My Four-Day Vegetarian Challenge

 

Bruce and I observe meatless Monday, having learned how to make some tasty vegetarian dishes for a good friend. Recently, while Bruce worked in Florida for a few days, I challenged myself to see if I could go four days as a vegetarian. (OK, pescatarian; our version of vegetarian includes fish.)

(Disclaimer: this outlines my own personal experience. I am not a nutritionist or health care professional. Please you check with your physician before trying such a change.)

	Breakfast	Lunch	Dinner
Monday	Scrambled eggs with flax seed	Fried fish sandwich on a whole wheat bun	Frito pie with vegetarian chili
Tuesday	Spelt bread with blueberry jam	Egg salad sandwich on whole grain, mushroom soup	“Pepperoni” pizza on whole grain crust
Wednesday	Scrambled eggs with flax seed	Grilled cheese with “pepperoni,” mushroom soup	Luby’s fried fish, corn, mac and cheese
Thursday	Greek yogurt with cereal	Hu-Hot Asian stir fry with “krab”	MEAT!!!

When eating vegetarian, I often struggle to find an adequate protein substitute, especially for supper. I learned early on that throwing four vegetables together for dinner made for a rumbly tummy an hour later. So I focus on using high protein meat substitutes. My favorites include:

• Eggs
• Meat substitutes from Tofurky and others, usually based on soy or textured wheat protein
• Beans
• Cheese
• Greek yogurt

Using whole grains also makes a filling meal. Vegetarian Times has some great suggestions for high protein meat substitutes and satisfying vegetarian entrees.
 
I really enjoy cooking with soyrizo. I’ve made some terrific tacos and frittatas where I don’t even miss the meat. In fact, Bruce’s winning Hatch recipe included soyrizo. (I’ll post a frittata recipe soon.)

During day two, I realized that I needed to supplement my meals with a protein shake (almond milk, agave syrup, and whey protein powder). I’m training for a 15-mile bike ride, and if I don’t get enough protein, my batteries fall out.

My verdict: In short, “there’s no such thing as a failed experiment” (Richard Buckminster Fuller). While proud that I completed my goal, I’m not in a hurry to repeat it. My current level of exercise makes protein management (always a challenge) that much more difficult. Plus…I just plain miss meat (in general, and bacon in particular). In the interests of healthy eating and attempting to reduce our meat consumption, we’ll continue with meatless Mondays. But I’m not likely to join Karen’s vegetarian bandwagon any time soon.