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Thread: Not using soy

  1. #1

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    Question Not using soy

    Researchers have discovered 2 soybeans that are free of the allergen some people are sensitive to - read about it here. The best part is that the process does not include genetic engineering and the researchers are NOT GOING TO PATENT THEM to make a lot of money. Unbelievable.
    Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. - Albert Einstein

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    Default Re: Help for Those with Soy Allergies!!

    Yay! That would make soy allergic vegans a little happier (and easier to live)!
    Peace, love, and happiness.

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    Default Avoiding soy and other food issues

    Hi Everyone,
    I am new to message boards and new to this forum, so please bear with me...
    I have been vegan for about 2 years with a recent fall off the wagon, but am now back with renewed inspiration.
    One thing I really struggle with is meal preparation and eating enough of the real foods and not eating strictly high carb, out of package foods (blood sugar problems). Plus, I try to avoid soy.
    Does anyone have any suggestions or similar problems?

    Nice to see so many other vegans out there and from all over the world!

  4. #4
    I eve's Avatar
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    Default Re: Avoiding soy and other food issues

    Hi GoGreen
    Struggling with meal preparation? If you have a ricer, just put the rice into the container, cover with water, then into the steamer lid put plenty of broccoli or cauli, or other greens, plus perhaps some sweet potato. After 20 minutes, eat it with relish.

    If you don't have a ricer, then simply get whatever vegies you have, barely cover with water, and cook for less than 10 minutes. Into whatever liquid remains, sprinkle some nutritious yeast flakes.

    If you stick to vegies, some raw fruit, and the odd handful of peanuts etc, you won't go far wrong. I also have a juicer, and just about every day I wash some carrots and juice them, sometimes with an apple or a raw beetroot. Frankly I follow what someone (whose name I forget) advised, and that is the "Five Regime" , namely fewer than 5 ingredients, costing less than $5, and ready to eat in about 5 minutes.

    There is also raw, have you see the website of www.rawpleasure.com.au that has a free book of recipes for raw vegans to enjoy?
    Eve

  5. #5
    Seaside
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    Default Re: Avoiding soy and other food issues

    *rant advisory*

    There is nothing wrong with food high in carbohydrate. Carbohydrates are what we use as energy, as opposed to true carnivores who use dietary fat for energy. They are essential to human health. It just drives me nuts when "food" marketers label processed garbage as "carbs", when the stuff they sell isn't even food, thus giving foods like whole grains, beans, and starchy root vegetables a bad reputation. These are the carbs you need to eat.
    *rant over*

    Nothing personal, by the way, GoGreen. Millions of people have been duped by Atkins into lumping all edible substances that aren't predominantly protein or fat as "carbs", and into believing that these foods are harmful. Wonder bread and Pringles are not the same thing as sprouted grain tortillas and baked potatoes. But if you are really concerned about your carbohydrate intake, pay attention to the glycemic index of any given food, which will tell you what kind of an effect that food will have on your blood sugar.

    Eve made some good suggestions for meal preparation. We also have a lot of recipes here. I hardly ever eat soy foods, but I don't deliberately avoid them, either. Having lots of canned beans on hand is good, until you learn to cook them yourself (if you want to), and I love unsweetened almond milk. A sprouted grain tortilla spread with hummus and loaded with fresh or steamed veggies is a great quick easy meal. Just be aware that too much dietary fat can make your cells insulin-resistant, which will raise your blood sugar as surely as a diet high in refined flours and sugars will. Sticking with foods as close to their original condition is best, and its not difficult to get the hang of preparing them.

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    Default Re: Avoiding soy and other food issues

    Excellent advice from eve and Seaside.

    Some pieces of equipment are invaluable in cooking quick meals; a microwave, a stick blender and a veggie steamer. Cut your veggies up small and don't overcook them, just blanch them and they literally cook in minutes. Canned beans are handy to have in your store cupboard and can be chucked into soups, stews and salads, and you can whizz up a hummus style pate using any bean of your choice in minutes. Make a huge batch of chilli or soup when you have time, maybe at the weekends, and store single portions in the freezer for super quick meals when you're in a hurry. Certain grains cook very quickly, like rolled oats and couscous, making for quick and filling breakfasts. Plus fruit and nuts are instant foods and full of nutrients. Some recipes require no cooking at all, like gazpacho (cold tomato soup, mmmmm).

    Take a look around the threads and check out the Fast and Easy vegan food thread for more ideas.

  7. #7

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    Default Re: Avoiding soy and other food issues

    I agree, it's not the carbs which are the problem but the effect they have on altering your blood sugar. If you have blood sugar problems, you'll want to eat low to medium GI foods. Get a list of these. Out with pumpkin, potato (especially without skin), white rice and watermelon and dates and in with sweet potato, quinoa, basmati, strawberries and prunes.

    Eat protein with every meal. The suggestions above are great and that's how I eat too (oats with nuts, hummous with vegies, beans with tomato based dished, curry with lentils). Also, add cinammon to dishes wherever possible. It stabilises blood sugar.

  8. #8
    I eve's Avatar
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    Default Re: Avoiding soy and other food issues

    I didn't know that about cinnamon. A couple of years ago I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and could not believe it - even argued with the doctor. However, genes are part of the picture, but since then I'm very careful about GI levels, as well as increasing exercise. Now, my glucose level is normal, but I will check out the cinnamon, especially as it adds a pleasant taste to some dishes. so thanks, insubordination.
    Eve

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    Default Soy Allergy

    Hi All,

    To my horror I think I've developed a soy allergy - or at least an intolerance - after some 15 years as a vegan. I can't believe it - I love soy so much.

    My naturopath has been treating me for a mysterious illness for the past year - and it had been put down to a recurring virus - but I was also wondering if it could have been approaching menopause or anxiety (both on the cards). Symptoms are bloating/gas, stomach cramps, slight asthma, headache, fever, sore, tired eyes, lack of energy and generally feeling yuk. Immune system boosters and acidophilus hasn't helped. I checked the web tonight and all my symptoms seem to be a possibility with soy allergies.

    I did the whole elimination diet thing a couple of months ago, but there were no positive results. Then today, I had tofu for lunch and tonight I am feeling terrible. It seems to be happening more from tofu and veggie soy sausages rather than soy milk.

    But if I take all soy out of my diet - I wonder if I'll start feeling terrific? (can't remember when I last felt like that). I know I can substitute rice milk (we sometimes do in cooking anyway) but I really don't like it in tea! So watery!
    Any help would be most welcome. I love soy, but will stop eating it if it means I'll get better!

    Bronny
    Last edited by Korn; Jul 24th, 2008 at 10:06 PM. Reason: This was the first post in a similar thread

  10. #10
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    Default Re: Soy Allergy

    Heya, I can't offer much help I'm afraid but I'm wondering if I'm in a similar boat.

    I get stomach cramps and a generally upset tummy if I have soya milk on my cereal. I seem to be okay with it in small doses like tea. If I have soya yoghurt on my pancakes I get a belly ache too.

    I need to try completely eliminating it and see how I feel. I also think I have a wheat intolerance (makes me very very tired and run down feeling).

    You're right about rice milk though, it's really water - on cereal it just makes it go soggy. Is oat-milk any better? I haven't tried it yet.

    good luck! Sorry I can't offer much help

  11. #11
    Rentaghost Marrers's Avatar
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    Default Re: Soy Allergy

    I know some people on here have been trying to cut down on soy too.

    These threads might have useful info:-

    http://www.veganforum.com/forums/sho...hlight=cut+soy

    http://www.veganforum.com/forums/sho...hlight=cut+soy

  12. #12
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    Default Re: Soy Allergy

    I was getting terrible stomach cramps, bloating, headaches so I cut all soya out.
    I've switched to earl grey tea (without milk) and have been having porridge for breakfast with rice milk or oatmilk or toast as I really don't like oat/rice milk on cereal.
    I certainly do feel better for cutting it out and haven't had stomach ache/cramps for days

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    Default Re: Soy Allergy

    Oh thanks Scarlett for replying! How long did it take you to feel better? I stopped all soy milk/tofu/tempeh a week ago and so far there's some improvement but not a lot of change - but I'm having trouble finding a bread that doesn't have soy - so maybe that's why. I'm still having a tiny bit. Stupidly I did have a soy coffee on Sat night - and boy did I feel it early on Sunday morning. My friend who is allergic had relief immediately after giving up - but my partner who has an intolerance to soy says it took him a couple of weeks to feel better......

    Bronny

  14. #14
    Beagle Hugger scarlett's Avatar
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    Default Re: Soy Allergy

    I felt better after a couple of days, I did have to cut it all out completely though, I tried having just a little after a few days and had the stomach cramps back again straight away so I stopped it all.
    I'm not sure how easy it's going to be eating out though, there's soya in such alot of things.

    I do hope you feel better soon

  15. #15
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    Default Avoiding Soy

    Can we unite? I would love some recipes. I have a hard time finding vegan recipes (sometimes) that don't include these things.

    I need to get on the seitan thing already..

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    Default Re: Those who don't eat soy or tofu..

    I am a new vegan (2 weeks) and all the new recipes I have tried have been soy and tofu free. We (husband and I) have been eating a lot of salads and frozen fruits and our main meals have been rice and beans, black bean burgers...etc. I just found an awesome recipe for red beans and rice I am going to try this week. Honestly soy and tofu scare me because I have never cooked with them before. So any new recipes I am trying I avoid those two ingredients. Also for cost efficiency cooking dry beans goes a long way and is very filling.
    Last edited by Korn; Jul 24th, 2008 at 10:03 PM. Reason: This was the first post in a similar thread

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    Default Re: Those who don't eat soy or tofu..

    The red beans and rice recipe was found at:
    http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/2006/02...-and-rice.html

  18. #18
    told me to Mr Flibble's Avatar
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    Default Re: Those who don't eat soy or tofu..

    I believe that the majority of Cherry's recipes are soy free.

    KerrieSue: Tofu can take a while to get right, a lot of people are put off too early on in their experimentation (certainly the first time i tried it was revolting). It is worth it though.
    "Mr Flibble - forum corruptor of innocents!!" - Hemlock

  19. #19
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    Default Re: Those who don't eat soy or tofu..

    Thanks for the links and recipes. (: I'm just on the "soy is evil" side of the fence, lol, and I try to avoid processed foods as much as I can. I'm going to check out Cherry's recipes now.

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    Default Re: Those who don't eat soy or tofu..

    Am I alone??

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    Default Re: Those who don't eat soy or tofu..

    I don't eat tofu, not a fan of the flavour/texture. I eat soya beans very rarely, never as part of a recipe though. I'm suprised you have trouble finding recipes without them to be honest.
    "I don't want to live on this planet any more" - Professor Hubert J. Farnsworth

  22. #22
    Ex-admin Korn's Avatar
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    Default Re: Those who don't eat soy or tofu..

    Quote button View Post
    Am I alone??
    Hi,

    There are many vegans that don't mind using soy or tofu, but still often eat stuff that don't contain soy at all, or people like me who use a little tofu occasionally, but don't mind using soy sauce/tamari. I've actually seen lots of recipes not mentioning soy at all (even inside this forum; most of our recipes probably don't mention soy)... Soy beans is something that it seems that very few vegans actually eat.

    I have a hard time finding vegan recipes (sometimes) that don't include these things.
    I don't know where you have been looking, but maybe you would enjoy a look in our Vegan Cookbook-section?

    Good luck!
    I will not eat anything that walks, swims, flies, runs, skips, hops or crawls.

  23. #23
    pavotrouge
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    Default Re: Those who don't eat soy or tofu..

    I'm proud to say I'm over with this... it took me 3 years of vegetarianism and 1 year of veganism to finally like tofu- anyway, I've got loads of tofu-free recipes and I think there are many on the forum already ^^

    Don't you eat soy products because you don't like them or because of allergies?

  24. #24
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    Default Re: Those who don't eat soy or tofu..

    Seitan is yummy, I'm planning on making some soon.

    But I don't understand why you're having such a hard time finding tofu/soy-free recipes...curries, chillies, soups, breads, salads, sandwiches, desserts...none of these foods contain soy or tofu they are made from vegetables and pulses and grains. A tiny amount of my diet contains soya/tofu and that's usually when I want convenience foods.

    Where are you looking?

  25. #25
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    Default Re: Those who don't eat soy or tofu..

    Hmm, maybe I'm not looking hard enough? I'll check out the recipe section here. I don't eat them pavotrouge, because I try my hardest to stay away from processed foods and they are bad for my thyroid.

  26. #26
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    Default Re: Those who don't eat soy or tofu..


  27. #27
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    Default Re: Those who don't eat soy or tofu..

    I hate the taste of soy, and tofu etc. I just tend to steer away from any recipes that originally use meat e.g. spag bol. Then you will never really need to use soy, tofu or meat substitute. Plus I drink oat milk instead of soy, I find it far nicer.

  28. #28
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    Default Re: Those who don't eat soy or tofu..

    Glad I'm not alone.

    Absentmindedfan, thanks for the links. I've been to a few of them, I need to check them out more. For some reason I'm attracting lots of tofu and soy sites.

    Christina - what's spag bol?

  29. #29
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    Default Re: Those who don't eat soy or tofu..

    Spaghetti bolognese

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    Default Re: Those who don't eat soy or tofu..

    Thanks for all the links!

    Does anyone in the U.S. have experience converting the recipes? I know my mother has baked from some of her German cookbooks for years. And I know the measures can be bought here. I have just never tried it. I'll have to ask her. Just wondering if anyone has and how hard it was.

  31. #31
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    Default Re: Those who don't eat soy or tofu...I would love some recipes

    Thanks Absentmindedfan - some great links there
    Everywhere is walking distance... if you have the time

  32. #32
    sugarmouse
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    Default Re: Those who don't eat soy or tofu...I would love some recipes

    Thankyou AMF. I am not really against soy/tofu, but dont eat it that much for convinience and money reasons!I eat beans/lentils/veg /soups..I did start a recipe site, mainly because I was sick of online and offline friends asking waht I ate, and was sick of Scruffyhead asking for my recipes!

  33. #33
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    Default Re: Those who don't eat soy or tofu...I would love some recipes

    Oh man I love tofu. I try not to eat to much of it though. Here they have tofu restaurants that literally serve only tofu! A bit expensive though.
    What do you mean, "why am I vegan?"

  34. #34
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    Default Re: Those who don't eat soy or tofu...I would love some recipes

    So what's the websites, sugarmouse????

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    VeganMom07 veganmom07's Avatar
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    Question Soy Allergies

    I'm a vegan who is happily able to consume soy, but my hubby is very very allergic to it, which can make meal planning a problem and/or a major hassle. Does anyone know of any vegan cookbooks or websites that deal mainly without the use of soy products? It would make my life a lot easier and would be much appreciated.

  36. #36
    Ex-admin Korn's Avatar
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    Default Re: Soy Allergies

    Hi veganmom07,

    FYI I just merged your thread with a couple of other threads about avoiding soy. We have loads of recipes here not using soy, and many vegans without soy allergy don't use soy at all simply because we don't need soy. What kind of soy products are these cookbooks with soy products in the recipes using?

    You don't need miso, soy oil, soy margarine, soy milk, tofu or tempeh at all, so life should actually be quite easy without worrying about soy!


  37. #37
    VeganMom07 veganmom07's Avatar
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    Default Re: Avoiding Soy

    Thanks!! I know it's easy to live without soy, it's just that I love it so much, but I also need alternatives for Stefan. (My hubby)

  38. #38
    Mahk
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    Default Re: Avoiding Soy

    How allergic is he? Is he in serious danger if exposed or just an annoying rash, watery eyes sort of thing? [Yes I'm clueless about soy allergies]

    Could you make a large stir fry for instance, dish out two plates worth and then make a small amount of tofu, tempeh etc for yours as a topping or is having any soy on hand dangerous?

  39. #39
    VeganMom07 veganmom07's Avatar
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    Default Re: Avoiding Soy

    He's VERY allergic. Rash all over, tongue swelling. His doctor gave him epinephrin shots just to keep with him just in case. He's also allergic to peanuts, strawberries(a lot of them), large amounts of chocolate. He's very very sensitive. It's frustrating.

  40. #40
    Ex-admin Korn's Avatar
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    Default Re: Avoiding Soy

    Hi again...
    you could probably get some useful advice in this thread if you told us which soy products you actually use and want to replace with something else!

  41. #41
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    Default Re: Avoiding Soy

    Hi veganmom. Maybe googling "Mediterranean vegan" would be helpful to you - there are recipes and at least one book http://www.amazon.com/Mediterranean-.../dp/1557883599 which I haven't seen but which sounds from the Amazon reports as if it may be soy-free (it says somewhere that the author leaves it up to readers whether to use cheese substitutes).

    I thought of Mediterranean cooking because (fish apart ) it tends to be heavily based on vegetables and legumes with dairy and eggs very much optional extras. (Plus of course it's meant to be very healthy )

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    Default Vegan allergic to soy

    I recently became vegan and I love it, however, I am very allergic to soy. Does anyone have any good vegan-soy-free recipes they would share? Thanks!

  43. #43
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    Default Re: Vegan allergic to Soy :(

    Hi there - have you had a look in the recipes section? http://www.veganforum.com/forums/for...od-amp-recipes (i.e. the one that this is a subsection of!)

    I would guess that the majority of the recipes there are soya-free - just avoid the tofu and soya areas Contrary to popular belief most vegans don't live off soya so you shouldn't have too many problems finding ideas.

    If you are looking for particular types of recipes I would post again and people will help.

  44. #44
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    Default Re: Vegan allergic to Soy :(

    http://vegweb.com is another great recipe site. I find the comments and pictures to be super useful. I'm sure you can tailor your search results to finding some soy-free.

    Another option would be to look up raw food recipes. These are pretty much soy free, although some do contain tamari or shoyu (soy sauces).
    Peace, love, and happiness.

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    Default Re: Vegan allergic to Soy

    Thank you so much! I didn't even realize that there was a 'recipe' section here! Also, that website 'Veg web' looks wonderful!

  46. #46
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    Default Re: Vegan allergic to Soy

    I love it!
    Peace, love, and happiness.

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