Who else is on the Brewer Diet? - Page 2

[GinaRae]

I just don't know what to do.

I always thought I would try the Brewers diet (two time pre-e and my third son was PIH) and even thought that earlier in this pregnancy. But now it doesn't seem quite right, The midwife mentioned it too. I don't know. I may just try some other things like celery and cinnamon to keep my BP down.

I just don't know

The thing that sticks in my mind is that my first time with toxemia I was really eating a ton of protein and drinking gallons of milk, yet I got toxemia.

Luckily both of my pre-e's were late in pregnancy so I would go on bed rest for the eighth month or so and be induced week 37-38. I've never had to deal with a premature baby and the NICU.

I've always gained a ton of weight with my pregnancies (50-80 pounds!), so I am really concerned about that this time. Right now with how sick I was, I have gone up and down the scale a bit but as of today I am sitting exactly on my pre-pregnancy weight and I am 16 weeks.

I would rather gain weight closer to the third trimester so I know it won't be as much and it will come off easier, but I am worried that I am not eating enough right now. And when I DO eat, my activity level is so low, and my metabolism is to cranky, I gain weight quickly.

*sigh*

[veganjoy]

I have a couple questions about the Brewer diet:

-It's not too difficult to get the recommended amount of protein on a vegan diet. Is Brewer more particular about the amount of protein, or that it be a particular kind (from animal products)?

-I know the "meat" section is negotiable, and can be substituted with other proteins, but what about the dairy? Soymilk has the same amount of protein as dairy milk, and of course there's soy yogurt, cheese, and all that. But 1) I don't consume very much soy (a quart of soymilk every day would seem excessive), and 2) I'm not sure what the goal of consuming it is (protein, calcium, B12...?).

-When Brewer recommends 3 pats of butter each day, can it be replaced with other healthy fats? I'd be happy to consume the same amount of fat in avocadoes, flax oil, or nuts, but butter just isn't an option (neither is non-hydrogenated margarine; there's just nothing really useful in it).

I'm asking because I had really hoped to take Bradley classes, which use the Brewer diet. I already eat far more vegetables, fruits, beans, and grains than Brewer recommends, but no animal products from the other categories. From what I can tell, Bradley instructors seem to be very firm about this, and I don't want to choose birth classes where I'll constantly be at odds with the instructor's recommendations.

Any ideas?

[welldone]

veganjoy - Bradley instructors, for the most part, are going to be concerned with you eating 1.) the recommended amount of protein, and 2.) a wide variety of whole foods. Since you already do both, I recommend that you walk with confidence into a Bradley birthing class and enjoy it.

Of course, I can't speak for individual temperaments. But I, for one, would be thrilled to teach to someone who's already so knowledgable and eating so much produce.

If you were to prepare a sheet with everything you've eaten in a week, with daily protein values calculated, it would reassure any childbirth instructor.

I know it can be difficult for vegans to get enough protein (80g is a lot for some omnivores, even). Can you share how you're getting your protein?

Originally Posted by veganjoy

When Brewer recommends 3 pats of butter each day, can it be replaced with other healthy fats?

Your suggested replacements--avocados, nuts, flaxseed oil--are good choices. I'd also throw in coconut oil and olive oil.

[Rikki Jean]

Originally Posted by welldone

veganjoy - Bradley instructors, for the most part, are going to be concerned with you eating 1.) the recommended amount of protein, and 2.) a wide variety of whole foods. Since you already do both, I recommend that you walk with confidence into a Bradley birthing class and enjoy it.

Of course, I can't speak for individual temperaments. But I, for one, would be thrilled to teach to someone who's already so knowledgable and eating so much produce.

If you were to prepare a sheet with everything you've eaten in a week, with daily protein values calculated, it would reassure any childbirth instructor.

I know it can be difficult for vegans to get enough protein (80g is a lot for some omnivores, even). Can you share how you're getting your protein?


Your suggested replacements--avocados, nuts, flaxseed oil--are good choices. I'd also throw in coconut oil and olive oil.

What she said!

Well, except for the part that I'm not a Bradley instructor. One day, I hope!

[veganjoy]

serina and erica, thank you so much for your replies.

Originally Posted by welldone

I know it can be difficult for vegans to get enough protein (80g is a lot for some omnivores, even). Can you share how you're getting your protein?

Here's what a typical day might look like for me (protein content is in parentheses):

• Smoothie of soy yogurt (4 grams/1/2 cup), soymilk (7 grams/cup), berries (1), banana (1), peach (1), rice protein powder (12 grams), flax oil
  26 grams

• Salad of greens (8), tomatoes (1), asparagus (3), capers, avocado (1), artichoke hearts (1), and grilled seitan (20 grams)
  34 grams

• hummus (7) with several cups mixed veggies (6), handful walnuts or brazil nuts (4)
  17 grams

• brown rice (5 grams/cup) with lentils (18 grams/cup) and sautéed kale (8 grams/3 ½ cups)
  31 grams

• apple and peanut butter
  6 grams

That's about 114 grams total, which would be a fairly high protein day for me; I tend to get around 80 grams on average.

Some other protein sources:

• oatmeal with soymilk and sautéed apples
  16 grams

• fruit and soy yogurt
  8 grams

• brown rice, peanut butter, raisins
  14 grams

• veg fish with green beans, pineapple, veg oyster sauce, brown rice
  35 grams

I eat A LOT! But also exercise very regularly. I don't eat much soy, and can't stand tofu, but I love gigantic salads and greens. Most greens generally have about 1 gram of protein per cup, but that adds up in a salad with loads of stuff in it. I also eat lots of fresh fruit and raw veggies all day long.

If I find myself short on protein for the day, I'll just have rice protein powder with an evening snack, adding 12 grams. I do supplement with B12, additional calcium, and vegetarian omegas as well.