Inspired by the sharing on this thread, I've spent the last month experimenting with bringing more beans and legumes into my diet. I wanted to share what I've found.
I've been a vegan for 20 years and not gotten too wrapped up in RDA's... instead opting for what I feel is a well balanced, healthy vegan diet, without too much number counting. I've naturally shied away from eating too many legumes and things because I don't tend to feel to right when I eat them. This thread got me wondering if I was missing out. I was curious, so over the last month I've upped my intake so that I am getting around the RDA of protein for someone of my age via beans, pulses, legumes.
My normal state of health is/was vibrant, alive and really healthy. Completely vegan enjoying lots of fresh organic vegetable (especially greens), fruits, nuts, seeds, avocado, coconut, olives, quinoa, millet, rice etc. (including beans, peas or lentils in something a couple of times a week at most).
So after a month upping my legume intake, I have been feeling increasingly sluggish; lacking in energy. I feel heavy, like a lead weight, more bloated than ever!
So, after a month, I am going back to the way I ate before, getting most of my protein from seeds, nuts, quinoa etc. instead (including much less legumes). I've eaten that way for many years and experienced amazing health.
I felt to share, because I know that eating a vegan diet can be a bit confusing. Whilst eating legumes can be really beneficial for a lot of vegans, it's not necessarily the answer for everyone. We really do need to take care of what we eat if we want to be healthy. It also feels important to honour the fact that each person is unique and individual.
For some reason, I am certain that my body doesn't process legumes very well and it has a negative effect on my health if I pass a certain thresh hold of quantity. We have to learn to listen to our bodies... I believe that my body has guided me under no uncertain terms about what works for it's configuration. I wanted to share in case other people experience the same and feel that they HAVE to eat stuff that their body is rejecting. I can share from personal experience of eating vegan for half of my life.... with really good health.
On the other, I would also really recommend legumes for most people. I know that my husband and my son all thrive on beans & pulses. It feels an important part of their diet. I just wanted to share that even within a vegan diet, there are going to be some foods less suited to some people - even legumes.
I'm happy to see that it doesn't seem like you use much oil in your recipes either from what I've seen poking around. (I'm pretty stubborn against using oil. I think flavor can come from spices and herbs, and fats are better gotten from things like seeds and nuts and avocados)
