Newly Vegetarian- Pls Help!

[want2becrunchy]

It was suggested by my naturopath to not eat meat or dairy to see if it helps with my Endometriosis (and inflammation).  I don't know if I'm eating right and getting enough protein.  My biggest struggle is lunch foods and snacks.  I need stuff that is easy because I don't give myself much time in the morning.

Could you list what you typically eat in a day (with snacks included)?  I really appreciate it!

Right now I usually have:

Breakfast- Smoothie with protein powder, rice milk, orange juice, frozen berries. ( I need to get a green powder but haven't been to the market recently.)

Snack- Piece of fruit and nuts.

Lunch- Veggies, hummus and fruit. (I don't want to over do the hummus and get tired of it. . . )

Snack- Granola. (Oats, nuts, raisins, cranberries and honey.)

Dinner- Pasta, beans, veggies. Or rice, veggies and beans.  ( I have tofu that I am going to use in a stir fry.  I'm trying to stay away from tons of soy because of the Endometriosis.)

Thank you for your help!!

[go_blue]

Here are some of my lunches (newly vegan - 2 months ago), mostly non-soy (possibly a little tamari though)

PB&J

Toast with Avocado

Sandwich with lentil spread (http://www.cookusinterruptus.com/index.php?video_id=243)

Lentil Salad

Rice with Bean salad

Quinoa salads

Rice with greens and lemon tahini sauce (http://www.cookusinterruptus.com/index.php?video_id=58)

Snacks:

Dried fruit (apricots, dates, plums) and nuts (walnuts, almonds)

PB & banana

Raisin Toast with Earth Balance soy-free spread

Vegan waffles (homemade)

graham crackers (may have soy lecithin)

Banana Milk made with almond milk (1c almond milk, 1 frozen banana, 1T sweetener, dash cinnamon, couple ice cubes, blend)

sorbet

Edited by go_blue - 7/25/11 at 7:07pm

[Nicole730]

I just made this rice salad the other day and it was delicious.  http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/black-bean-rice-veggie-salad-10000001062806/  It makes a lot, so you can store it for a few days in the fridge. 

You can always get fresh spinach and add it to your smoothies for the green.

[planthappymamma]

Black beans, tomato, and avocado on a corn cake. Its like a rice cake but better!

[Xavismom]

Hemp seed is a complete protien, and SO EASY to add to things that you eat.

This morning, we mixed some into our waffle batter. You really can put it in almost anything.

Make sure you get hulled hemp seeds =)

[erika08]

the picture really looks so yummy, avocado is one of my favorite.

[emilyelisabeth]

Sounds like you're doing great =) No dairy is tough. IF you decide to add dairy back in cottage cheese and greek yogurt can help you easily and quickly add protein back into your diet. Adding wheat germ to cereal with soy milk or baked goods will give you a boost, I put it on top of anything I use peanut butter with. Adding beans and nuts to salad is something I do alot and I'm sure tons of other veggies do. Edamame with arugala and fried tofu salad, egg substitue burrito with salsa and pintos, lentil soup with indian flavors is really easy and can be done in one pot(i love), vegetarian spring rolls with cabbage, bean sprouts, tofu, cucs, carrots and sweet chili sauce are good and really not that tough. Also, dont under estimate the power of a hearty soup, with a piece of nice bread you will totally forget you didnt eat any carnage. I love squash soups because they are so filling, also a basic veggie with brown rice fills you up nicely, as does the lentil mentioned before.

Good luck! Stick with it and pretty soon it will be so easy you won't even have to think about it!