One of the things I’d like to try in 2011 is eating vegetarian. I’ve found in the past few years a great time to experiment with things like this is during lent. I find it a good way to remind me to reflect on eternal things … so this year I will go vegetarian. In 2009 I gave up coffee (and still don’t drink it) and in 2010 gave up alcohol (I still will have a drink now and then).
An entirely vegetarian diet won’t start until Mar 9, 2011 (Ash Wednesday) but I will start now by ramping up … selecting vegetarian options when available.
I have never done this before so I’m pretty weak on ideas/options. If you have any recipes or resources please pass them on.
Below is one resource from a blog I subscribe to (Zen Habits). As I write this I had to look up Quinoa on Wikipedia. I’m pretty sure I’ll be frequenting the Sunflower Market in Denver.
…here’s a typical day (lately):
- 7 a.m. 1/2 cup cooked rolled organic oats w/ berries, raw almonds, cinnamon, raisins, ground flaxseed.
- 10 a.m. Unsweetened coconut flakes w/ berries, almonds, soymilk.
- 1 p.m. Quinoa, steamed veggies, and some kind of protein — usually black bean chili or lentil curry or a veggie burger.
- 4 p.m. Soy yogurt w/ almonds, berries, some other fruit, ground flaxseed.
- 7 p.m. Quinoa, steamed veggies, and some kind of protein — usually black bean chili or lentil curry or a veggie burger.
I don’t eat many grains other than the rolled oats (quinoa isn’t a grain). I am vegan. I get more than enough protein. This diet is about 400 cals per meal, or 2,000 cals daily — which will net me a 500-1000 cal deficit depending on exercise and activity during the day.
