In a previous post, I had mentioned that I consulted a registered dietitian. I made the decision to visit a dietitian instead of a “nutritionist” as dietitians are provincially regulated. The dietitian helped me create a new meal and activity plan to ensure that my diet is well-balanced and able to compliment my level of activity. She was able to assess my previous eating habits based on a food diary I had been keeping on the advice of my allergist. Please keep in mind that this plan was tailored to my needs, which include a number of food allergies. Here is an overview of the changes she suggested:
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BEFORE: |
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AFTER: |
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Breakfast |
oats, raisins, flax seed, bran and boiled apple or pumpkin OR All-Bran w/ fruit and soy milk |
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Breakfast |
oats, raisins, flax seed, bran and boiled apple or pumpkin OR homemade granola mix w/ fruit and soy milk |
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Snack #1 |
fruit |
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Snack #1 |
fruit OR vegetables and source of protein (ex. blueberries and soy yogurt, veggies and hummus, grapes and soy cheeze) |
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Snack #2 |
fruit |
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Lunch |
salad OR green smoothie |
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Lunch |
largest meal of the day (must include vegetables, starch and protein) |
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Snack #3 |
fruit |
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Snack #2 |
fruit OR vegetables and source of protein |
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Snack #4 |
fruit and soy yogurt
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Supper |
largest meal of the day (vegetables, starch and protein) |
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Supper |
sandwich, salad OR other small meal |
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Snack #3 |
fruit (optional) |
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My previous eating habits left me feeling very hungry, tired and weak even though I was snacking very frequently. The new plan should provide me with enough energy to get through the day and my afternoon work outs. I have already noticed an improvement in my energy level since I started following the plan!
This mango lassi is an example of a snack that would fit my new plan:
If you are interested in consulting a dietitian, you can use this website to locate one in your area.
- Aly


VeggieGirl said,
August 15, 2008 @ 8:03 am
Sounds like a great, new plan!! And that mango lassi sounds quite refreshing – yum!
VeganCowGirl said,
August 15, 2008 @ 8:24 am
Hmmm….sounds like an interesting idea. Perhaps I will try to book an appointment with a nutritionist when I come home to T.O. in Oct. (i don’t think we have any here in Brussels) – I would be very curious to see what they might say.
The mango lassi looks great!!!
shellyfish said,
August 15, 2008 @ 12:29 pm
Any plan that has mango lassis as an option is right on in my book! Woo hoo!
Allison said,
August 15, 2008 @ 12:56 pm
Thanks for posting the meal plan! Even though you mentioned having a lot of allergies, it’s nice to see a balanced way of eating all planned out. I’m glad it’s helping!
Erin said,
August 15, 2008 @ 1:49 pm
That sounds like a good, balanced plan. I think I need to pay a visit to a dietician as well!
And thanks for the link on the oil drilling–it’s horrible to corrupt nature just for oil…Downright evil, actually.
Bianca- Vegan Crunk said,
August 15, 2008 @ 3:24 pm
It’s cool to see how they changed your eating schedule around. And I’ve heard it’s better to eat bigger at lunch, but when I try that, it makes me too tired to work the rest of the afternoon. I do love the frequent snacking recommendations. I sometimes feel guilty abouts snacking…even healthy snacking. I guess I shouldn’t.
Shelby said,
August 15, 2008 @ 5:59 pm
mmm I heart mangos!
Alicia said,
August 16, 2008 @ 2:24 am
Yummy mango lassi and now I’m craving a smoothie. :) Good to hear that you have a new eating plan and hopefully all will be well. Do keep us posted.
compulsivewriter said,
August 16, 2008 @ 5:09 am
sounds like a good plan… good luck…. n the mango lassi looks yummmm
McCunt said,
August 16, 2008 @ 9:53 am
Tastes extremely good.
Lisa (Show Me Vegan) said,
August 16, 2008 @ 5:46 pm
Your mango lassi is so pretty! Interesting plan. Hadn’t occurred to me to eat the largest meal midday.
ChocolateCoveredVegan said,
August 16, 2008 @ 6:39 pm
Looks like a terrifically well-balanced plan :o).
Nikki said,
August 17, 2008 @ 1:27 am
Good plan and some wonderful meals in your last post.
glidingcalm said,
August 17, 2008 @ 12:26 pm
i used to ALWAYS order mango lassi for my drink of choice at indian restaurants! so yummy!
Theresa said,
August 17, 2008 @ 5:19 pm
The best part about that diet plan is that it sounds totally do-able. It’s so refreshing to meet with dietitians who don’t baulk at the idea of veganism!
natalie said,
August 17, 2008 @ 9:20 pm
I completely agree with Theresa, I haven’t been wanting to see a dietitian thinking they would just tell me to start eating meat or dairy. It’s good to know they respect your diet!
And that mango lassi looks great. I must make one ASAP!
Lauren said,
August 17, 2008 @ 11:09 pm
that’s so cool that you got information on your eating plan from a dietician..that’s actually a profession i’m really looking about going into, so that’s great that you’re pleased with meeting with one. :)
erica said,
August 18, 2008 @ 9:37 am
Very interesting plan! I think I’m going to try having lunch as my largest meal, and see if I feel a difference.
And that mango lassi looks fabulous!