Help me come back to veganism- despite my pregnancy.

[nj's_mom]

So, I've been a vegetarian for about a year and vegan for a few months, and recently I went waaaay off the wagon, almost in the Traditional/Primal direction. It felt good for a while, but really, it feels crappy. I feel way more tired after eating heavy milk/dairy.

I'm six weeks pregnant, and I do crave meat often. Corned beef, sandwiches w/ lunchmeats and cheese (eew), etc etc. But really, when I think about it, it nauseates me.

I wonder what my body is saying- if it's asking for protein that can be given in other ways?

Anyways, any tips for weaning off meat/dairy during pregnancy and returning to a vegan way of eating? We have a well stocked pantry, but little motivation to cook- big on fruit and easy salads w/ dark leafy greens. We have raw nuts, which I sometimes soak, and quinoa and beans and the like. But I mess up most recipes that have too many steps, and lately I've been too exhausted to want to cook ...

[germin8]

Usually cravings are due to lack of minerals... so "up" your sea salt (the good kind) and drink plenty of green smoothies. I am veganarian (vegan at home, vegetarian out). When I was pregnant, I didn't have any cravings, but I always wanted to eat dishes with beans. Beans, beans, and more beans - garbanzos, lentils, pinto, black... beans. I think my body wanted the protein. You can also get amino acids (building blocks of protein) from sprouts and greens.

Don't forget your calcium... can be found in greens and sesame seeds.

This vegan pregnancy nutrition chart may help.