Question:
How does one become a vegetarian and eat low carb?
Every time I eat any sort of meat, I just don't enjoy it like I did pre-op. So, I have started thinking about cutting it out completely. But I also want to eat low-carb. If meat is out, milk is out, fruit is also full of carbs and a lot of veggies are also, what is left besides drinking protein drinks and eating a salad? I'm sure there are other options, but I would love to have some ideas! — Cheri M. (posted on April 29, 2003)
April 29, 2003
I have been a lacto-ovo vegetarian for several years and am just about 3
months post-op...I do consume milk, cheese, eggs, etc. What you're
describing is a vegan diet, which is a LOT more restrictive. Either way, I
would totally recommend the alternative meat soy products that are becoming
more and more available. Around here you can find them in the produce
section of the grocery store and in the frozen food section. Most are soy
based and contain a considerable amount of protein. Many have
no-to-minimal carbs. I really prefer the Morningstar line of
products...their grillers (hamburger-like patties) are great. Their
chicken patties are also wonderful. A lot of people like Boca's products.
These products are not inexpensive, but are comparable to the meats that
they are supposed to replace. There are lots of options..had a great BLT
the other day...use the low-carbs bread (found at SuperTarget). I also eat
at least one serving of cheese a day. There's also peanut butter...and I
try to work in at least one serving of beans/lentils a day...at the strong
urging of my surgeon's dietician. Another low-carb/high-protein food.
Good luck!
— Amy W.
April 29, 2003
I should also add that I do drink my protein, so that is not a factor in
deciding what to eat. Thanks for the suggestions below!
— Cheri M.
April 29, 2003
I am a vegetarian but do eat dairy. I eat a lot of beans, cottage cheese,
cheese, peanut butter, etc. I do not eat any bread, crackers, rice, etc.
I was a vegan for a few months years ago but did not feel like I had many
food options--I also became very sick. If you do decide to go with a vegan
diet just make sure you are very careful about getting enough vitamins,
protein, etc. Good luck.
— TP
April 29, 2003
If you are considering this post op then you should seriously consider
seeing a nutritionist breifly to get you on the right track. Soy is not a
complete protein and so must be mixed with other stuff to become so. I
don't know enough about it but I was a vege for many many years, raised
that way actually. Be careful, it is too easy to get improper nutrition
post op. Good luck and let us know what you find out!
— Carol S.
April 29, 2003
I didn't notice any mention of tofu...this really is one of those unsung
hero foods, as it can taste like whatever you flavor it with. We had tofu
burgers for supper (and my teenagers eat them!). The trick is in the
flavorings you add. Also, to alter texture there are several tricks, one
is to freeze the stuff; gives it a chewy chicken like texture, another is
to slice thin, flavor, and bake it. I use it for spreads, dips, smoothies,
meat loaf. Ok, ok I know most of you are probably groaning but hey, it is
GOOD for you and great protien, even if it isn't a complete source of
protien. By the way, beware if you go vegan. It is pretty hard to find
enough sources of complete protien unless you like powdered protien shakes.
— Bobbi G.
April 29, 2003
Check your phone book for Seventh Day Adventist Churches and ask them if
they can recommend some good cookbooks for vegan/vegetarians. They are old
hats at complete proteins. Good luck!
— [Deactivated Member]
May 2, 2003
I'm a longtime vegetarian. Since I had a distal procedure, I have to be
extra careful to get enough protein in each day, so I drink a whey shake
every morning for insurance(ProBlend 55 Mocha Cappuccino -- yum!). For the
rest of the day, I try to make reasonably healthy food choices (i.e., avoid
as much sugary junk and trans fats as possible -- gravitate towards
fiber-rich whole foods instead), but I don't worry too much about limiting
my carbs. However, if I were going to try to eat low-carb, I know that soy
would be my savior. I love tofu, and I've been noticing that it's available
in so many restaurants these days. Have you checked out The Soy Zone by
Barry Sears? That book covers how to do "The Zone" diet as a
vegetarian. Good luck!
— Tally
May 2, 2003
BTW, soy *is* a complete protein, according to the FDA. That's what makes
it so great! Most vegetable proteins are not, but soy is special. It can be
used as a stand-alone replacement for meat.
— Tally
August 19, 2003
I know I am a little late with this answer. I have gone through numerous
vegetarian phases in my time. Each time I learn more. One thing I learned
was: If you make beans, you can put the whey (liquid part) from yogurt into
them and it will make them a complete protein. I assume it doesn't change
the flavor too much, and I assume this in the "raw" state
(couldn't heat it up first, just add some to your serving) I do hope this
is correct as I'd hate to mislead anyone. I would achieve this by putting
yogurt in a tight strainer or cheesecloth in the fridge for a few hours.
The solid left over can be flavored and is essentially yogurt cheese.
Enjoy.
— Kim K.
April 19, 2004
Veggie burgers and sausages by Morning Star Farms are really good!
Eggbeaters come in flavors now and are good. Soy cheeses and vegetarian
lunch meats are pretty good...some are acquired tastes. Need any more
ideas? Contact me...Rusty
— Rusty2
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