The vegetarian month ended today, but for most of us, days and weeks early! I actually ended my month on Saturday the 16th. I couldn't resist a Salmon fillet at Sambua in the city! As far as results, what did you all think? I've heard from most of you and we all had different experiences. If you haven't already, please write in and share what you learned/liked/hated/had happen. Then I'll post a record of it all.
As for myself, I did enjoy the experiment overall.
Week 1 I starved to death
Week 2 I was super tired
Week 3 and 4 I felt great
I noticed that "things" were moving more smoothly, as in clockwork (I don't want to talk too dirty here) and I also felt light. I never got that sick too full feeling, no matter how much I ate. I fell in love with quinoa and tried a lot of other great veggie food. After first eating meat again I felt okay the first day. The second day I had a serving of pulled pork. I felt pretty heavy the next morning and "things" were NOT moving smoothly. I think I'll have a veggie day tomorrow and give my poor tummy a break from the meat again.
So what did you think?
I'm going to continue on with Meatless Monday and will probably give myself an equal challenge next summer.
Showing posts with label vegetarian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vegetarian. Show all posts
Monday, August 18, 2008
Sunday, July 20, 2008
It's a Meat thing
Tomorrow makes 1 week of no meat for those trying the vegetarian lifestyle for a month. I just wanted to see how you all are doing, any changes you've notices, difficulties/successes you're having.
A few things that I've heard from "you" are: face is clearing up of zits...or was that the chemical peel from 2 weeks before?, lost 1 pound with no changes besides no meat, feeling lighter, and trying some new foods.
As for myself, I'm feeling pretty good. Just being more aware about protein and making sure I don't accidentally pop some chicken into my mouth has woken me up to a lot of thing. I'm definitely eating more veggies, something that I normally struggle with. Now that I have a normal food missing from my diet, I've turned to broccoli, carrots, beets (yes, I now like beets!), peppers, and cucumbers to fill the hole (and I like it!). I have had a rough time getting the protein that I do need in. I've stocked up on quinoa now and I think that I'll be okay this next week. I feel like I've been eating better all together, just being more aware of what's going on, however, I've also had a problem getting enough calories. I know, sounds like a dumb problem, but before I go to eat something, I think, "I don't eat meat, I shouldn't eat candy, I don't want to eat yucky processed foods, or white pastas....there's nothing to eat!" So, I end up eating nothing and finally not enough. I just bough a bunch of Tupperware and I'm just going to cut up veggies, cook beans, quinoa, etc and have everything ready so I'm not constantly making food, and I think that will help me out on the "there's nothing to eat" problem I've been having. Also, having some freezer vegetarian options will also help.
Again, how are you all doing? Please make sure you're getting enough protein!!!
A few things that I've heard from "you" are: face is clearing up of zits...or was that the chemical peel from 2 weeks before?, lost 1 pound with no changes besides no meat, feeling lighter, and trying some new foods.
As for myself, I'm feeling pretty good. Just being more aware about protein and making sure I don't accidentally pop some chicken into my mouth has woken me up to a lot of thing. I'm definitely eating more veggies, something that I normally struggle with. Now that I have a normal food missing from my diet, I've turned to broccoli, carrots, beets (yes, I now like beets!), peppers, and cucumbers to fill the hole (and I like it!). I have had a rough time getting the protein that I do need in. I've stocked up on quinoa now and I think that I'll be okay this next week. I feel like I've been eating better all together, just being more aware of what's going on, however, I've also had a problem getting enough calories. I know, sounds like a dumb problem, but before I go to eat something, I think, "I don't eat meat, I shouldn't eat candy, I don't want to eat yucky processed foods, or white pastas....there's nothing to eat!" So, I end up eating nothing and finally not enough. I just bough a bunch of Tupperware and I'm just going to cut up veggies, cook beans, quinoa, etc and have everything ready so I'm not constantly making food, and I think that will help me out on the "there's nothing to eat" problem I've been having. Also, having some freezer vegetarian options will also help.
Again, how are you all doing? Please make sure you're getting enough protein!!!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Meatless Monday
I just got clued into this site and think that it's potentially great! I have to check it out a bit more, but it will be great for those of us doing the Meatless Month.
I'd just like you all to know that I survived a baseball game yesterday on hummus and pita chips (super yum) and a veggie hot dog (I'll pass next time).
I'd just like you all to know that I survived a baseball game yesterday on hummus and pita chips (super yum) and a veggie hot dog (I'll pass next time).
Friday, July 11, 2008
Keen-wah
Quinoa. Let me introduce you to this protein packed little seed. It's sweet, nutty flavor is great for breakfast, salads, dinner and dessert. It contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein (a raritey in plant protein sources). It's rich in fiber, VB6, Riboflavin, Magnesium, Zinc, and Iron. Perfect for our meat free challenge. I've seen it in lots of spots in the supermarket...in those clear "Red Mill" packages or boxed by the flax seed.
Here's several recipes you can try:
Greek-Style Quinoa Burgers (I'll be trying this one for sure!)
serves 4
prep time 35 mins
1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed
1 medium carrot, cut in large chunks
6 scallions, thinly sliced
1 can (15 ounces) great northern beans, draned and rinsed
1/4 cup plain dried bread crumbs
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon ground cumin
coarse salt and ground pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
4 pita breads (6-inch)
1/2 English cucumber, thinly sliced diagonally
1. In a small saucepan, bring 3/4 cup of water to a boil, add quinoa, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook until liquid is absorbed, 12-14 mins, set aside (stop here for basic quinoa recipe).
2. In a food processor, pulse carrot until finely chopped. Add cooked quinoa, half the scallions, beans, bread crumbs, egg, cumin, 1 teaspoon slat, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; pulse until combined but still slightly chunky.
3. Form mixture into four 3/4 inch think patties (dip hands in water to prevent sticking). If too soft, refrigerate 10 mins to firm. In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium; cook burgers until browned and cooked through, 8-10 mins per side.
4. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, and the remaining scallions; season with salt and pepper. Serve burgers in pita topped with cucumber and yogurt sauce.
per serving: 493 cals, 20 g protien, 14 g fat, 75 g carb, 13 g fiber
Quinoa Pudding
serves 8
prep time 30 mins
Pair this lighter version of rice pudding with your favorite dried fruit
3/4 cup quinoa, rinsed
4 cups skim milk
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup honey
2 large eggs
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
1. In a large saucepan, bring quinoa and 3 cups milk to a boil; reduce to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 12-14 mins.
2. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, honey, eggs, cardamom, and remaining cup of milk. Reduce heat to medium-low. Stirring constantly, slowly pour egg mixture into quinoa; add raisins and apricots.
3. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is think enough to coat the back of a spoon, 3-5 mins. Pour pudding into a 2-quart dish and let cool slightly. Cover surface directly with plastic and refrigerate until cool, at least 2 hours.
(I like mine hot though!)
per serving 226 cals, 9g protein, 2 g fat, 45 g carb, 2 g fiber
Quinoa Salad
2 cups quinoa
1/2 cup crushed hazelnuts, toasted
1/4 cup minced green onions
1/4 cup dry black currants, soaked in warm water then drained
1/4 cup sherry vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
Boil 4 cups water, add quinoa and cook on medium heat for 10 mins. Drain in strainer, then spread on cookie sheet and let cool. Do not rinse.
After quinoa has cooled, place in a bowl, add the remaining ingredients and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
As an option: Add 1/4 cup finely crumbled blue veined cheese.
YUM!!! Can't wait to try these!
Here's several recipes you can try:
Greek-Style Quinoa Burgers (I'll be trying this one for sure!)
serves 4
prep time 35 mins
1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed
1 medium carrot, cut in large chunks
6 scallions, thinly sliced
1 can (15 ounces) great northern beans, draned and rinsed
1/4 cup plain dried bread crumbs
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon ground cumin
coarse salt and ground pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
4 pita breads (6-inch)
1/2 English cucumber, thinly sliced diagonally
1. In a small saucepan, bring 3/4 cup of water to a boil, add quinoa, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook until liquid is absorbed, 12-14 mins, set aside (stop here for basic quinoa recipe).
2. In a food processor, pulse carrot until finely chopped. Add cooked quinoa, half the scallions, beans, bread crumbs, egg, cumin, 1 teaspoon slat, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; pulse until combined but still slightly chunky.
3. Form mixture into four 3/4 inch think patties (dip hands in water to prevent sticking). If too soft, refrigerate 10 mins to firm. In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium; cook burgers until browned and cooked through, 8-10 mins per side.
4. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, and the remaining scallions; season with salt and pepper. Serve burgers in pita topped with cucumber and yogurt sauce.
per serving: 493 cals, 20 g protien, 14 g fat, 75 g carb, 13 g fiber
Quinoa Pudding
serves 8
prep time 30 mins
Pair this lighter version of rice pudding with your favorite dried fruit
3/4 cup quinoa, rinsed
4 cups skim milk
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup honey
2 large eggs
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
1. In a large saucepan, bring quinoa and 3 cups milk to a boil; reduce to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 12-14 mins.
2. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, honey, eggs, cardamom, and remaining cup of milk. Reduce heat to medium-low. Stirring constantly, slowly pour egg mixture into quinoa; add raisins and apricots.
3. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is think enough to coat the back of a spoon, 3-5 mins. Pour pudding into a 2-quart dish and let cool slightly. Cover surface directly with plastic and refrigerate until cool, at least 2 hours.
(I like mine hot though!)
per serving 226 cals, 9g protein, 2 g fat, 45 g carb, 2 g fiber
Quinoa Salad
2 cups quinoa
1/2 cup crushed hazelnuts, toasted
1/4 cup minced green onions
1/4 cup dry black currants, soaked in warm water then drained
1/4 cup sherry vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
Boil 4 cups water, add quinoa and cook on medium heat for 10 mins. Drain in strainer, then spread on cookie sheet and let cool. Do not rinse.
After quinoa has cooled, place in a bowl, add the remaining ingredients and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
As an option: Add 1/4 cup finely crumbled blue veined cheese.
YUM!!! Can't wait to try these!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Getting Ready
With our vegetarian challenge just a few days away we have to get ready! Like I said earlier, we will be getting rid of meat but NOT the protien! Protien is important for people who exercise in just a few ways...like YOUR MUSCLES are made of the stuff! Sooo, we need to really make sure we're getting the right amount since we're getting rid our usual protien supplier. Without protien, fatigue, injury and amenorrhea are just a few of the problems we'd be facing. No thank you.
Most people need between .36 and .8 grams of protien/pound body weight each day. If you are active you'll obviously be on the higher end of that scale. I'm going to recommend we all get at least .5g/pound body weight each day.
Since we're not eating meat we'll also have to be aware of our Iron, Calcium, Zinc and vB12 intake which we also commonly get from meat sources. Whole grains, veggies, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, and soy products will help with the iron, calcium and zinc. Breakfast cereal w/ milk, fortified soy milk, soy/veggie burgers will fill in with vB12.
I'm excited because I think we'll all become more aware of protien and it's importance and learn about alternative protien sources to meat.
I'll be posting more ideas, but for now stock up on:
*hummus *cottage cheese *peanut butter *legumes!! *soy products *veggie burgers(I love the black bean kind) *whole grains *veggies *fruits *nuts *seeds *cereal *protien bars (find one with little sugar...these may help get that protien in if you're having a hard time
Your homework:
*calculate your protien needs with at least .5g protien/pound body weight
*go shopping for some yummy meat alternatives
*email me if you're really in...I need current weight & height, current consumption of meat, age, activity level, current energy level (how you're feeling)...
ellom8@hotmail.com
Most people need between .36 and .8 grams of protien/pound body weight each day. If you are active you'll obviously be on the higher end of that scale. I'm going to recommend we all get at least .5g/pound body weight each day.
Since we're not eating meat we'll also have to be aware of our Iron, Calcium, Zinc and vB12 intake which we also commonly get from meat sources. Whole grains, veggies, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, and soy products will help with the iron, calcium and zinc. Breakfast cereal w/ milk, fortified soy milk, soy/veggie burgers will fill in with vB12.
I'm excited because I think we'll all become more aware of protien and it's importance and learn about alternative protien sources to meat.
I'll be posting more ideas, but for now stock up on:
*hummus *cottage cheese *peanut butter *legumes!! *soy products *veggie burgers(I love the black bean kind) *whole grains *veggies *fruits *nuts *seeds *cereal *protien bars (find one with little sugar...these may help get that protien in if you're having a hard time
Your homework:
*calculate your protien needs with at least .5g protien/pound body weight
*go shopping for some yummy meat alternatives
*email me if you're really in...I need current weight & height, current consumption of meat, age, activity level, current energy level (how you're feeling)...
ellom8@hotmail.com
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