populations throughout history have eaten a starch based diet. For therapeutic purposes, such as disease reversal, this diet has an outstanding track record. We KNOW it works. Don't get lost in the LC noise. It's true that fat is an important fuel for endurance, the longer the distance, the more important it becomes. Which is why the body stores fat. Even the leanest athlete has plenty stored, so there is no need to focus on consuming it, especially if weight loss is still a goal. Example, I ate really late last night, which I don't like. So today I skipped breakfast and went on a 2 hr road ride. By the time I took in any calories, it had been 14 hrs, including that ride. Only water on the bike. I can do this because I have trained my body over time with aerobic training to burn fat for fuel.
Consider pinning on a number for your 50K. There are lots of great races in OR. It's tons of fun to line up with a bunch of other loons who think paying money to get up early and run around the woods all day is great idea.
I forgot to mention Scott Jurek 7 time winner of Western States and former course record holder.. His memoir Eat and Run is a great read, from both ultra running and vegan perspectives. Each chapter has a recipe. Jurek does not follow the nutritional guidelines here, as he makes dishes with higher calorie density and uses oil. But they can all be modified. Rich Roll's Finding Ultra is also a good vegan endurance read, but much of the story is about his former addictions.