How to be well, with vegetarian food.
I used to think protein was overrated, but since including it in my diet I have noticed a huge difference in energy levels, sleep comfort and overall well being. Here is my recipe for increasing protein into a vegetarian diet.
To get as much protein as possible, use beans, tofu, cheese, lentils, and veggies in every meal.
You can also maintain a constant source of protein fuel by mixing a protein shake in the morning and drinking it throughout the day.
If you go to work, bring a lunch bag with an ice pack in it. Put your protein shake in it. Keep it in your desk, or in the office fridge.
If you have to drive, keep it in your car. It will help prevent you from craving a stop at the next Mcdonalds, or Wendy’s.
It makes a huge difference to keep your body fueled all day long. Your skin, muscles and mind will feel better and be healthier and stronger if you keep your body fueled up.
If you have been trying to lose weight and have been fasting and you feel tired all the time, this advice is for you.
You will lose weight in a healthier way if you fuel your body every few hours rather than fast for 8 to 16 hours every day.
Once your body gets used to its needs being met for energy and strength, it will stop the junk food cravings.
A great breakfast is scrambled tofu with spices and nutritional yeast. I use tamari sauce, turmeric, dried smoked chili peppers, nutritional yeast, onions, and veggies, like peppers, asparagus, and red cabbage.
I cook the onions, and while they are cooking, I mix the tofu and spices. I add the tofu to the onions in the pan and put a lid on at a medium to low heat for a few minutes.
If you like hash browns, you can grate half a potato to the pan, and let that cook for a few minutes with the tofu.
You can cut up some red cabbage, which is an anti-cancer food, and add red, orange or green peppers. You can add spinach, kale and chard near the end as well. All these foods are amazingly good for you and will fill your body with nutrients.
When everything is almost done, add a sprinkle of cheddar or mozzarella cheese grated over the potatoes and tofu, and put the lid on for a few more minutes. This will turn out to be a really delicious, nutritious start to your day.
Don’t forget to drink big glasses of water at some point as well.
For lunch you might like to have a pre-cooked can of organic mixed beans, some lentils, with veggies and tomato sauce. Add your favorite spices. For an extra filling meal, add some veggie ground round. Yves makes a great Italian spice flavored ground round. It’s a very hearty meal. Throw on some cheese when it is heated and you have a great mix to add to toast or rice.
For snacks eat real food, like an apple, a banana, a peanut butter sandwich, or veggies, like cucumbers.
Try eating like this for a few days and see if you notice a sense of satiated well being.
Dinner can be anything with whole foods, but make sure you get your greens mixed in with whatever you use for a staple meal. Greens really help with regularity and moving things through the digestive tract.
Dessert,…… well that’s for another post.
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