Esselstyn Diet (plants only, no oils)

Annik
edited August 2019 in Ask An Expert

I started the Esselstyn Diet this week and I'm on day 7 and feel very weak. I'm concerned about protein because I can't eat great amounts of plants. Are there any suggestions?

Comments

  • 123Ace
    edited August 2019

    Hello Annik,

    Someone already ask for sources of plants proteins. If you feel weak proteins is probably the last suspect. Proteins deficiency happen when there is a calorie deficiency. So eat enough food. Verify your Energy intake(calories) or even water intake. Or it is not linked to your diet.

    Don't skip your breakfast maybe. Nuts/avocados/olives have fats so they are more calorie dense. Greens for minerals like calcium etc. Verify that you ate enough iodine too, b12 and sun(vitamin D at least). Sleep well(at least 8h).

    Can't think of anything else now.

    Good luck.

  • @Annik

    As a dietitian specializing in plant-based diets, I'm not a huge fan of Esselstyn's diet for several reasons:

    1) It's too low in protein for optimal intake of minerals
    2) The low fat content can make it more difficult to absorb fat-soluble nutrients
    3) It's not very sustainable

    As a vegan, it's important to include adequate protein throughout the day to ensure you are meeting needs for minerals like iron and zinc. I would suggest modifying the diet to still be whole-food plant-based with no oil, but allow for whole food sources of fat like nuts, seeds, nut butters, and avocado.

    There is also a thread discussing this diet here:
    https://forums.cronometer.com/discussion/1111/no-oil-wfpb-diet

    Let me know if you have any other questions!

    Susan Macfarlane, MScA, RD
    Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
    cronometer.com
    As always, any and all postings here are covered by our T&Cs:
    https://forums.cronometer.com/discussion/27/governing-terms-and-disclaimer

  • Interesting. I do include those foods, but not large amounts. Is there any other way to boost protein?

  • @Annik

    Concentrated plant protein includes:

    • tempeh, tofu
    • seitan
    • pulses (if consumed in sufficient amount)
    • seeds (esp. pumpkin seeds)
    • protein powders

    I would consider cooking with chickpea flour, making seitan loaf or muffins, roasting chickpeas or lentils to snack on, and sprinkling pumpkin and sunflower seeds on a variety of different foods.

    Susan Macfarlane, MScA, RD
    Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
    cronometer.com
    As always, any and all postings here are covered by our T&Cs:
    https://forums.cronometer.com/discussion/27/governing-terms-and-disclaimer