Vegetarian Diet

When I started my change to a vegetarian diet, I found it very difficult. I didn't have any healthy cookbooks or the internet to learn from. Basically, I started from 'scratch'.

I enjoyed learning and discovered that my body felt healthier and I had more energy when I stopped eating animal protein. I had to learn what to replace that protein with to have a balanced diet.

Sometimes when celiac, IBS, candida and other health complaints are present, the body heals more quickly when you eat a 'lighter' diet.

My hope is that the vegetarian recipes that I have will make it easier for you to let go of ‘animal’ protein, if that is your need or goal.

Please keep in mind, that I am not recommending being vegetarian or vegan or any other diet, but have this information for you, if that is your intention.

About Animal Protein:

Our digestive system was not designed for a meat diet. Many people, who are meat eaters, suffer from poor elimination.

Meat is extremely low in fiber and moves very sluggishly through the human digestive tract. It takes up to 8 hours for a heavy meat meal to digest.

Chronic constipation is a common problem in our society today as our meals are mainly 'meat' oriented and before one meal is digested another one is on the way.

Meat eaters experience less bone mineral and experience osteoporosis more than vegetarians do.

Replacement for Meat:

The protein replacement could be eggs, tofu, nuts and nut butters.

I personally would have eggs included in any vegetarian diet plans that I have.

There Are Grains AvailableThat Are A Good Source of Protein

buckwheat

amaranth

millet

garbanzo beans

lentils

brown rice

quinoa

Synerprotein or Nutriburn as a protein drink could be used to get more protein if required.

I mix myself a blender shake every morning, which includes either Synerprotein or Nutriburn, Greenzone, Essential Liquid Minerals and some fruit.

One of the ingredients in Greenzone is Spirulina and that will provide vitamin b12, which is what most vegetarians are deficient in.

I find this quite filling and quick to prepare for breakfast.

Vitamin B12

Some of the benefits from taking B12 are -

• prevents anemia
• increases energy
• relieves irritability

The natural sources of Vitamin B12 are from consuming liver, kidney, saltwater fish, oysters, eggs, beef, milk and cheese. All of which most people on a vegetarian diet do not eat.

Tofu

Tofu is a complete vegetable protein that is easy on the digestive system.

It is good for babies, children and the elderly.

Sensitive stomachs handle tofu easily.

Tofu has no cholesterol. If you have an allergy to milk or eggs, tofu can be a wonderful addition to your diet for variety.

I enjoy a cup of Miso soup frequently. It is quite filling and nourishing.

About Purchasing Tofu

Really fresh tofu has barely any scent at all. It has a slightly sweet, mild vegetable smell.

Always gently rinse tofu under cold running water when you bring it home.

Store it in the fridge in a covered container filled with cold water - preferably filtered water. It is important to replace this water every day.

Tofu will keep up to two weeks in this manner.

If it starts to go moldy or turn slightly pinkish, it’s time to throw it out. Tip: Slightly sour tofu makes an excellent cheesecake!

There’s your first clue, that being on a vegetarian diet, doesn’t have to be boring.

Eating Tofu can be an interesting challenge for those of you who have never tried it before.

When I lived in Maui and went on a vegetarian diet,the idea of eating tofu was very foreign to me. I soon discovered a wonderful restaurant that used tofu in so many different ways, that I quickly learned to cook with it myself.

Just a little side note here, the restaurant was always full at meal times, men, women and children and nobody was overweight!

Still Having Trouble with Your Decision...

to become a vegetarian after trying some of those vegetarian diet recipes?

Enjoying a vegetarian diet does the least harm to living creatures on our planet and it helps us become more and more aware of the unity of life.

If your desire is to become a vegetarian and you are having trouble, go to a slaughterhouse - this would certainly help you make up your mind.

I personally have trouble when the huge transport passes me on the highway, crammed full of cows or pigs or chickens.

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