We actually went on this plan about the same time you did. So far, I think it’s been more expensive for us (because we weren’t eating much meat before, either). So, I look forward to future posts (whether here or on another blog) about the diet, including recipes and frugality tips.

And Sarah: I run, too, and I also can’t stomach much of anything in the time frame you have for “replenishing” after a long run. I’ve tried a lot of different bars, etc., and I’ve found the best thing for me is a glass of milk (whole, in my case, as I have a son who drinks whole milk) or a glass of chocolate soy milk. After a 1 hour (or longer) run, when I take the time to drink a glass of milk afterwards, I feel much more energized.

You are to be praised not just for changing your diet, but for doing so without some disease hanging over your head. Good on you.

And the truth is, we ALL know that eating right and exercising will help us live longer. But how many of us seriously do it? You are inspiring.

With regards to health: as a life-long vegetarian (ovo-lacto, never knowingly eaten meat), the *only* diet-related health problem I’ve had is a slight B12 deficiency, the rest of my vege family not even that. We don’t regularly take supplements, and all basically eat what we want, same as most other people.

Granted, it is purely anecdotal and others do have issues with a vege diet, but I just wanted to point out that it’s not necessarily “vegetarian = iron/protein/B12/whatever deficiency”, nor “vegetarian = obsessing about food/diet/whatever”.

I’m also a runner and need a boost of protein post-workout and am wondering if you have protein shake recipes or if you use the powder, or any tips on cost effective and healthy (ie, no arsenic) ways to make protein shakes.

I see others mention that fruit/veggies/break HAVE protein, but I remain convinced that I have a real need for something beyond that post long run (for day to day stuff, i agree that I’m probably getting enough protein, though I’m lazy about tracking). Sure, peanut butter toast works, but my stomach favors something liquidy smooth right after exercise.

Do you buy larabars in bulk? What other foods have you discovered? How about quinioa? Any interest in a frugal veg recipe series? There are tons of great health/vegan blogs out there, but I get annoyed when they thrown in expensive (but very healthy!) ingredients.

Anyway, best of luck with your health!

@16 i-geek, I, too, have had to go gluten-free plus I don’t eat meat (I’ve had to add in seafood and eggs on the advice of my dr.–health trumped principles), which makes eating in restaurants rather difficult. Went to a chain spaghetti restaurant with friends because 1) I had a coupon and 2) they have gluten-free pasta. After requesting gluten-free pasta, I was kind of floored when the server asked if I get sick. That same question was asked when I went in a second, and it was a different server. It made me wonder if this chain will use the same cooking water for gluten-free pasta as they use for regular pasta if you say it doesn’t make you sick–can’t figure out why else they’d ask that question. I don’t have celiac, so it’s not a life-threatening thing for me, but gluten has contributed to some health problems. Should have said, yes, gluten makes me sick, but it was one (actually two) of those moments when I was so startled, I couldn’t figure out what to say.

I’m 30 years old and recently went to the doctor for a basic checkup, as I hadn’t been to the doctor in seven years (since the last time I thought it had been too long since I’d seen a doctor). Although I’ve done virtually no exercise in almost ten years, I was told my body is in excellent shape.

Cholesterol: 124

LDL Cholesterol (so-called “bad cholesterol”): 63

Years ago I would have been able to stomach 3 meals a day with all of them containing meat, but these days, one meal with meat, and a small amount is good enough. The benefits in energy level are pretty obvious. Good for you, Trent.

I, like you, had to radically change my diet about 11 months ago, although in my case it was the complete removal of all gluten from my diet to stop my immune system from destroying my intestines (aka celiac disease). At first it seemed daunting, and like you, I had to do the cost/benefit analysis of how much I was willing to sacrifice for good health. It turns out that going gluten-free was totally worth the sacrifices, as I am now in the best health of my adult life. I feel great and I have lots of energy to get in the kitchen and, again like you, experiment with all sorts of new foods. Since I can’t risk ingesting gluten unless i want a flare-up, we did cut back on eating in restaurants (although it is now a much-anticipated and enjoyed treat when we find a place with a safe menu). Instead, we’ve invested in a few new cookbooks and cooking utensils and are learning to make new cuisines and use new techniques. I’m certainly not complaining about the monetary savings from cooking at home more often.

Best of luck to you as you continue in your new lifestyle!