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I'm on a mission: Discover the best foods to fuel the *mind* *body* and *soul* I'm also here to have fun. I am currently a student at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition on my way to becoming a Health Coach and Holistic Nutritionist. Day to day, I live my life according to what I'm going to eat next. When having breakfast I think about what I'm going to eat for lunch; when I'm having lunch I think about what I'm going to eat for dinner. I find that what I eat is a determining factor in how I feel. And what I do is fueled by what I eat. I am a fitness fanatic and a yoga lover. So fuel is vital and is needed for energy maintenance.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Protein and How I lasted 1 week being a Vegetarian


PROTEIN
It is a widely known myth that protein only comes from meat, fish, poultry, milk and eggs. However, there are so many other delicious protein sources. I tested out a vegetarian diet (for 1 full week), so I had to find these sources and make sure I was getting enough. Protein is one of the three macronutrients required in humans (carbohydrates and fats being the other two). Proteins support and maintains blood, organs, muscles, hair, skin and nails.
-Plant proteins include: soy (edamame, tofu), legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds
(I also received protein from dairy and eggs)
Alex's Fav

Breakfast: 1 cup of oatmeal (6 grams), 1 cup of soymilk (7 grams), 1 bagel (9 grams)
Lunch: 2 whole wheat tortillas (5 grams), 1 cup beans (12 grams), salsa and cheese
Dinner: 5 oz tofu (11 grams), 1 cup of brown rice (5 grams) 1 cup broccoli (4 grams) 2 tbsp almonds (4 grams)

Snack: 2 tbsp peanut butter (8 grams) 8 crackers (4 grams)
Total: 75 grams of protein

MANAfoodbar is a great vegetarian restaurant in Chicago

Try the cucumber sake cocktail, mana slider (brown rice and mushroom burger with spicy mayo), and the watermelon feta salad.





So what now?
It was an interesting week living the life of a vegetarian. What I learned is that it is doable and quite delicious. But I was eager to add turkey sausage to my omelette and chicken to my fajitas. I will continue to be meatless on Mondays and at least 1 meal per day. Stay tuned!

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