Seriously Skinny Vegan Challenge

 

Okay so today is day 11 of my Vegan Challenge.  So far so good.  I feel SOOOOO great and healthy. I am eating a lot but don’t feel guilty about it because I am eating natural foods, mostly consisting of fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts and seeds.  Below are some more pictures of the dishes I have been enjoying and an idea of how I have been eating.  I haven’t been tracking calories, protein, etc but I would estimate most days I have been just around 1500 calories.  I’m a snacker!  Oh yeah and I already lost 2 pounds.  This is a big deal for me because I NEVER lose weight.  I either maintain or GAIN!

My only complaint would be that I am a little bloated.  This is definitely from all the fiber I’ve been eating.  Everything I eat is high in fiber.  This bloating will pass once my body adjusts.  I always eat a high fiber diet, just not this high!!  A high fiber diet is the best medicine.  It lowers LDL cholesterol, promotes regularity and keeps you full so you can maintain a healthy weight!  Just remember to drink plenty of water to move that fiber through your system.  Our bodies don't digest fiber so we need to flush it out so it can take the bad stuff with in.

You will see that I use ground flaxseed, chia seeds, and wheat germ a couple times each day.  You may be asking yourself why???  Well since I’m not eating animal products I need to make sure I am still getting my omega-3s and plenty of protein since I exercise regularly.  Check out some info on these super foods below.

CHIA SEEDS: high in fiber, good source of omega-3s, vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, boron and iron, phytochemicals, antioxidants; 1 Tablespoon (about ½ ounce) contains 60 calories, 4.5 g fat, 5 g carbs, 5 g fiber, 3 g protein, 2282 mg Omega-3, 752 mg Omega-6; use in baked goods, pancakes, sprinkled on hot or cold cereal on salads and fruit, in yogurt, pudding and stir fry and used in smoothies; Check out my blog post from November 30, 2011 for more info on chia seeds.

GROUND FLAXSEEDS: rich in fiber, lignans (antioxidants), and omega-3s.  Just two tablespoons supplied the same amount of fiber (4 grams) as 1 ½ cup of oatmeal, and the same amount of cancer fighting lignans as in 30 cups of broccoli. 2 Tablespoons contain 60 calories, 4.5 g fat, 4 g carbs, 4 g fiber, 3 g protein, 2400 mg Omega-3. It can be added to all the same foods as chia seeds. Check out my blog post from December 6, 2011 for more info on flax.  Also our bodies can’t really digest the whole flax seed.  That is why it is best to buy the ground flax seed and store it in the refrigerator so it retains all of the nutrients.

WHEAT GERM: It’s the heart of the wheat berry. A natural source of folic acid and also contains fiber and important vitamins and minerals such as phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, vitamin E and thiamin. Vitamin E strengthens the immune system and protects the heart.  Folic acid is necessary for heart and blood vessel health and for proper cell replication.  It is known for its protection again neural tube birth defects so it is required for women of child bearing age and pregnant women.  You can use wheat germ to replace up to one half cup of flour when baking cookies, muffins and breads.  Use it as a topping for fruit, fruit pies, yogurt, ice cream, cereals or as a natural breading for meats or vegetables.  I make my eggplant parm with a coating of wheat germ!  You can even toast wheat germ to give it a crunchy texture and nutty taste.  2 Tablespoons contain 60 calories, 1.5 g fat, 9 g carbs, 2 g fiber, 4 g protein. Check out the 1,2,3 Recipe Tab to see my Super Healthy Eggplant Parm recipe using wheat germ.

Seriously Skinny Vegan Cleanse

This is an idea of what I’ve been eating

Breakfast (400-500 calories): Big bowl of berries + ground flaxseed, chia seeds, wheat germ + almonds OR 1 cup cooked steel cut oats + ½ banana + ½ cup frozen blueberries + chopped walnuts + ground flaxseed, chia seeds, wheat germ + flaked coconut + splash of soy milk + cinnamon

Lunch (200-300 calories): Salad with chopped raw veggies + ½ cup beans + slivered almonds, raw sunflower seeds, raw pumpkin seeds, ground flaxseed, chia seeds, wheat germ OR similar dinner dish

Dinner (200-300 calories): Cooked vegetable dish + ½ cup beans OR raw veggies + ½ cup hummus OR cooked vegetables + tofu or tempeh

1-3 Snacks (if needed, 100-200 calories): raw fruits OR veggies plain OR almonds, peanut butter + fruit

Blanched asparagus with lemon

Oatmeal



Salad with beans and dressing is salsa and guacamole

Portable Jarred Salad - Make a week's worth and store in fridge.

Tofu with veg and beans

Beans and mushrooms with tomato sauce

   

Portable salad in a jar with a side of nuts and seeds