Who is vegetarian/vegan here? @doxiemoxie212 I know you are and I think there was at least one more if not two? My husband and I have tried off and on for a while to switch to a plant based diet and end up eating the same things over and over until we're tired of them. What are some of your favorites/go to meals (any breakfasts, lunches, and dinners appreciated)?
I'm not picky and my food aversions are very specific and mostly to do with meat. I love avocados and sweet potato. Last pregnancy, I was vegan when I hit bfp and couldn't touch tahini, mushrooms, or beans the whole pregnancy. Fortunately, I don't have those aversions this time. Talk, all day, please!
So my main recommendation would be to just replace the meat in any of your recipes with tofu. Oftentimes, the sauce is what people love most about their favorite meat dishes, and you really can just put sauce on tofu. To make tofu taste good, buy "firm" organic tofu, cut it into like, IDK, 1/2 inch slices? And press the water out with paper towels. I just put a few on the counter, put the tofu slices on top, put a few more paper towels on top of that and let them sit while I prep other things. Season with salt and pepper once they've sat for a while, and then fry for about 3 minutes on each side in a hot pan with some light oil (I like this stirfry oil seasoned with onion, garlic and ginger: https://groceryeshop.us/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=79931&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8fXuo-Hz2AIV3EwNCh0SlwwSEAkYAyABEgK4hfD_BwE you can find it at Whole Foods in the asian or oil aisles)
As for specific recipes, here are my staples (though I do tweak a lot of these with seasonings, which I would recommend based on your own personal preferences):
As far as full meals, here's a typical rundown of our dinners:
Monday: Beyond Meat burgers (you can find them at many grocery stores in either the tofu section or the meat section) with seasoned waffle fries.
Tuesday: broccolini either with the spicy sesame sauce (see above) or just olive oil, garlic and red pepper flakes, crispy tofu and sushi rice (some soy/tamari sauce as needed)
Wednesday: Lacinato kale quickly sauteed with olive oil, garlic and red pepper flake, roasted red potatoes tossed before roasting with a mixture of olive oil, salt, paprika, garlic powder and pepper, and topped with a mustard butter compote (I just put a bunch of mustards I like with some fresh grated garlic in softened butter) on top, and then I usually will either serve with crispy tofu or Gardein "chicken" nuggets (frozen section)
Thursday: tomato pasta (see above, sun gold tomato recipe) but I make a lot of tweaks to this recipe at this point. I basically char the shit out of the tomatoes, and I keep the garlic whole. I top it with a giant arugala salad with a thick balsamic vinaigrette right on top.
Friday: crispy broccoli (see above), lemon risotto, Gardein "chicken" nuggets
Saturday: burnt carrot salad (see above) but I add a lot frisee lettuce, and I find this is completely enough food on its own
Sunday: brown rice avocado egg bowls (see above) or broccoli rabe pasta (see above)
For breakfast, I'd recommend just searching "smoothie bowl" or "rice bowl" on Pinterest.
But seriously, learn to good good, yummy tofu, and the rest is a breeze. And I promise, everyone likes tofu if it's cooked properly. DH was not vegetarian when we met, and he was extremely skeptical, but good tofu is possible.
@doxiemoxie212 thanks! We do like tofu and gardein. My tofu making skills are a hit or miss but I can improve.
I’m not the most inventive when it comes to plant based. I typically err on the side of some kind of tacos (cauliflower baked with tikka masala sauce makes a delicious taco with avocado and salsa for instance). But like I said we eat the same stuff over and over and it gets old. Thanks for the recipes, I am going to pin them all right meow!
@Austenista I feel you on the food boredom. DH is a creature of habit, so he'd prefer to have the same meals every Monday, every Tuesday, etc. Drives me nuts. I don't know how he does it, but he literally never gets sick of foods.
@doxiemoxie212 my grandmother was like that. if she liked something or thought you liked something she'd make that for you 10 thousand times until you begged her to stop.
@Austenista Dunno if you like tempeh, but it's pretty tasty when skillet-fried with your oil of preference, soy sauce, garlic, and a little balsamic vinegar. I used to live with a vegan and we'd eat it on toast, with lettuce and avocado (like a BLT, minus the B and the T, because I hate tomatoes.)
@kfren that's the thing (and why I think if I could just get the hang of it I would be happy plant-based), I like just about anything outside of soggy tofu. Soggy tofu can gtfo. Gross. Anyway, yes, that tempeh sounds delicious!
@Austenista I used to work in a health-food store and I think the only time I have ever enjoyed tofu is in this mock egg salad the cafe there made. It was freaking delicious. I like tempeh because it's super firm and crunchy.
Another thing I really enjoy is chickpea salad: chickpeas, bell peppers, cucumber, red onion, garlic, balsamic, and olive oil. I typically eat it with pita as a snack, but I've wanted to try it atop some quinoa, as a meal. It's really pretty to look at, too
I'm going to be the one to interrupt all this healthy veggie talk to share that I had a costco hotdog AND churro for lunch. It was glorious and I regret nothing...even though it did make me forget my quest for those oreo doughnut things. haha.
I've been trying to think of an additional protein/meal idea to add into our weekly rotation. I use the same basic template each week:1. Salmon, 2. Chicken, 3. Spaghetti and meatballs, 4. Vegetarian Mexican (quesadillas or tacos), 5. winter: soup or summer: grill burgers
I might add vegetarian stir fry into the mix. Rice cooker rice and frozen veggies. Not sure about the main protein.
I was raised vegetarian/pescatarian so I'd love tofu or some vegetarian option but DH is resistant to tofu. He is a southern boy who loves to hunt. I did sneak some Grillers veggie crumbles into the spaghetti sauce last week with the meatballs and he said "Ooooh meatballs in meat sauce!" and he ate it without realizing what it was so maybe I could win him over...
So I live in Minneapolis where the Super Bowl will be in just over a week. Jimmy Fallon is hosting The Tonight Show from here as well. I just saw that a donut shop downtown across the street from where he is taping has created a B&J The Tonight Dough donut called the Double Dough donut. *drool emoji*
I am going to try to convince MH to brave the traffic and road closures downtown to go get one tomorrow morning. Will update if I am successful in my mission.
*TW LC*
Me & MH: 32 DS: 6/1/18 (Pre-E; IUGR; seizures; NICU) TTC #2: 12/2019 Sept 2020: HSG possible blocked right tube Nov 2020: Letrozole + TI - BFN Dec 2020: Letrozole + TI - BFP!!! EDD 9/18
Got the Arbys oreo bites today. Sadly disappointed. The oreo creme inside was okay but the cake was dry and flavorless. If anyone else was tempted, save the 3 bucks and the calories for something better.
Sorry guys we made it there and they didn’t have The Tonight Show donut today but fret not I got a strawberry champagne donut and a few classics to take home
Thats a made from scratch strawberry marshmallow on top.
We also had fun checking out the skyway between the buildings downtown and some of the Super Bowl booths/events they have set up. Like a 100 foot snowmobile jump! Overall still worth it.
*TW LC*
Me & MH: 32 DS: 6/1/18 (Pre-E; IUGR; seizures; NICU) TTC #2: 12/2019 Sept 2020: HSG possible blocked right tube Nov 2020: Letrozole + TI - BFN Dec 2020: Letrozole + TI - BFP!!! EDD 9/18
Canadian friends, I picked these chips up at the airport. I can’t decide if I like them or not....it reminds me of a mix of salt and vinegar and bbq chips. What is the deal with these???
@LaceyBee522 Whole Foods has a 365 flavor chip called All Dressed. I think it’s like everything flavor chips? Salt and vinegar, bbq, etc? I like them. DH does not.
It's 930am here and I am craving tacos so badly. My boyfriend is part Hispanic so morning menudo on weekends is his jam so 10am tacos for me aren't that weird but I really really want him to wake up so we can go, like NOW.
I made Chrissy Teigen's Mac and Cheese recipe on Friday night and I've been eating the leftovers all weekend. OMG, it is amazing. Totally lived up to the hype. Had this little beggar by my side the whole time.
@LaceyBee522 - at least once a week in this pregnancy. All Dressed chips are amazing! The kinda sort of hit all the flavour profiles for me, all at once. And definitely a Canadian taste. As Are Ketchup chips... but they gotta be the right brand. (Lays)
Dang, now I have to pick up a bag of All Dressed at lunch.
Had Vietnamese spring rolls, Wonton Soup and Mango milkshake yesterday. DD LOVES wonton soup we discovered. She had the leftovers for dinner, and went looking for it for breakfast this am.
Mama to a wonderful DD - Sep 2015, Wife to my DH since 2011, 2 dogs, a cat, and hoping to add No. 2 in May/June 2018. Canadian. 5 - IUIs, 3 - IVF retrievals, 2- failed transfers (fresh, and frozen), PGS on second IVF resulted in 1 perfect emby, and DD. 3rd IVF w PGS resulted in 3! perfect embys. 1st transfer - Sep 2017 2 more on ice.
Re: What My Pregnant Self is Eating (w/o 1/4)
So my main recommendation would be to just replace the meat in any of your recipes with tofu. Oftentimes, the sauce is what people love most about their favorite meat dishes, and you really can just put sauce on tofu. To make tofu taste good, buy "firm" organic tofu, cut it into like, IDK, 1/2 inch slices? And press the water out with paper towels. I just put a few on the counter, put the tofu slices on top, put a few more paper towels on top of that and let them sit while I prep other things. Season with salt and pepper once they've sat for a while, and then fry for about 3 minutes on each side in a hot pan with some light oil (I like this stirfry oil seasoned with onion, garlic and ginger: https://groceryeshop.us/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=79931&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8fXuo-Hz2AIV3EwNCh0SlwwSEAkYAyABEgK4hfD_BwE you can find it at Whole Foods in the asian or oil aisles)
As for specific recipes, here are my staples (though I do tweak a lot of these with seasonings, which I would recommend based on your own personal preferences):
- https://spicedblog.com/thai-peanut-wraps.html
- https://www.closetcooking.com/2015/03/maple-dijon-roasted-carrots.html#more
- https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a48034/zucchini-meatballs-recipe/?utm_content=bufferf2a3e&utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest.com&utm_campaign=buffer
- https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/pasta-with-sun-gold-tomatoes
- https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/broccolini-with-spicy-sesame-vinaigrette
- https://smittenkitchen.com/2012/04/pasta-with-garlicky-broccoli-rabe/#more-8357
- https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/15-minute-garlic-butter-ramen-noodles/
- https://smittenkitchen.com/2011/09/roasted-tomato-soup-with-broiled-cheddar/#more-7871
- https://smittenkitchen.com/2015/04/crispy-broccoli-with-lemon-and-garlic/
- https://www.metropoleonwalnut.com/news/2014/menu-mainstay-burnt-carrot-salad/
- https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/rice-bowl-fried-egg-avocado
As far as full meals, here's a typical rundown of our dinners:- Monday: Beyond Meat burgers (you can find them at many grocery stores in either the tofu section or the meat section) with seasoned waffle fries.
- Tuesday: broccolini either with the spicy sesame sauce (see above) or just olive oil, garlic and red pepper flakes, crispy tofu and sushi rice (some soy/tamari sauce as needed)
- Wednesday: Lacinato kale quickly sauteed with olive oil, garlic and red pepper flake, roasted red potatoes tossed before roasting with a mixture of olive oil, salt, paprika, garlic powder and pepper, and topped with a mustard butter compote (I just put a bunch of mustards I like with some fresh grated garlic in softened butter) on top, and then I usually will either serve with crispy tofu or Gardein "chicken" nuggets (frozen section)
- Thursday: tomato pasta (see above, sun gold tomato recipe) but I make a lot of tweaks to this recipe at this point. I basically char the shit out of the tomatoes, and I keep the garlic whole. I top it with a giant arugala salad with a thick balsamic vinaigrette right on top.
- Friday: crispy broccoli (see above), lemon risotto, Gardein "chicken" nuggets
- Saturday: burnt carrot salad (see above) but I add a lot frisee lettuce, and I find this is completely enough food on its own
- Sunday: brown rice avocado egg bowls (see above) or broccoli rabe pasta (see above)
Here's a great breakdown on protein sources in a plant based diet. It's pretty easy to get plenty: https://www.ecowatch.com/50-powerful-sources-of-plant-based-protein-1882107661.htmlFor breakfast, I'd recommend just searching "smoothie bowl" or "rice bowl" on Pinterest.
But seriously, learn to good good, yummy tofu, and the rest is a breeze. And I promise, everyone likes tofu if it's cooked properly. DH was not vegetarian when we met, and he was extremely skeptical, but good tofu is possible.
I’m not the most inventive when it comes to plant based. I typically err on the side of some kind of tacos (cauliflower baked with tikka masala sauce makes a delicious taco with avocado and salsa for instance). But like I said we eat the same stuff over and over and it gets old. Thanks for the recipes, I am going to pin them all right meow!
Another thing I really enjoy is chickpea salad: chickpeas, bell peppers, cucumber, red onion, garlic, balsamic, and olive oil. I typically eat it with pita as a snack, but I've wanted to try it atop some quinoa, as a meal. It's really pretty to look at, too
I might add vegetarian stir fry into the mix. Rice cooker rice and frozen veggies. Not sure about the main protein.
I was raised vegetarian/pescatarian so I'd love tofu or some vegetarian option but DH is resistant to tofu. He is a southern boy who loves to hunt. I did sneak some Grillers veggie crumbles into the spaghetti sauce last week with the meatballs and he said "Ooooh meatballs in meat sauce!" and he ate it without realizing what it was so maybe I could win him over...
I am going to try to convince MH to brave the traffic and road closures downtown to go get one tomorrow morning. Will update if I am successful in my mission.
DS: 6/1/18 (Pre-E; IUGR; seizures; NICU)
TTC #2: 12/2019
Sept 2020: HSG possible blocked right tube
Nov 2020: Letrozole + TI - BFN
Dec 2020: Letrozole + TI - BFP!!! EDD 9/18
DS: 6/1/18 (Pre-E; IUGR; seizures; NICU)
TTC #2: 12/2019
Sept 2020: HSG possible blocked right tube
Nov 2020: Letrozole + TI - BFN
Dec 2020: Letrozole + TI - BFP!!! EDD 9/18
Husband: 35
Married: June 2007
Son Max born 1/10/17
BFP #2: 10/5/17; EDD: 6/11/18
spelling edit
To get me movie theatre popcorn!
@sabby2 I love popcorn but MH rarely eats it. He worked in a movie theater in high school and I think it ruined popcorn for him for life lol!
Thats a made from scratch strawberry marshmallow on top.
DS: 6/1/18 (Pre-E; IUGR; seizures; NICU)
TTC #2: 12/2019
Sept 2020: HSG possible blocked right tube
Nov 2020: Letrozole + TI - BFN
Dec 2020: Letrozole + TI - BFP!!! EDD 9/18
DS: born oct 2012
TFAS: BFP #1 aug16. miscarriage sept16
BFP #2 nov16 MMC dec16. d&c jan17
BFP #3 sept17 EDD 5/31/18
fingers crossed for our rainbow baby
@krashke that donut looks delishhhh!
It's 930am here and I am craving tacos so badly. My boyfriend is part Hispanic so morning menudo on weekends is his jam so 10am tacos for me aren't that weird but I really really want him to wake up so we can go, like NOW.
I made Chrissy Teigen's Mac and Cheese recipe on Friday night and I've been eating the leftovers all weekend. OMG, it is amazing. Totally lived up to the hype. Had this little beggar by my side the whole time.
Recipe - https://www.lemonsforlove.com/blog/2016/6/5/a-story-of-the-most-delicious-mac-cheese-ever
DS born 9/24/2020
My mum brought me some, and I basically ate half the container once it was in my hands lol!
Dang, now I have to pick up a bag of All Dressed at lunch.
Had Vietnamese spring rolls, Wonton Soup and Mango milkshake yesterday. DD LOVES wonton soup we discovered. She had the leftovers for dinner, and went looking for it for breakfast this am.
5 - IUIs, 3 - IVF retrievals, 2- failed transfers (fresh, and frozen), PGS on second IVF resulted in 1 perfect emby, and DD.
3rd IVF w PGS resulted in 3! perfect embys. 1st transfer - Sep 2017 2 more on ice.