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The Fat Vegetarian: I'm vegetarian so I'm healthy by default.

Monday, January 28, 2013

I've been a vegetarian for almost 17 years (WOW! and my older sister told me it was "just a phase") Recently I was looking through photos of myself in high school (I became a vegetarian when I turned 16) and realized, I was not a slim as I thought I was. I knew I was heavier but I guess time makes you forget things. Anyway, that got me thinking about myself today, at almost 33 years old. I haven't always been the best vegetarian, meaning I often made unhealthy choices like tons of diner grilled cheese, cheese pizza, pasta, et. but I think in the back of my mind I was thinking, "I'm vegetarian so I'm healthy by default." NOT TRUE! And I am realizing that now. So looking at those pictures made me realize, I was surviving off of carbs, carbs, and more carbs. And to some extent I still am now. I love bread and pasta and bread, and...well..bread! I also love baked sweets.

I am not one to shout from the rooftops (or soapbox) about certain diets or lifestyle choices. I've scoffed at low/no carb life style, being uneducated on it. I am getting tired of trying to lose this weight and know I need a "diet" makeover. I've been thinking of watching my carbs and choosing more wisely. As a runner, I know how important carbs are for energy. I am NOT cutting them completely out but i do need an intervention to slow down on them! I am noticing my daughter (age 4 1/2) is also a carb lover. I want her to expand her palate too.

Any other vegetarians out there who have dabbled in a lower carb diet? (and I use the word "diet" meaning eating style) I'm looking for some good reading. I did find some recipes here on Spark http://recipes.sparkpeople.com
/browse-results.asp?catego
ry=Low+Carb+Vegetarian+Meals

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  • FERNAHRIAN
    I'm not a vegetarian but I know with a couple more nudges in that direction I very well could be. I'm more the type who is going all natural with foods. My biggest problem has always been I love unhealthy carbs and I'm a member of the "clean your plate" club.

    Learning about what veggies and fruits are in season throughout the year has really opened my eyes to what variety we really have. The next time you go to the store pick one or two things you've never even heard of or have wanted to try...find a recipe for it...try it.

    The only way to increase your palate is to take that step and try new things that you might never thought you'd like in a million years. Find fruits and veggies you know you already like and find different ways to eat them! Celery is great in most every kind of soup I've tried but it's also great with peanut butter and raisins or in a healthy desert (I'm from an area where they end up in the jello...right along with the carrots sometimes lol).

    Okay, off my soap box. I stumbled on your blog and wanted to put in my two cents. =D Hope it helps!
    2997 days ago
  • TOFUCUTIEPIE
    My first goal is to stay within my carb limit here on Spark. I'll consider that a victory in and of itself! LOL I have a few books on reserve at the library about lower carb vegetarian eating so if I find anything interesting, I'll post!

    ARMONIA, we have really cut back on our meat substitutes too, hardly ever eating them. They are tasty but more of a convenience thing.
    3001 days ago
  • ARMONIA
    Yes share! I want to do lower carb too but it's very hard, especially since I don't use meat subs very often!
    3001 days ago
  • NYARAMULA
    I too am a vegetarian struggling with a weakness for bread and all baked goods. When you find a way to deal with this, please do share.
    3002 days ago

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