Happy Hump Day Noobs! If you follow me on Instagram, you know that my challenge of becoming a vegetarian (or pescatarian) for a month as a part of my 30 before 30 list is well underway. For those of you who offered your advice in my previous post relating to the subject, I am eternally grateful. I was expecting the first week to be a bit of a challenge based on your experiences, and I was not disappointed. The task has only been going on for a few days now, but I have already learned some valuable lessons:
Plan, Plan, Plan your Meals
Undergoing a drastic change in your diet is do-able, but takes an extraordinary amount of planning. I have never been one to pay too close of attention to meal preparation, so going to the grocery store with an actual list has been a big change for me! My ultimate goal for becoming vegetarian for a month is to learn how to incorporate more vegetables into my diet, so meal preparation seems to be key - especially when you're buying mostly perishable food and are only cooking for two people ( I absolutely hate wasting food.) Simple carbohydrates are another enemy and potential roadblock to the challenge, since cakes and cookies seem to be always readably available when my insatiable hunger strikes - especially at work. So far I've found success with always having raw veggies and dip at the office to much on to help avoid temptation, but I am also considering decreasing my meal sizes and increasing their frequency. What do you think?
Green Juice
Green juice, where have you been all of my life? The health benefits of juicing are controversial, to say the least, but in my personal experience green juice has helped me keep my energy levels high and decrease my coffee consumption throughout the day - plus the fact that I am adding more fruits and vegetables into my daily rotation doesn't hurt either. I've been cheating and getting my juice from a juicing company, but would really love to start making it myself. Does anyone have a great green juice recipe - something that packs a nutritional punch but still tastes very sweet and fruity (baby steps!)
Less than a week down into my vegetarian challenge, but I remain surprisingly optemistic - for now. I'm going out to my favourite Mexican restaurant on Friday, where their Pork Carnita tastes likes heaven on a taco. Pray for Joëlle.
I have been a vegetarian for 10 years. I think eating smaller meals with snacks throughout the day is key (I eat 6 times a day!). That way your blood sugar doesn't fall and you aren't tempted by sweet treats. You won't feel the need to have a big meal or take the last bite if your full because you will be eating in a few hrs. Some good between meal snacks are almonds, veggies and hummus and greek yogurt.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry about your trip to a mexican restaurant. They are one of the most veg friendly options when going out. You could get cheese enchiladas with a side of rice and beans. Bean burritos are also a good option. Italian, Thai and Greek cuisine are also very veg friendly when dining out.
If you have any questions about what to eat for the next 30 days don't hesitate to email me: lookfortheoccasion@yahoo.com
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Thank you for the tips! I'm glad to hear that mexican cuisine is on the list of veggie-friendly options for dining out - it's my favourite!
DeleteDefinitely increase the frequency of your meals...regardless of whether or not you are becoming veggie or not, it is a good idea. Great for the metabolism and it makes you feel less hungry since you are pretty much always eating! Wishing you the best of luck for the rest of the month!
ReplyDeleteThat is so true, increasing the frequency of my meal is definitely an eating habit that I would like to stick to - even long after this challenge. Thank you for your well wishes!
DeleteHey :-)
ReplyDeleteIf you're still looking for a green juice recipe this is what I make and I swear by it (I drink it everyday and I love it):
Ingredients:
-Kale (one handful)
-Lemon (one slice)
-Celery (two stalks)
-Cucumber (half)
-Ginger (two slices)
-Apple (One whole)
-Water (one cup)
& then all you do is blend all the ingredients thoroughly and it tastes amazing because the apples allow for some natural sugar.
I hope this helps :-)
xx Angella
http://importedbubbly.blogspot.com/
Sounds delicious! I'm going to pick up everything on my next grocery run and give this green drink a try - thank you :D
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