Why Am I Not Thriving on a Vegan Diet? Let’s Talk About It
Let me take you back to the time I first turned vegan. I was a self-proclaimed pakka non-vegetarian from Goa (now you can imagine), the kind of person whose idea of greens was the coriander sprinkled on biryani. Then came the decision to transition to a vegan lifestyle—cue dramatic drumroll. My cholesterol levels were scaling new heights, my weight seemed to have a mind of its own, and I was constantly body-shamed. I thought, “There’s no way this will work.” Spoiler alert: it did, but it took me a good couple of years to get those blood parameters looking like they’d been reprogrammed for success.
But here’s the thing—I wasn’t just eating salad and millets (although, trust me, there was a lot of that). There was a whole lot of me work involved, and not the “I’m-in-the-gym-5-hours” kind. I’m talking about mental health, self-talk, and even the way I looked at my food. Let’s dive in, shall we?
Food Fear is Real, and It’s Hurting You
Yes, you’re eating organic, whole foods, carefully balanced meals, and hitting your macros (nutrients) like a boss. But if your mind is constantly screaming, “Am I eating too many carbs? Is this enough protein? What if this tofu is hurting me?” you’re stressing yourself out. Fear around food, even healthy food, can wreak havoc on your hormones. Cortisol (a.k.a. your stress hormone) starts wreaking havoc, and your body gets so busy managing stress that it forgets about burning fat, balancing hormones, or fixing that pesky bloating.
Stress Eating—Even the Healthy Kind
Who hasn’t stress-eaten a tub of hummus with a family-sized bag of carrots? You tell yourself, “It’s healthy, so it’s fine!” But emotional eating—whether it’s fries or flaxseeds—is still emotional eating. Your body can feel the difference between mindful eating and panic-munching. The solution? Pause. Breathe. Plate your food. Eat slowly. You’re not in an episode of MasterChef.
The Hormonal Culprits
For my ladies dealing with PCOD, PCOS, or thyroid conditions—first of all, a big hug. These underlying conditions can slow down your progress, even if you’re doing everything “right.” They mess with your hormones, your metabolism, and sometimes your sanity. A vegan lifestyle can help, but healing takes time. Be patient with your body; it’s not Amazon Prime with next day delivery!
Belief Makes All the Difference
Here’s an awkward confession: in my early vegan days, I didn’t fully believe in it. I felt like I was cheating on my Grilled Pomfret and Tandoori chicken. And guess what? My body knew. The lack of belief in the lifestyle you’ve chosen can subconsciously sabotage your efforts. Food isn’t just fuel; it’s energy, intention, and love. If you’re doubting your choices, it’s time to revisit your why.
Stop Talking Trash to Yourself
Negative self-talk is like that annoying person at a party who just won’t leave. “You’re still bloated; this isn’t working.” “You’ll never lose weight.” Sound familiar? You can eat the most antioxidant-packed smoothie bowl, but if your mind is on a loop of criticism, your body feels it. Replace the judgment with compassion. Talk to yourself like you would to a best friend—not the frenemy who points out your love handles.
My Biggest Takeaway
Looking back, my vegan journey wasn’t just about food. It was about unlearning old habits, being kinder to myself, and learning to trust my body. Sure, it took time. My cholesterol didn’t drop overnight, and my weight didn’t stabilise as quickly as I wanted. But when I stopped obsessing and started nurturing—not just my diet but my mind—everything started to fall into place.
So, if you’re feeling stuck, ask yourself:
- Are you being too hard on yourself?
- Is stress controlling your diet or health journey?
- Are you allowing time for results to show?
And most importantly, do you believe in you?
Because this lifestyle isn’t just about eating plants—it’s about planting seeds of self-love, patience, and joy. And trust me, that’s where the magic happens.
