I recently (mid August) started a high alkaline low acid diet to reduce inflammation that is basically vegan. I went to see an ayervedic doctor for my rosacea and she gave me a list of foods to avoid (acidic) and foods to include (alkaline) in my diet. ( Rosacea is an inflammation of the skin.) The diet has improved my skin and I feel much more energetic overall. But even more important is that I am hopefully reducing inflammation in my lungs. Perhaps that is why I have more energy?
It is critical to think through your vegan diet to ensure you get all the proteins, etc. that the body needs. It does take more work and hopefully will become easier over time. It is hard to stay on the diet when you eat out. But the idea is balance -- you need to think of the day as a whole -- you don't want too much alkaline food over the course of the day.
Hemp is a great source of protein -- it is a complete protein. You can sprinkle seeds on cereal, salads, etc., use the oil and flour in cooking. A great source of information is a book by Brendan Brazier who is a vegan tri-athlete in Canada, entitled The Thrive Diet. He explains the acid/alkaline inflammation connection and also explains alot about various foods such as hemp and how they can help you have a balanced diet. My thought is that if he can do iron-man competitions on a vegan diet then I should be able to have CF and be vegan!
My doctor is concerned about my diet but I really want to give it a try and I'm very conscious of my caloric intake and do include high calorie snacks throughout the day. It is important because I find that this diet is very filling and I can see how you could lose weight.