Menu Planning

• Are there days when you just don't know what to cook?
• Do you feel like trying out a vegetarian diet, but don't know where to start?
• Have you ever wondered, just what do vegetarians eat?

  Well, I've decided to keep a food diary, listing each meals protein and calorie count (for now).  I've decided to keep all of the links to each week here along with a compiled grocery list for you.  I've found that most meal plans don't take into account the idea of synergy.  You don't just buy a bag of carrots, celery, etc and use them in one meal for a whole week!  For the non-perishables, it's not such a big deal, but I really don't like waste.  :(  So, I thought if you think of your actual eating habits, then hopefully this will reduce the waste and be much more practical.

  On a dietary note, you will see that vegetarians def. get the necessary amount of protein.  And I've decided to keep track of calories, b/c for me that is the most sensible way to lose weight.  They say that 2,000cal a day will keep you at a steady weight, while eating 1,800cal a day you should lose about a pound a week.  All of this does depend on your starting weight, but there are so many apps out their now that it is fairly easy to keep track of your calorie intake and will keep you more aware of what you are putting into your body.  A few years ago, I lost 20lbs. following this loose regimen from Cook Yourself Thin: Quick and Easy (while eating meat).  For an 1,800 calorie a day regimen to lose 1-2lbs a week, they recommended:

300cal breakfast
100cal snack
450cal lunch
100cal snack
550cal dinner
300cal other (drink, etc)

  I don't exactly follow that now, but most days are still within that range and if not, I will give you tips on how to cut down to 1,800cal.  Also, I don't really ever drink any sodas or juice.  Just water and tea (w/o sugar) for me.  So, you may need to adjust accordingly or cut them out entirely.  Whether you are just curious or want to lose a couple pounds trying out a new diet, in my eyes less meat consumption is better.  As a reminder, you have to consistently eat over 2,000cal a day to gain weight, so splurging one day is not so bad, just be mindful.  When my husband and I switched from eating meat 2-3x a week to ovo-lacto vegetarian (still eating eggs, yogurt, butter, and cheese), we each lost 10lbs (gained back over time with many croissants and cakes).  If you are just wanting to try out a vegetarian diet for a quick weight loss, you will probably gain it back after changing diets again.  I don't think it is entirely healthy to be losing that much weight in such a short time, so I really recommend keeping track of your calories.

Meal Plan for Week 15, April 9-13
Meal Plan for Week 14, April 2-6
Meal Plan for Week 13, March 26-30
Meal Plan for Week 12, March 19-23
Meal Plan for Week 11, March 12-16
Meal Plan for Week 10, March 5-9