How can I maintain my weight while following an almost vegan diet?

I've been a vegetarian for about 8 years now and about a year ago, I also became lactose intolerant. Since removing almost all dairy from my diet (I can still eat very aged cheese and butter) I've been having trouble maintaining my weight, and I'm currently at the low end of what's normal for a 21 year old of my height. Does anyone have suggestions for things I can eat that will help me maintain my weight? I know I can be healthy without having to add meat back to my diet, I just need some guidance. Thanks so much!

Start cooking with olive oil and add nuts and/or avocado to your daily diet. Healthy fats are yummy! :0)

I agree with people who say you should consume more calories than you burn. It would be good to go to a nutritionist for more info on how you can gain weight as a vegan but since millions of people are vegan, I guess all you need is common sense. :)

1. Try eating lots of fruits, especially bananas.

2. Rice, pasta, beans, they have high energy density.

3. Some food that contain good, healthy fats such as avocado (use them on salads, sandwiches), nuts... eat a handful of your favorite nuts everyday, peanut butter is good, too. Go easy on the oils, though. I'd say a tablespoon is enough a day.

eat lots of veggie friendly candie!!! seriously though, u should consider seeing a nutritionist or a dietition.

Beans and pulses, tofu and soya milk are probably the highest calorie laden foods as well as avocados. I also find that shop bought meat replacement products tend to be high in calories. This article may help you : http://www.recipesforvegans.co.uk/vegann...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_cu...

http://www.iganinja.jp/english/godou/syo...

http://www.vegweb.com

http://www2.netdoor.com/~takano/offline-... (microwave mochi)

http://starbulletin.com/2004/04/21/featu... (senbei/arare)

http://www.theppk.com/recipes/dbreci...p... (vegan mac and cheese)

http://members.tripod.com/~iskra/nomilk/...

Make sure that you eat three good meals a day, with at least two snacks. Include foods like whole grains, nuts, seeds, avocado, oils, etc. Increase your portion sizes if you have to. A vegan diet has fewer calories because it doesn't have all that animal fat. Enjoy it! :)

when i became a vegan i lost like 20lb right off the bat, but i have been maintaining my weight no problem just eat

Potatoes.

Eat a bunch of potatoes. That will help you gain some weight.

you can't lose with substituting salads with lite dressing for a meal during the day. pasta is actually one of those things that has more calories than you might think. go to fitday.com and sign up. it's free and it counts your calories for you.

You need to remember to eat beans and rice, avocados, and tofu. Make sure tha you are eating more calories than you are burning.

I have friends who try 2 b vegan but we folks love chicken that is a food you have to live for. So eat more vegetables and only add either fish or chicken, no prok, beef, or duck. They provide protein and boost your metabolism which can help you maintain your weight!