Ok, So, in my quest to be the PERFECT Vegan, I make sure I do everything right. I make sure I use supplements each and everyday, I eat TONS of greens, lots of fruits and great sources of fats and grains. With that being said, I still don't think I am getting ENOUGH Vitamin B12. I get VERY lethargic when I shouldn't, since I get 8 to 8.5 hours of sleep every night. I eat 4 meals a day, and my life is not THAT stressful. This happened to me about 6 months ago, and I ended up getting a Vitamin B 12 shot, that made me feel better instantly. How convenient is it to go to the doctor to get these shots everytime I get tired (which is pretty much everyday!) I needed to do some deeper research and investigating! Before I get into the DRASTIC change that just took place this morning, let me explain what Vitamin B12 is and why you NEED IT!
Vitamin B12 is an essential B vitamin, that is especially important for vegetarians since it is not found in any large amounts in plant foods. If you become deficient in vitamin B12 you can experience detrimental changes in certain body functions. It is required for the normal maturation of red blood cells and also for the synthesis of the myelin sheath of nerve tissue.
Vitamin B12 deficiency manifests itself in a number of ways. Bone marrow makes fewer red blood cells and many of the cells that form are large and immature resulting in macrocytic anemia. The blood levels of B12 may decrease below normal levels.
Other signs seen with B12 deficiency include paresthesia (numbness and tingling in the hands and legs), inability to maintain balance when walking, weakness and excessive fatigue, loss of vibration and position sense, irregular menstrual cycles, and a range of psychiatric disorders including disorientation, depression, mood disturbances, irritability, memory loss, and dementia. Vitamin B12 deficiency is fairly common in the elderly and is associated with dementia and other neurological disorders seen in the geriatric population.
My signs are, fatigue, depression, irritability, and stress levels increased.
After lots of thought and research, I decided to add one protein source from an aminal back in my diet- EGGS. But NOT just any eggs because the production of commercially-grown eggs is inhumane not only to the chickens, but also the environment. I am now eating ETHICAL eggs.
How can you be sure you're supporting humane egg laying?
• Certified Humane
• American Humane Certified
• Animal Welfare Approved
• American Humane Certified
• Animal Welfare Approved
The fun doesn't stop there; the WSPA site is full of tools for humane food buying. For instance, to find out what are the most humane brands your local grocer carries, check out this great tool from the WSPA. You can choose your grocer (two of my closest stores were on the list), and it will give you a list of brand-names those chains carry that are humane.
I went to the site and typed in Whole foods and found my eggs!
So Friday was my first day having an egg in OVER ONE YEAR. I had 1 whole egg & 1 egg white on 1 slice of Ezekiel toast. I can't deny- It was delicious! I discovered that 1 egg white has 4 grams of protein, 16 calories, and 0 fat & carbs. 1 whole egg has 70 calories, 6 grams of protein, 7 grams of fat, 0 carbs. So let's compare what I normally eat:
Old breakfast:
1 slice cinnamon raisin Ezekiel toast...80 cal, 18 carbs, 3 protein, 0.5 fat
1 banana...105 cals, 27 carbs, 1 protein, 0 fat
1.5 tbsp almond butter...150 cal, 3 carbs, 2 protein, 9 fat
total calories-335
total carbs-48
total fat-9.5
total protein-6
New breakfast:
1 whole egg, 1 egg white...86 calories, 10 protein, 0 carbs, 7 fat
1 slice ezekiel toast...80 cals, 4 protein, 15 carbs, 1 fat
1 cup baby fresh spinach...7 cals, 1 protein, 1 carbs, 0 fat
Total Calories- 173
total carbs-16 carbs
total fat-8
total protein-15 grams
Wow! I didn't realize how many carbs I was ingesting every morning for the past year! I am such a routine person, so once I started to eat the Ezekiel & banana & A butter, I never looked back, besides, I liked making my Fit Green Goddess Shakes after my workouts.
I finally have been taking a look back at my daily habits over the year, and while I started out GREAT, and balanced with my nutrients, I have been reaching for way too many carbs. WHen I say the word carbs, I mean, fruits. I believe I am eating tooo many! I am always in my kitchen grazing on dried mangos, goji berries, when I open the fridge, I eat 2-3 dates, I add 2 cups of fruit to my shakes.
I didn't know that inflammation starts in the gut! two thirds of the body's defenses start in the GI tract, yet it is pretty much overlooked by doctors. Read more on this causes of inflammation .
SO back to my eggs & I being reunited! I am so happy, I can almost feel the vitamin b 12 getting soaked up by my body! How about the lecithin, which breaks down body fat? Eggs curb your appetite, so you will feel fuller longer. Here is a tip: bowl a dozen eggs, peel them once cooled and store in a zip lock baggie for a quick snack!
DOes this mean I am still a Vegan? I think so! I am NOT eating any meat, chicken, turkey or fish, NO DAIRY (YUK) and I don't wish to. I am so thankful to have found a company that is ethical.
Now I can enjoy a super big veggie omelet and get a great source of serious protein & vitamin b12!
:O)
