Tips for Vegetarian South Beach Diet

[MotherNaturals]

Hi There~

On the gratious advice of rose1, I am here trying to learn more about the Vegetarian version of South Beach. I am not really sure what to search for and am here at the South Beach forum and am stuck.

To make a long story short, low carb has worked for me in the past and I lost 54 pounds and I am back to lose my baby weight...and more...but I no longer want to eat meat. rose1 said she uses a vegatarian form of the SB diet and so I know buying the book won't give me the info I need.

Any help would be great. I am really kind of frustrated. I tried to start on Atkins again today and the meat is making me sick and thinking about the pound of ground beef waiting for me in the fridge is making me want to toss my low carb cookies! ...I even had the trots earlier...not fun... <--- me rolling on the floor with the sweats and major cramps!

Peace~Vanessa

[justmarvi]

Originally Posted by MotherNaturals

Hi There~

On the gratious advice of rose1, I am here trying to learn more about the Vegetarian version of South Beach. I am not really sure what to search for and am here at the South Beach forum and am stuck.

To make a long story short, low carb has worked for me in the past and I lost 54 pounds and I am back to lose my baby weight...and more...but I no longer want to eat meat. rose1 said she uses a vegatarian form of the SB diet and so I know buying the book won't give me the info I need.

Any help would be great. I am really kind of frustrated. I tried to start on Atkins again today and the meat is making me sick and thinking about the pound of ground beef waiting for me in the fridge is making me want to toss my low carb cookies! ...I even had the trots earlier...not fun... <--- me rolling on the floor with the sweats and major cramps!

Peace~Vanessa

Vanessa!

We're glad you're joining in with us. I'm not a vegetarian but we all eat veggies and if Emily and Barbara will help us along on some protein ideas, I'm sure we can all help find answers that will make all of us healthier for sure.

The Phase 1 Vegetarian Food List is posted in the Phase 1 Food List sticky above, we'll worth from there, okay? Hope you get to feeling better soon. Perhaps you could share some food choices?

How does this sound?

Spicy Chinese Peanut Sauce with Matchstick Veggies

Makes about 3/4 cup.
Description
This all-purpose sauce is terrific over julienned veggies or tossed with whole-wheat noddles in Phase 2. It's also a great dip for crudites, shrimp, or chicken kabobs. Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container, where they will keep for a week. If you like it spicy, stir in a teaspoon of hot sauce.


Ingredients
1/4 cup unsweetened natural peanut butter (trans fat-free chunky or creamy)
1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons chopped fresh ginger
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tablespoon Asian sesame oil
2 teaspoons Splenda or sugar substitute


Instructions
In blender or food processor fitted with metal blade, process all ingredients 1 minute, or until the consistency of heavy cream. (Add a little hot water if too thick.)

For matchstick vegetables, to serve 2 people: Using vegetable peeler, peel long strips from 1 carrot. Peel, halve lengthwise, seed, and thinly slice 1/2 of a cucumber. Thinly slice a handful of snow peas (no need to cook), thinly slice 1/2 of an endive head. Throw in a handful of sprouts or snow peas shoots. Mound veggies on a serving platter; drizzle with 2 tablespoons peanut sauce.

Nutritional Information:
148 calories
12 total fat (2 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
7 g carbohydrate
4 g protein
1 g fiber
590 mg sodium

[justmarvi]

Vegetarian Phase 1 Food List, scroll down to Post # 8

[rose1]

Hi Vanessa! to our friendly little board!

It's after 11:00 here, so I'm headed to bed pretty quick, but here's a couple of quickies!

The SB book is still very useful, so you might want to buy it, or better yet, get it free from the local library if they have a copy! It is really good for the basics on how the plan works, etc. Although if you pick the brains of the ladies on this forum enough, you could probably get by just fine without the book!

Definitely, if you don't like meat, don't eat it! The only reason we don't eat meat is because we don't like it, it's not a religious thing or anything like that.
We eat lots of eggs and cheese, and I think you mentioned on the main forum that you still like those? We eat a lot of Gardenburgers and their other products, Boca burgers, and the Morningstar Farms veggie meat substitutes - especially the veggie bacon and sausages. Cottage cheese and yogurt are both good for when you need something to eat, but you don't feel like making anything right now! Tofu is good, and since it has basically no flavor of it's own, you can do almost anything with it. I even baked it in low carb BBQ sauce the other night for a football snack. Beans are also good, but you do have to be a bit careful with the carbs in them.

Mom and I will work on some other of our favorite ideas, and I'll try to get them up tomorrow for you. I know there are several other vegetarians on here, so hopefully they'll chime in with their ideas too! One thing to bear in mind is that we seem to lose weight a tiny bit slower than those eating meat, probably because the carb counts are naturally a tiny bit higher in all the veggies, and the alternate proteins like the veggie burgers. It's still coming off and staying off though, so that's what counts!

Hugs,
Emily

[MotherNaturals]

Thanks Guys, I was excited to get up and check to see if anyone had seen my thread. I will buy the book on ebay, used so I can save a few bucks but I guess I am someone who likes to have a reference at my disposal. I actually bought the book new when it came out...I think I sold it on ebay myself...I don't even think I read the entire thing

I can't tell you how much I appreciate the support here. I am glad to find others who do not eat meat. I really just don't like it anymore. I have wanted to become vegetarian or vegan for some time and things are looking up in that department since I really just can't stomach meat anymore. For me, also, there is a bit of sadness when you really stop and look into the facts of the factory farming industry...the cruelty and the mass slaughter. But, in the past, I still end up eating meat eventually. Not because I am ignorant to the abuse, antibiotics and cruelty or poor living conditions but out of my selfish convenience or lack of having the balls (figuratively, of course) to stand up to someone if I am eating at their house and they order pepperoni pizza or serve BBQ chicken for dinner.

For me, also, I have done a ton or reading on people who get food poisoning. You certainly cannot get mad cow desease if you don't eat cow. I read about the whole obesity issue in our country and that 200 years ago or more, people ate to fuel their "furnace" if you can look at it like that. And now with the commercials for ice cream, cookies, fast and other convenience foods and things like Chex mix for kids laden with sugar and white flour...it is obvious that we as a country have moved to a place where eating is more for fun than for function. I know I eat for emotional reasons sometimes. I know I am addicted to carbs and sugar and especially chocolate and want to change that.

I am hoping to learn enough about healthy eating habits that I can translate it into a life time of good clean living. I am 30, weigh 179 pounds and have high blood pressure. I do not want to be on meds for the rest of my life. My mother has type II diabetes. My father and paternal grandfather died of heart attacks. My mother has high cholesterol. I want to learn here how to lose the 55 pounds I am carrying around that is in access of a healthy weight for me, get support and once educated, give support to anyone else who needs it.

I really appreciate everyone's help and look forward to getting to know everyone here.

Peace~Vanessa

[justmarvi]

After reading your Journal and posts Vanessa, I saw I had gone wrong on posting a peanut recipe for you.

I think you can find discipline in your food plan on SBD and be happy. on ordering the book! I did some searching on being a vegetarian last night after your post and there's tons of info and recipe sites out there, after you learn the food list, you will see which ones to keep and which to toss. There's even some low carb ones, looks like we'll all learn something since SBD is really big on veggies.

Again, we're glad you're here, this is a super group!

And I might add, welcome to all the SBD vegetarians, I'm excited about incorporating the plan here in the forum! It's going to give all us more knowledge on other food options, yah, thanks guys!

Marva

[SiameseCat]

Hi Vanessa, welcome!

My name is Deb and both hubby and I are longtime vegetarians and we're new to SB (we're in week 1 of phase 1). I don't have time to post much tonight but I'll try to post some ideas for you in the next day or so. I'm glad you're here!

Deb

[MotherNaturals]

Thanks guys~

I have my book on the way but think I will start on Monday once I gather a little more info. I have some basic questions as well...

Marva, I printed out the Phase 1 foods list and really appreciate that link!

1. Is there any food combining...i.e eating only proteins with fat and vaggies and no fat with carbs? Or can you make a meal out of any combination of foods on the list.

2. What are the portions of veggies you can eat? I have the list with 1/3-1/2 cup beinga serving of beans...so is three bean salad out since I would eat about 1.5 cups as a serving or is it good because it has a ton of fiber? **I am coming at this with Atkins mentality , I apologize...subtracting the fiber...**

4. No carb counting right?

I feel really fat today. I talked with my hubby last night about my frustrations with my weight and about the diets I have been trying lately in search of the right way of eating. It is funny how we change over time. Five years ago, Atkins was perfect for me. Now, I can't stomach the meat. I also tried Somersizing...again, a lot of meat. He just wants me to be happy with me as he is

I am going to start Monday. I am meeting my mom in New York for lunch and shopping with my son on Sunday and we are going to Olive Garden. I will also get my Starbuck's Mocha Frappucciono on the way home...one last junk fest! I will stop on the way home and get my foods for the week. we are visiting my brother and sister in law next Saturday in New Hampshire and I feel comfortable eating my SB foods with them and I am sure something they cook will be something I can eat. I can keep bumping it up but I won't...you know, you think, well, I have a birthday party this night of this week and my anniversary is the next week and this week we are traveling...so I should wait until after all of that to start my new way of eating. And then months and months go by and you are still fat and unhappy and making excuses and realize that if you had started you new way of eating, that even if you had eating a wrong meal on each of those four separate occasions, you would still be well on your way with your weight loss...since 95% of the time you are eating right. So, even if I slip up at my inlaws house, I will have eaten well all week and will be able to eat both a healthy breakfast and lunch that day...so one meal, is one meal...I come home and get back on track for another South Beach week...and then by summer, I will be wearing an adorable handmade apron top and some cute skirt that shows off my legs...and feel radiant and beautiful and healthy~

Peace~Vanessa

[rose1]

We really don't get into food combining that much, although others might We often do eat a protein with a carb though - like if we eat an apple, we usually have some cheese or PB with it. Same thing with bread - we might eat one piece of bread with pimento cheese (homemade, and so good ) on it.

As far as portions go, we don't make a big deal of it, except on foods that could get us in trouble. Basically, there isn't much of a problem with veggies, unless you're having one of the slightly more high-carb ones. For instance, you could eat celery, radishes, and cucumbers all day and never miss a beat!
With the bean salad, 1.5 cups is probably a bit much I understand though, I LOVE bean salad! We make one with just red beans, then pickles, celery, onion, and a bit of mayo. We figured that if we eat 3/4 of a cup, we end up with about 1/2 cup of beans, because we put so much of the other stuff in. If it's going to be a danger spot for you to eat too much of it though, it might be better to stay away from it for awhile.

Basically, if you eat sensibly, with good foods, you should be all right. One of the great things about this plan is the flexiblity. If you notice that the recommended amount of something seems to make you stall, you can cut it back, and add in something that doesn't bother you! I love being able to eat fairly normally, just very light on the grains and heavy on the veggies and protein! You might want to check in on the menu thread on this board as well, just to get some ideas of what other people are eating.

AMEN to your overall view of the plan!!! I second the actually showing my legs! I wore shorts a grand total of twice this summer, during a weekend when I was outside in the 90+ degree weather working the library's end-of-summer-reading carnival... Next summer, shorts here I come!

[SiameseCat]

Hi Vanessa,

I'm not sure where you are located and I know finding vegetarian friendly foods is easier in some areas than others. I am lucky in that our local grocery chains carry a lot of the vegetarian options now so I don't have to go to speciality stores too often. Here Safeway and King Soopers carry a lot of the meat replacement items I use.

Here are a few vegetarian SB recipes I've found that I've tried recently:

Aggieland Vegetables Recipe - All Phases
Aggieland Zucchini - South Beach Diet Recipe (Phase 1)
5 or 6 med. zucchini, sliced
1 med. onion, diced
2 or 3 tomatoes, diced
1 tsp. garlic, minced
1 tsp. black pepper
8 oz. Mozzarella cheese, grated
Lightly cook zucchini in large skillet (dry no oil) on medium heat. Add onion and brown lightly. Add tomatoes, garlic, pepper. Simmer 10 minutes on low heat with lid on pan. Pour into large baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Top with cheese and bake 10 minutes more. Serve hot from oven.

Got this from:
http://www.southbeach-diet-plan.com...d_zucchini.html
_______________________________
Garbanzo Stir Fry - South Beach Diet Recipe (Phase 1)
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1 Tablespoon chopped fresh Oregano
1 Tablespoon chopped Fresh Basil
1 clove garlic crushed (I used minced and 1 teaspoon)
1 can (15 oz) garbanzo beans
1 zucchini, halved and sliced
1/2 cup sliced portabello mushrooms
1 red onion, chunked
1 red pepper sliced
1-2 plum tomatoes chopped
Directions:
1. Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Stir in all the spices, add the garbanzo beans and zucchini. Stir well to coat veggies with the spices. Cook covered for 10 minutes stirring occasionally.
2. Stir in mushrooms and cook until tender, stirring occasionally. Place the chopped tomato on top of the mixture. Cover and let the tomatoes steam fora few minutes, but don't let them get mushy. Serve immediately.
__________________________________
White Bean Dip for Veggies - South Beach Diet Recipe (Phase 1)
15 oz can white beans, rinsed and drained
1 1/2 T lemon juice
1-2 T extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 t crushed garlic
1/4 t dried oregano
1/8 t ground black pepper
2 T finely chopped black olives
2 T finely chopped parsley

1. Place first 6 ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth. Add a few teaspoons of water if the mixture seems too thick.
2. Spread the bean mixture on a shallow dish. Combine the olives and parsley in a small bowl, toss well to mix, and sprinkle over the bean dip. Serve with whole grain pita ( phase 2 only) , leaves of belgian endive, celery sticks, or veggies of your choice if on phase 1.
__________________
I also just improvise with what I have a lot like when I made the garbanzo bean stir fry I added tofu to it. Depending on what I'm in the mood for sometimes I'll just saute some mushrooms, onion and garlic and melt some cheese on it or today I sauteed some vegetarian ham slices with a little garlic, onion and green pepper and melted cheese on the top.

For breakfast I usually scramble some egg w/reduced fat cheese and sometimes I add a little salsa for some zip. With that I have vegetarian bacon or vegetarian sausage links or vegetarian sausage patties.

Here are some links to some of the meat replacements and other vegetarian items you can buy that are more likely to be carried at a regular grocery store since they are made by larger companies.

http://www.bocaburger.com/main.aspx?s=&m=index

http://www.kelloggs.com/brand/msfarms/

http://www.lightlife.com/

http://www.yvesveggie.com/splash.php

Feel free to post questions or to PM me if you are needing info on veggie products that you're unfamiliar with.

Deb

[MotherNaturals]

Yes, we are lucky enough to have several Morningstar Farms and Boca product at our Hannaford...several dollars less than at the Food Co-op, I must add~for the SAME things! Also, we go to BJ's WHolesale club where they sell restaraunt sized bulk boxes of the MSF Garden Veggie Patties which I LOVE LOVE LOVE!

Thanks to everyone for their time and suggestions/support. I am starting to learn a lot about myself as far as what I can allow myself to eat and what I can't...in general...not on SBD. Like, I cannot eat even one corn chip. If I eat one, I eat 10. Same with chocolate or anything like that. Then I get very frustrated and mad at myself WHILE I am still eating this stuff. And if I blow it in a given day, I continue to blow it for the rest of the day...big time!

I can't wait for my book because I love to have something to reference but I appreciate all of this great info I am getting from everyone! I am ging to think of some things I want to make and get the foods allowed on Phase 1 and start cooking.

I will check in again a few times if I have any questions before I get going on this and then daily to add to the menu threads on this board. I think I am getting myself confused because I have tried so many different things out of desparation this past two or three months. Some food combine, some don't, some count something...fiber, carbs, points, some don't...some use full fat things, others use no fat thigns, some require only fruits and nits and veggies, some require no fruits or nuts and minimal veggies. I really need to purge my brain of all of the miscellaneous stuff. I am getting confused and ned to just start from scratch here.

Let me pass this by and see if I get it.

Breakfast:
2 eggs
2 veggie sausage patties
1 slice cheese or soy cheese

Snack:
14 almonds

Lunch:
Huge salad with cukes, tomatoes, sprouts, kidney beans, 1 Tbs sunflower seeds
2 Tbs. homemeade vinegar/olve oil dressing
veggie patty

Snack:
Carrot Sticks
Celery Sticks
Phase 1 Dip
Part-Skim String Cheese Stick

Supper:
Chicken Stir Fry
Salad with homemade dressing

Dessert:
SF Jell-O
Cool Whip
five or six SF candies

Peace~vanessa and THANKS AGAIN!

[SiameseCat]

Hi Vanessa,

I'm new to this too so I'll give you my opinion but hopefully someone that's been doing this longer will give their input too.

Here's my 2 cents : If you're on phase 1 you can't have carrots so I'd leave the carrot off of your snack. Also for breakfast you're listing 2 vegetarian sausage patties but the maximum serving per day listed on the allowed food list for the patties is 1 patty, so I'd remove one of those. You list cheese for breakfast but it doesn't say whether it's reduced fat type cheese and you should only be consuming reduced fat cheese. For dessert you list cool whip - is that sugar free coolwhip?

Refer to the list of foods allowed that's sticky above for what's allowed on phase 1. JustMarvi posted the vegetarian version there in the thread somewhere.

Deb

[rose1]

Looks good on the whole Vanessa! The carrots aren't really allowed on Phase 1 of South Beach, but it has long been my opinion that if a carrot now and then makes you happy and doesn't seem to bother your weight loss, it's not going to hurt to have one! Probably shouldn't make it a daily thing though...

The dessert also looks iffy. The SF Jello with the Cool Whip should be fine. 5 or 6 candies seems like a bit much to me; I usually never eat more than 2 at a time. I think both together is definitely too much at a time, but I guess it depends on how your body reacts to it.

Anyway, it looks like you're well on the way! We've always eaten two of the veggie sausage links/patties, so I don't see a problem there.

Keep it up! This WOE really does work, just not overnight the way I think it should!

[MotherNaturals]

Hi Guys~

Again, thanks. I wasn't sure on the carrots, I can't find page two of the list I printed out...grrr. I will print out another one. My hubby went shopping tonight while I was at work and got me everything I wanted. All of my veggie items, crystal light, salad stuff etc...

About the sausage patties. The veggie sausage patties are about the size of a silver dollar...is one still a serving. I am not sure if other brands of veggie sausage may be larger but a silver dollar sized veggie sausage doesn't seem like a serving and the box I think says two is a serving...but I am willing to follow the rules.

I mentioned the cheese because I am still stuck in Atkin's mode. I am anxious for my book to get here...I know I will figure things out with everyone's help.

I have been binging and know it. I talked with my hubby about it and he just wants me to be happy and I am obviously not. We both work at a residential treatment program for males and there is an abundance of food, chocolate, cookies, ice cream, just junk. And I usually do well but for the past two weeks have really sucked out, have been eating when not even hungry with the, "I am dieting soon so I need to eat what I can of these sweet goodies now." I have come to realize something though. I am no longer looking to lose weight for vanity. I am looking to lose weight for my health. 179 is too much for me to weigh. I once weighed 111! 111! Seriously! 118-124 was the perfect weight for me where I was thin but not sickly. I have a medium build and am 5'4" tall. I think of it that way and realize I had gained 83 pounds...I was up fto 194. 83 pounds, some people weigh 83 pouds! It makes me very frustrated that I have gained so much. I know, in part, I have eated in relation to the particular situation I was in or have gained and kept on weight due to particular meds I was on. I want to be at a healthy weight and enjoy life, exercise all the time, play softball again next summer, swim (meaning wear a swimsuit while I am at it not a HUGE T-shirt and shorts!)

Being 30 I realize that I need to do this all sooner than later. When I was talking to my hubby today he was saying that I should keep something with me at all times, a poem or something to look at or read when I feel like eating something I shouldn't and to make a sign for the fridge door that says, "You might WANT to eat this but how will you FEEL about it later?" He is such a great support for me. He truly loves me for who I am and does nothing but say how attractive he finds me and I really appreciate that. I think it helps me but also he is willing to support me and if I tell him not to let me have the M&Ms, no matter what, he is able to keep his end of the bargain, even if I get all pissed off about it. He will even hide the goodies so I don't see them because that is when I have issues, when I see something...I then want to have some, especially chocolate! I want him to be able to enjoy what he likes, even while I am losing the weight.

I am going to also reward myself in several ways. I get motivated when I have a chart that I can put stickers on (sounds lame, I know) and I can see how many days in a row I have done well with my eating. We do this with guys at work for their chores or hygiene or treatment work. I will make a nice chart and hang it up in plain sight and get some fun stickers. Each night I will give myself a sticker if I deserve it. After 10 stickers I will do something nice for myself...buy a book I want, buy a new bra, something cool.

I am not looking forward to weighing myself in the morning. I feel huge and I am probably over 180 by the way I have been eating. I am someone who gets fat in that section below my boobs first. Especially now that I have been stretched out by pregnancy and my HUGE 6 inch cesarean scar...

I guess I am confused about the portions. I will read the book thoroughly when it comes but I feel confused right now. So, am I only allowed one veggie burger/sausage per day? So, if I have a sausage for breakfast I cannot have a veggie burger for lunch or supper? They are low fat and 90 calories so I am just wondering about that. I didn't realize SBD was so restrictive if this is the case. I am still going to do it but I don't eat much if any meat but it seems like if I ate meat I would be able to have more than one serving per day.? I am glad you pointed this out SiameseCat. SO, is it basically unlimited allowable veggies, 2 Tbs of dressing per day, one veggie patty or sausage, 3 Tbs. sunflower seeds, decaf tea with FF half and half...is that a sensible day...I get so frustrated without the book to reference back to...grrr, and I paid for fricking media mail so it will probably be 10 days before it gets here!

Peace~Vanessa

[rose1]

Hi, Vanessa

Emily's mom here. I can see that you are frustrated and confused. South Beach is really not that restrictive. You're right, a serving of the sausage is two patties, so you certainly may have two sausage patties if you want them. I don't see that as an unreasonable portion. Now, four patties might be overdoing it. You may have sausage patties and veggie burgers in the same day. We often do. I have to tell you that we eat regular cheese, not ff, because we think ff tastes like a pencil eraser (a used one, according to Emily! ). Sometimes we use low-fat ricotta and sometimes full fat, depending on the recipe. Sometimes the texture is better with the full fat, as in cheesecake type dishes and sometimes it doesn't matter, as in a veggie lasagna. We use real half and half when we need it for a recipe. We use skim milk most of the time. When Emily makes her scrumptious soup, a carrot goes in! Sometimes if we go into a stall, we take a look at things and adjust a little.
One thing to be aware of is your weight loss might very well be a little slower if you do a vegetarian version of SB, because there will naturally be more carbs. However, the weight will come off. You might need to experiment a little to see which of your food choices work best for you. I agree with Emily's answer to your menu post. I think you are off to a fine start.

Emily here: I definitely get where you are coming from with the junk at work! Mom and I both work at the local library, and so often someone comes in with just plain junk. One of my big problems is that I want my cake and to be thin too! I'm also 5'4", and headed for a goal weight of 120. I'm still a ways off, but I'm steadily losing about 1 pound a week, so I'll get there eventually! I am a ballet dancer and I compete as a soloist and with my dance studio's Senior dance team. My dancing is my life, and when my weight got to the point where it interfered with how well I could dance, well, it was time to do something!

I'm with you on the summer clothes - I would love to be happy with my legs while I'm in a swimsuit! As a matter of fact, I think I'll add that to my list of goals... I don't think the little chart and stickers is a stupid idea either, and the rewarding yourself definitely isn't! The goal I'm working towards now is a pair of size 6 jeans by October 17th, which I'm 99% sure I can make. So, I'll get the reward of having a great new pair of jeans, plus the terrific reward of seeing my first Neil Diamond concert while wearing them!

Something to keep you inspired is also a wonderful idea. to your husband on that one! For me, it's wanting to win a higher award at competition so badly that I can almost reach out and grab it! Whenever I need to, I can ask myself how badly do I really want to hear them call "Gold" for my solo routine instead of "Hi Silver," and is it worth this _____ to not get that Gold medal?

We're serious chocoholics as well, so we can fix you up with some great "legal" chocolate dessert recipes! Just don't get discouraged! It sounds like we've got a fair amount in common with our goals, so don't be afraid to hop on here and ask for support, or ask a question!

[MotherNaturals]

Hey thanks you two! :-) It is almost 1 am here but I am going to start this in the Morning. I was going to wait until Monday but really, what's the point of waiting?

Peace~Vanessa

[rose1]

Exactly! Don't forget to drink your water as well... As a matter of fact, why don't you come join us on the water challenge thread tommorow?

BTW, I love your avatar - such a cutie!

Hugs,
Emily

[justmarvi]

Hi Vanessa, things will come together, you're just trying to learn two things at once, vegetarian and SBD food guidelines. I'm thinking the vegetarian part will just take time and some people who learn toward vegetarianism still have an occasional meal of chicken or protein of choice ever so often as I'm reading. Seems it's more on the understanding of why one does it rather than just how.

The Veggie SBDers have given some good help for you. Please don't allow yourself to get overwhelmed. SBD isn't restrictive, it's eat until satisfied from the given list of foods. Nothing is limited unless specified.

Your menu looks outstanding!

Here's the list again for freshing the counts on the meat subs, cheese and eggs......

MEAT SUBSTITUTES (SOY BASED)
Unless otherwise stated, look for products that have 6 grams of fat or less per 2-3 ounce serving

Bacon - Limit to 2 slices per day
Burger
Chicken, unbreaded
Hot Dogs
Sausage Patties and Links - Limit 1 patty or 2 links per day
Seiten
Soy Crumbles - 1/4 cup (2 oz) suggested serving
Soy Nuts - 1/4 cup for a protein snack is suggested serving
Tempeh 1/4 cup suggested serving
Tofu All varieties, 1/2 cup suggested serving
Yuba (Bean Curd or Sheet)


CHEESE (FAT-FREE OR LOW-FAT)
Look for varieties that have 6 grams of fat or less/ounce

American
Cheddar
Cottage cheese, 1-2% or fat-free
Cream cheese substitute, dairy-free
Feta
Mozzarella
Parmesan, 1 oz, limited
Parmesan/Romano, grated, 1 tblsp.
Part-skim Ricotta
Part-skim String
Provolone

EGGS

The use of whole eggs is not limited unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Use egg whites and egg substitute as desired.

As you can see, there are no limits on these.....
Burger
Chicken, unbreaded
Hot Dogs

and I know you'll find other things.

Also, we have 75 sweet treat calories from which we can use to eat cool whip, etc., if we want to, it's there if you chose to eat those things withing that calorie range.

1. Is there any food combining...i.e eating only proteins with fat and vaggies and no fat with carbs? Or can you make a meal out of any combination of foods on the list.

2. What are the portions of veggies you can eat? I have the list with 1/3-1/2 cup beinga serving of beans...so is three bean salad out since I would eat about 1.5 cups as a serving or is it good because it has a ton of fiber? **I am coming at this with Atkins mentality , I apologize...subtracting the fiber...**

4. No carb counting right?

No, there's no food combining, so you can forget Somersizing, etc., just eat from the list until satisfied. No counting carbs either!

You can eat all the veggies from the list you want......

Beans are considered a veggie but they also have lots of carbs so you are right in beginning with small servings- 1/3-1/2 cup. You can make a 3 bean salad with green beans, wax beans, etc and not add the starchy ones and eat all you want of it.

I like the idea of your rewards, we need those so here's to you! You're going to do fine, it just takes all of us a while but it will work.

We're all learning together!

Have a good weekend and we're here for support!

Marva

[MotherNaturals]

Thanks Ladies~

I took the plunge and started SBD today! I weighed in at 176.5 which is several pounds less than where I expected to be so that was a nice surprise. I ate scrambled eggs and a cup of decaf tea with FF half and half (2 Tbs.) and artificial sweetener. I am going to try to drink a lot of water today as well. My goal for weighing in is to hold off until next Saturday. If I am struggling with that, I will have my hubby hide the scale until next week!

Have a great day ladies and thanks for all of your great info and wisdom!

Peace~Vanessa

[justmarvi]

Good luck Vanessa!