For all you vegans out there?!
Answers: I'm constantly craving a mix of carbohydrates+cheese. What nutrients is my body craving and what can I substitute for this? (I can't have soy). Please help! It's my only downfall. =(
There's nothing inherently in cheese that you can't find anywhere else except cholesterol, but I think casein is the problem here. Casein breaks down into opiates in your body and is proven to be addictive by numerous studies, that's why the cheese habit is hardest to kick. :) You just have to stop cold turkey, I guess. I've been vegan for years and I still sometimes want to have some cheese but I don't let myself.
To substitute the cheese, you can have almond cheese that is made from almond milk. And for the bread, just have regular vegan bread. Your body probably isn't craving any nutrients, you probably just really like bread and (almond) cheese.
Some craving for carbs is normal: it's the primary fuel for the brain, and many other organs, in most conditions. I'd go for unrefined carbohydrates, rather than refined ones if you can. E.g. wholemeal bread, potatoes, brown rice and the like. This should help control cravings for carbs (refined carbs don't do this). Don't eat these carbs alongside fatty sauces or the like tho.
As for cheese: first, cheese (amazingly) contains small amounts of substances chemically related to morphine, so it's probably this that you've craving! So it's pretty much putting up with withdrawal symptoms such as cravings until they ease. I was a cheese addict for a long time before turning vegan so don't worry, you will get through it.
Second, it's probably a little bit of an emotional attachment too - but don't worry - other foods can and will replace it!
If you can't have soy, have rice milk. They make some great rice milk cheeses now but it's pricey. Whole Foods always has a great selection of rice milk products.
Try a handful of mixed nuts. That always works for me. I know nuts are high in calories but they are sooooo good for you! 1/3 of a cup a day is a good serving. I like to mix 1/3 cup of mixed nuts with 1/3 cup raisins and a tablespoon of semi-sweet chocolate chips (you can use carob chips, which are vegan).