Does this actually work?

Since school started back up, I’ve been putting on weight even though my diet hasn't really changed. I'm a vegetarian, so I honestly don't get how eating things like tofu, soy, or couscous could cause this much weight gain... My question is this: If I have yogurt for breakfast and rice pudding with skim milk for lunch, is it actually possible to drop 3 pounds—maybe even more—in just two weeks? I know suggesting this for lunch sounds silly, but back when I had to cut weight for competitions (I'm an athlete), this kind of thing worked. I skip dinner entirely, so that should help too. I realize this method is probably stupid and bad for my health, but I feel terrible in my own skin and I need to lose 4 or 5 pounds as soon as possible because I just can't stand it anymore...
Thanks in advance for the advice. Please, just skip the "are you crazy?" or "that's a disaster" comments—just give me specifics. If there are any nutritionists on here, I would really appreciate your input.

Just as a side note, I saw a Center for Non-Smoking and Weight Loss back in Vlach. Is it worth checking them out for their treatments? Apparently, they do something involving magnetic resonance...

Best,

Richard Jackson said:Since school started back up, I’ve been putting on weight even though my diet hasn't really changed. I'm a vegetarian, so I honestly don't get how eating things like tofu, soy, or couscous could cause this much weight gain... My question is this: If I have yogurt for breakfast and rice pudding with skim milk for lunch, is it actually possible to drop 3 pounds—maybe even more—in just two weeks? I know suggesting this for lunch sounds silly, but back when I had to cut weight for competitions (I'm an athlete), this kind of thing worked. I skip dinner entirely, so that should help too. I realize this method is probably stupid and bad for my health, but I feel terrible in my own skin and I need to lose 4 or 5 pounds as soon as possible because I just can't stand it anymore...
Thanks in advance for the advice. Please, just skip the "are you crazy?" or "that's a disaster" comments—just give me specifics. If there are any nutritionists on here, I would really appreciate your input.

Just as a side note, I saw a Center for Non-Smoking and Weight Loss back in Vlach. Is it worth checking them out for their treatments? Apparently, they do something involving magnetic resonance...

Best,

That magnetic resonance stuff is total snake oil—stay far away from it...

As for dropping that much weight in just two weeks... look, you're a vegetarian. Often, that type of diet isn't actually balanced (which might be exactly why you're gaining weight). If you start starving your body even further on top of that, you could end up in a seriously dangerous, sickly state.

Instead, take advantage of this beautiful weather—get outside, go for a run, go hiking, or ride your bike. Work hard physically and eat normally. You will likely lose the weight more slowly, but you won't deal with the boomerang effect, and you won't be risking a trip to the hospital.

PS. Sorry, but you sound a bit like someone leaning toward anorexia (specifically that part about not being able to stand yourself). If you are struggling with this, please reach out to someone who can actually help you...

Thanks for the heads-up regarding the MRI!

Since I’m still finishing up high school (senior year), my eating schedule is all over the place because of—well, school. Does anyone have recommendations for breakfast options that aren't calorie bombs? They always say breakfast should be the most important meal of the day...
Lunch is actually the bigger struggle. I'm the only vegetarian in my family, so I end up having to prep everything myself. After spending nine hours at school followed by an hour-long commute on the bus, the last thing I want to do is cook a full veggie meal... so I often just settle for a bowl of chocolate cereal for lunch. I do practice Taekwondo, which isn't exactly easy, and I assume I'm burning quite a few calories there—but clearly not enough.
Also, I keep getting warned that I'm not drinking enough fluids. Right now, I'm mostly sticking to water, Gatorade, and some effervescent tablets (magnesium and stuff like that). What's the ideal daily intake? It sounds crazy, I know, but there have been nights where I don't even touch water until around 11 PM...

As for the anorexia thing... I'm nowhere near that. Honestly, I think I'd need to lose another 10-15 pounds before I'd even be close to being anorexic, so that's definitely not the issue...

Richard Jackson said:Thanks for the heads-up regarding the MRI!

Since I’m still finishing up high school (senior year), my eating schedule is all over the place because of—well, school. Does anyone have recommendations for breakfast options that aren't calorie bombs? They always say breakfast should be the most important meal of the day...
Lunch is actually the bigger struggle. I'm the only vegetarian in my family, so I end up having to prep everything myself. After spending nine hours at school followed by an hour-long commute on the bus, the last thing I want to do is cook a full veggie meal... so I often just settle for a bowl of chocolate cereal for lunch. I do practice Taekwondo, which isn't exactly easy, and I assume I'm burning quite a few calories there—but clearly not enough.
Also, I keep getting warned that I'm not drinking enough fluids. Right now, I'm mostly sticking to water, Gatorade, and some effervescent tablets (magnesium and stuff like that). What's the ideal daily intake? It sounds crazy, I know, but there have been nights where I don't even touch water until around 11 PM...

As for the anorexia thing... I'm nowhere near that. Honestly, I think I'd need to lose another 10-15 pounds before I'd even be close to being anorexic, so that's definitely not the issue...

Breakfast... the classics, cereals, those are fine and all...

Regarding lunch... wait, if you're barely eating anything for lunch, what exactly are you doing for dinner?

I don't eat dinner.
It’s incredibly rare that I actually find the time to whip up a proper vegetarian lunch. Most days it ends up being just some tofu paired with organic bread or maybe some couscous—just plain water-boiled stuff. At worst, I’ll just grab some chocolate cereal or whatever flakes are lying around (but nothing like Nesquik, thank you very much).

I would honestly love to have cereal every single day, but I'm stuck at school so it’s not really an option.

I tried using L-carnitine for a while once, but it didn't do a thing for me.

Are there any pills or something else that could help me drop 9 pounds? I’m getting so desperate that the thought of picking up smoking actually crossed my mind as a way out of this... God, that's awful, I know.

Your diet is honestly a total disaster
It’s no wonder you're putting on weight

Fruit? Veggies? Not even a little bit?
Even a regular lunch can be easily tweaked to suit meat-eaters or vegetarians alike
Like, what’s wrong with a classic tomato soup, some risotto, a steak, and a side salad? They can have the steak, you skip it, and everyone wins!

What does your mom say about this mostly grain-based diet of yours?

Richard Jackson said:I don't eat dinner.
It’s incredibly rare that I actually find the time to whip up a proper vegetarian lunch. Most days it ends up being just some tofu paired with organic bread or maybe some couscous—just plain water-boiled stuff. At worst, I’ll just grab some chocolate cereal or whatever flakes are lying around (but nothing like Nesquik, thank you very much).

I would honestly love to have cereal every single day, but I'm stuck at school so it’s not really an option.

I tried using L-carnitine for a while once, but it didn't do a thing for me.

Are there any pills or something else that could help me drop 9 pounds? I’m getting so desperate that the thought of picking up smoking actually crossed my mind as a way out of this... God, that's awful, I know.

Oh my god...

Look, I honestly can't tell if you're joking or if you are being completely serious here... but if you really mean what you're saying, I can only tell you one thing. If I were eating like that, I wouldn't even feed my pet squirrels—I'd be too terrified they might die from such a lack of nutritional variety.

I am convinced that you are gaining weight precisely because your diet is totally incompatible with how a human metabolism is supposed to function. You are basically flooding your system with sugar to trick yourself into feeling full, all while neglecting the protein, fats, vitamins, and everything else your body actually needs.

For vegetarians to stay healthy, they really have to invest a significant amount of both time and money into prepping diverse meals to ensure the body gets its full range of nutrients. If you aren't in a position to do that right now, then vegetarianism simply isn't a sustainable lifestyle for you at this moment. Surely your health should be your top priority, right?

I am being completely serious here—I’m not joking around!

I know my diet is terrible, which is exactly why I’m looking for advice. My mom doesn't really have much of an opinion on what I eat; she just picks up some tofu, couscous, or soy for me every now and then...

It’s not even a choice whether I stay vegetarian or not. It isn't about animal rights for me—it’s just that the smell and texture of meat honestly make me nauseous.

I eat fruit. I don't exactly love vegetables, though I'll eat them occasionally if they're around.

What should I do? This weight gain is getting ridiculous—it's honestly starting to mess with my head...

Let's be honest—things like Cocoa Puffs, Rice Krispies, or those sugary chocolate cereals just aren't really meant for adults... ☕

What if you swapped that sugar for two or three apples instead? You could grab some fruit for a big snack during your break.... wait, so you're saying your mom doesn't cook anything at all?

Why are you complaining? When I was vegetarian, I actually gained 10 pounds in six months. I don't get how people misunderstand plant-based eating—vegetarians aren't necessarily thin. Bread, pasta, sugar, and stuff like that won't make you gain weight, but one steak or even a soy patty definitely can...

Also, you really ought to be drinking way more water. Not juice, just plain water... because staying hydrated helps kickstart your metabolism (if that makes sense)....

Your metabolism is probably a mess right now because you're eating so little that everything has slowed down. I'm sure you're starving yourself throughout the day... honestly, dear...

Do you guys do things like running for Taekwondo? Like, say, 5 or 6 miles? To me, that sounds like a grueling workout. There's a huge difference between just "standing there" lifting weights and actually doing aerobic exercises during practice.

We’re running ourselves ragged out there—sparring, training, all of it. It burns through so much energy (and calories too...)

My mom doesn't cook for me anymore, except for those rare occasions when things are actually calm.
And honestly, I can't just graze on fruit and water all day (I don't touch juice or anything else... just water, Gatorade, and effervescent tablets).
I'm seriously struggling because of this. As far as my metabolism goes, I can tell it's slowed down—I can feel it!

The hardest part is dealing with this entirely on my own; I have no idea who to even turn to. My family isn't interested in my vegetarianism at all. It sucks because then I have to figure everything out myself, doing all the research and navigating it alone... and as you can see, I'm not exactly succeeding at it.

So, what about fish? Or maybe some potatoes? Legumes? Dairy products?

Honestly, those effervescent tablets and electrolyte powders like Gatorade are total junk. Maybe some people feel better taking them—hey, more power to them—but I certainly don't. If you want results, you need natural vitamins, not synthetic stuff; and when you pair them with other nutrients that actually boost their absorption, you get something far superior to anything found in a powder packet. And let me tell you—if you actually understood the reality behind artificial sweeteners, you'd find those drinks pretty revolting too. They just don't offer much in the way of real substance. Personally? I’d much rather squeeze my own juice from fresh fruits and vegetables, or just buy the natural stuff that doesn't come loaded with added sugar, fake aromas, or citric acid.

As for magnesium, I’d suggest getting it from foods that are naturally packed with it—plus, drinking mineral-enriched water is a fantastic option.

Maybe you could borrow a little guidebook?
You really ought to eat more veggies—they're so much better when they're prepared right.
And since you aren't eating meat, you'll definitely need to whip up some substitutes.

Oh, and tell your mom she should send me 🙂

Richard Jackson said:We’re running ourselves ragged out there—sparring, training, all of it. It burns through so much energy (and calories too...)

My mom doesn't cook for me anymore, except for those rare occasions when things are actually calm.
And honestly, I can't just graze on fruit and water all day (I don't touch juice or anything else... just water, Gatorade, and effervescent tablets).
I'm seriously struggling because of this. As far as my metabolism goes, I can tell it's slowed down—I can feel it!

The hardest part is dealing with this entirely on my own; I have no idea who to even turn to. My family isn't interested in my vegetarianism at all. It sucks because then I have to figure everything out myself, doing all the research and navigating it alone... and as you can see, I'm not exactly succeeding at it.

I don't know... maybe grab a bowl from some college kid's stash and settle into a dining hall somewhere? I know every campus cafeteria has vegetarian options. The quality might not be top-tier, but it's certainly better than baby food...

In any case, you're going to have to make some sacrifices somewhere—otherwise, you'll end up being fed through an IV... and that's a little less pleasant than a well-prepared chicken and rice dish...

Man, I am completely overwhelmed right now... Tomorrow I'm heading over to Whole Foods to finally write down everything I eat from actual, real food sources.

I eat fish, but honestly, I don't know how to prep anything from a seafood market—so I just stick to canned stuff.

I eat dairy, too. Though, I try to avoid it because of all the fat and whatever else is in there.

I'm actually watching this documentary on TV about some guy who ate nothing but McDonald's for 30 days straight. It's horrifying. I usually only stop by once a year for a McFlurry, but even that is getting cut out of my diet. Gross.

Does anyone have any other food recommendations? I've been a vegetarian for about 10 years now, but I clearly have no idea what I'm doing... It's pathetic.

You don't necessarily have to head to a specialty health food store to find everything; you can just grab all those cereals at a local Walmart...
Regarding what you said about your mother, I really don't have any comment on that. Honestly, my heart goes out to you.

Richard Jackson said:Man, I am completely overwhelmed right now... Tomorrow I'm heading over to Whole Foods to finally write down everything I eat from actual, real food sources.

I eat fish, but honestly, I don't know how to prep anything from a seafood market—so I just stick to canned stuff.

I eat dairy, too. Though, I try to avoid it because of all the fat and whatever else is in there.

I'm actually watching this documentary on TV about some guy who ate nothing but McDonald's for 30 days straight. It's horrifying. I usually only stop by once a year for a McFlurry, but even that is getting cut out of my diet. Gross.

Does anyone have any other food recommendations? I've been a vegetarian for about 10 years now, but I clearly have no idea what I'm doing... It's pathetic.

Honestly, I’m in the same boat—that’s why I just grab fillets. It’s incredibly simple; I don't even bother frying them, I just poach them. You just put about two inches of water in a Teflon pan and boil them quickly—done! Then you just toss them in some parsley, garlic, lemon, or whatever else sounds good to you. As for those canned options? Try to go for the ones in brine or olive oil. If you're eating it frequently, the ones packed in vegetable oil aren't exactly the best choice for you.

Don't you dare cut legumes out of your diet—you need them for calcium—and don't skip nuts either, especially if you aren't eating meat... although they are quite calorie-dense, they are also incredibly healthy; so, please, don't avoid them.

So, you aren't a fan of vegetables? Well, try buying some high-quality tomato juice—it’s loaded with potassium and antioxidants—and just add a squeeze of lemon; it's wonderful. Or, you could season it with a bit of pepper and parsley. Also, beet juice is fantastic for health, though the flavor might be a bit much unless you mix it with some apple juice or a tiny spoonful of honey.

You definitely need dairy, perhaps even more so because you're active in sports; otherwise, you're looking at an increased risk of stress fractures due to weakened or overworked bones. Just... maybe don't go overboard with the heavy, fatty cheeses.

Try to opt for complex, slow-burning carbohydrates. First and foremost: stay away from white sugar—which, believe it or not, is hidden in many "healthy" foods like sugary cereals, Corn Flakes, or granola clusters. When it comes to rice (and generally everything else), I would much rather suggest whole grain—it's significantly richer in nutrients and far healthier than the white variety; plus, it keeps you full much faster, so you end up eating less.

Always carry a bottle of water, some squeezed juice, herbal tea, or whatever you prefer in your bag—don't wait until the very end of the day to finally hydrate.

A budget-friendly, hearty vegetarian meal... and it’s incredibly quick to whip up, too...

Say you grab about two pounds of tomatoes—just drop them into boiling water, peel them, and dice them finely. Toss those into a pot where you've already sautéed some onions. Let everything simmer on low heat for about thirty minutes, stirring occasionally, until you get a nice, thick sauce with some texture. Then, take a can of beans, drain them, rinse them under warm water, and stir them in. Do the exact same thing with a can of corn and a can of chickpeas. Season it however you like—bay leaves, saffron, smoked paprika, maybe a little chili or rosemary—and if you're feeling fancy, throw in some diced bell peppers. Let it all simmer together for another ten minutes or so. If the consistency is too thin for your liking, you can always whisk in a little cornstarch slurry. To finish it off, sprinkle some shredded sharp cheddar over the top and let it melt.

For me, this is perfect—if you're living alone, you'll have enough leftovers for three days, and it's packed with basically everything your body needs.

Edit:

Here’s another suggestion... just grab a huge pile of vegetables—parsley, celery, carrots, whatever greens are on sale at Whole Foods or the local farmer's market—chop them all up, and toss them in a pot. Clean some fish (or just grab some fillets) and add them to the mix. Add some water and simmer until the fish is fully cooked through. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed...

It's totally effortless, yet exceptionally healthy...

Ultimately, once you actually get the hang of cooking, it starts to feel more like a hobby than a chore. For me, it really does...

I truly appreciate everyone's help—you've been wonderful.

I definitely need to give this recipe a shot!
Since there might be some nutritionists in this group, I was wondering how many calories I should actually be aiming for daily?

If I clean up my diet—say, by browsing some vegetarian recipes online and sticking to those—will the weight just fall off on its own? That’s the big question for me. I’ll be much more motivated to dive into veggie life if I actually feel good in my own skin.

One more thing... what is considered a safe amount of weight to lose per week?

Thanks again,

Richard Jackson said:I truly appreciate everyone's help—you've been wonderful.

I definitely need to give this recipe a shot!
Since there might be some nutritionists in this group, I was wondering how many calories I should actually be aiming for daily?

If I clean up my diet—say, by browsing some vegetarian recipes online and sticking to those—will the weight just fall off on its own? That’s the big question for me. I’ll be much more motivated to dive into veggie life if I actually feel good in my own skin.

One more thing... what is considered a safe amount of weight to lose per week?

Thanks again,

Look... losing weight depends on a ton of different variables. Like someone else mentioned on the forum recently, you can actually lose fat while gaining muscle at the same time. You’ll look significantly better, even if the scale doesn't budge an inch.

Generally speaking, you want to take it slow. If you lose maybe four pounds in a month, your body might already need a little breather to adjust. But if you drop, say, ten pounds in a single week, your system is going to view that as a massive shock—it'll try to compensate by ramping up fat storage as fast as it can. If you give it enough time to settle, it will accept the new routine as its "normal" state and try to maintain it, which helps prevent that dreaded yo-yo effect when you occasionally indulge in a larger meal.

Anyway, how much are we talking about here? What's your current weight and height?

As for the calorie count... check out this resource: LINK

EDIT... honestly, I truly believe you should focus on getting your sleep schedule in order and balancing your nutrition before you even worry about the extra weight. For a while, I used to swap lunch for a quick candy bar or a slice of pizza from a local deli, and then life got a bit stressful. The fallout is that I've been struggling with chronic gastritis for quite some time now—constantly taking meds, walking through town looking pale and clutching my stomach... I'm just grateful I didn't end up with something even more serious. Don't make the same mistake I did. 😉