My biggest issue with eating vegetarian/vegan is I overeat carbs..... I’m obese to begin with so I don’t need to be pigging out on pasta, rice, etc. I’m trying to get myself psyched up to work a low carb version of a vegetarian plan.

The only time I really got derailed from eating low carb is bread! I really had sort of forgotten about it but my daughter brought homemade yeast dinner rolls to a family dinner several months ago and I thought "One should be OK".

Not.

I find that with either bread or sweets, it takes about a week of avoiding them to stop the craving.

There are tons of books and info online about low carb and keto diets. I don't do well with low fat diets because I am always hungry on them but I am never hungry on low carb.

It doesn't work for everyone and a vegetarian low carb is a little more difficult but I do know people doing both.

The low carb threat has some great vegetarian recipes.

Best of luck!

PS: Jessie! Miss you around here, especially on the low carb thread!

That happens a lot for folks starting a vegetarian/vegan lifestyle. I don't eat bread, pasta, rice, or white potatoes. I will have a small amount of sweet potatoes maybe once a month. I substitute rice with cauliflower rice, pasta with spaghetti squash, and bread with lettuce leaves. The one thing that is hard for me is having something to bite/crunch into. I keep my nut consumption pretty low due to calorie amount. (I eat two tablespoons of unsalted walnuts a day). I also have developed a complete dislike for portobello mushrooms so no "burger" substitutes for me. And, I have cut all soy products and meat substitutes due to high sodium and calorie content. If you keep a majority of your ingredients "whole foods" you will do well. Just take small steps. And watch portion size. Even though it is healthy food, too many calories is too many calories and will cause weight gain. A little change at a time won't make it feel so drastic or make you feel deprived. Good luck!

I did a no oil vegan for about a year...I really felt good, but very time consuming. Some things that helped me:

Tofu...well drained tofu can be “stir fried” with many other things like veggies. In order to be oil free, I cooked my veggies in vegetable broth or a little water before adding them to the crumbled tofu. Adding beans (I like black beans the best) can really up the fiber and protein. Yes it adds carbs, but they are good carbs, as are your veggies.

Spaghetti squash with pasta sauce and “meat” crumbles, or sautéed mushrooms and veggies is a hearty dish. Mashed cauliflower (mashed with flavored cream cheese) is a great substitute for potatoes.

A vegetarian needs amino acid, so you may need a bottle of aminos to add to some dishes, as well as nutritional yeast (can be bought in a health food store) to give you a boost. VARIETY of foods will help to keep you from reaching for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich ( nothing wrong with them but high in carbs) or a bag of chips on the go. Keep celery cut up for cream cheese and peanut butter, keep other things like nuts (almonds are a great choice) and yogurt around.

Just some ideas, I’m sure you already have it handled. ;)

Just a couple of recipes I have tried recently that are winners:

I made this for Thanksgiving and it was amazing. The gravy is so flavorful. I am not a huge fan of mushrooms so I put them in my processor and chopped them into small pieces. I also used sweet potatoes instead of white.

https://www.connoisseurusveg.com/veg...ushroom-gravy/

I made this last night and it surpassed my expectations. I eliminated the addition of salt (I do this with all my recipes now) but can see it adding more flavor. I froze half and the other half was dinner last night and will be for the next two.

https://www.blissfulbasil.com/best-e...19002671517630

My next venture is with the following recipe. I normally do not eat bread, but I figure I will use ezekiel for the croutons.

https://healthyblenderrecipes.com/re...n_and_croutons

Hello, vegheads, I've been making this soup for BB and me that we both like but is just coming out too bland! I wanted to tell you the ingredients and see if you might have a suggestion as to how I could somehow make it less bland. I use low-sodium vegetable broth, low-sodium soy sauce, peanut butter, chopped ginger, chopped vegetables, and curry powder. Any thoughts?

s
 

Jen,

I also use the low-sodium veg broth in making soup, but do use some
pink Himalayan salt ten mins before it's done to bring out the flavor of
the veggies...not a lot but depending how much I'm making...a little goes
a long way for flavor, especially because my salt intake is nil with anything else.

Is the peanut butter your using also salt-free?

keeping it veggie/vegan, Greco

Hi nyc! You might try to add: low-fat coconut milk, garlic, vegan fish sauce, sesame oil, fresh finely chopped cilantro, (a) fresh serrano chili pepper/red pepper flakes, lime juice, (maybe) a bit of rice vinegar..i've done various combinations and added a side of roasted or stir fried cauliflower .. (turned out) amazing

note: i forgot to mention Thai Basil leaves!!! These are really wonderful!

Thanks, I'm definitely going to try out these ideas. Very helpful!

BB says the broth is pretty good but that the vegetables taste kind of bland. I just put the veggies in raw. Should I cook them first? If so, any recommendations as to how?

V
 

Slow- sauté of veggies with the herbs/garlic that kittygrrl gave is good. I usually sauté them for about 3mins for green leafy, and 3-5 for cruciferous like broccoli, kale. Then throw them in with the root veggies, works for me! See Now I'm hungry...smiling.

Greco

I went Vegan for 1 year and found that extremely difficult the first couple of months after it was ok but I felt so extreme. Being Vegan and dating was difficult to do the waiters always gave me strange looks and didn't like that I asked so many questions.

I then went Vegetarian and then to eating meat every so often. My body doesn't need meat but I do like honey and the medicinal benefits of honey and I also like to use it as a sweetener. The other alternatives do not work in my best interest.

I have thought about a raw diet but this isn't as appealing to do in winter months and best to do in the summer when there are more choices for seasonal and locally grown produce.

It's called bouquet garni babygrl

Some liquid smoke and a bit of tomato paste will help give a rich flavor. And I also second the coconut milk. Also Garam Masala is awesome too.

My partner and I are vegan :) Hello to the fellow vegans!

Instead of curry powder try some red curry paste.

I know this is from last month but wanted to respond again.

I can only speak for me and what works for me but maybe it will work for you, too.

When it comes to carbs: there is no such thing as a little bit.

There is something about carbs that makes me crave them if I eat a little bit.

For me, it literally means no breads (not even low carb ones), no rolls, no wraps, no rice, no potatoes, no sweets (other than maybe a fresh pear or peach with cottage cheese).

It is even hard to find yogurts that are 2 or 4% milkfat but no added sugar. I look for at least low fat with sugar grams 5-7 max. You would think yogurt is healthy but some have 16-17 grams of sugar!

You get the idea.

A week of this and I am rechecking my pantry to make sure that there are no triggers in there for me. (I do love Graham crackers and always find a box that I throw away).

Low carb or keto does usually involves eating the M ( meat ) word for some of us low carbers and I know this is the vegan/vegetarian thread so I won't go there.

I think for any healthy way of eating, you have to identify your goal and perhaps break it down. For me: no processed foods or carb-laden foods. I am still on a lazy keto (40-ish carbs, veggies and occasional fruits) but hard-core low carbers or those just starting out drop to 20. I don't think I could do that.

Regardless, being able to have fats totally satiate me and I am never hungry. Low-fat diets are a disaster for me.

It is just peace for me to not have to think about food or to feel guilty or bad about myself or what I am eating.

If I am hungry (and I am rarely hungry on low carb) I eat.

I hope it is ok I invaded the vegan/ vegetarian thread. I would like to get there at some point but that is a longer-term goal for me.

I made this meatloaf for Christmas and it was so good. And rather than put a maple glaze on it, I made gravy. Both came out so good with great flavor.

http://ninasveganrecipes.com/2016/11...kpea-meatloaf/


https://www.thespruce.com/basic-vege...recipe-3377667

I used chickpea flour instead of white. And there were no mushrooms. Yay.

Thanks, everyone, for the helpful suggestions on how to make my veggie soup more flavorful. They were a big hit with my husbutch! Thanks for taking the time. It is appreciated.

Tonight I experimented with a recipe and I knew in the back of my head it probably would not work, and it didn't. Still... go me, for trying something new! I bought a can of Amy's coconut Thai soup (always seems like it'll be great but always ends up being "meh", also loaded with sodium). I used that as a base to stir-fry cabbage, onions, and tofu-shiritaku noodles. I added a little curry powder. It ended up being so bland, so I melted two TBS of peanut butter and mixed that in, along with 2 TBS of sweet chili sauce. That saved it but I'd definitely not repeat this "Amy's Thai soup as base for stir-fry" thing again!

Okkkkk, so tonight I made a stirfry with a can of light coconut milk (used too much!), curry, peanutbutter, and carrots, tofu, onions, and cabbage. It was okay but definitely bland, not something I'd make again.

Subscribing for new recipe ideas as someone who used to be vegetarian and because we want to reduce our meat intake a little bit. :)

NYCfem, that stir fry sounds like it should have been amazing and I'm sorry it wasn't!

It does sound amazing!! nycfem, do you use enough salt and pepper? You'd be amazed at what a difference it can make. I'm sorry all your food seems to be coming out bland.

I need good dinner recipe ideas. I hate cooking but my diabetes isn't getting better and I have to stop relying so much on simple, easy carbs.

That was helpful, thank you! There were a bunch of easy recipes that I would definitely enjoy!

I just made this tonight and it is sooo good! And easy.

https://www.veganricha.com/2016/08/b...-fritters.html

And for dipping sauce:

https://www.veggiessavetheday.com/ve...anch-dressing/

I added extra dill to the dressing because... dill.

Tomorrow I am trying my hand at chickpea flour mini quiches for a party.

Hi tantalizingfemme,
Those look awesome! Let us know how the mini quiches go. I want to make a dessert with chickpea flour, but it'll be my first time using it, so I'm a little wary.

On another note, I just made vegan mac and cheese for the first time and it turned out great!! I'm stoked!

Vegan mac and cheese is great! I found pasta made from chickpeas and other types of beans at the local co-op and am waiting to make mac & cheese with it. Does your cheese sauce include cashews?

The quiches came out great. I used fresh garlic, rosemary, and basil along with some sauteed red onion and green pepper. The flavor is subtle, which I like. This is how they came out:

http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/x...ps2lhys8cm.jpg

I made a vegan green goddess dressing, and brought that as a dipping sauce.

Vegan-friendly Pear & Hazelnut Salad
 

Pear & Hazelnut Salad w/Champagne Vinaigrette salad ..do try it

2Tbsps Champagne Vinegar
1 shallot, minced finely
1tsp Dijon mustard
1/4 c Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1Tbsp fresh Italian Parsley, finely chopped
Sea Salt & (freshly) ground black pepper
3 c Frisee(root trimmed and leaves pulled apart) or a wonderful Organic Spring Mix
3 c Baby Arugula (use this if you decide on the Frisee)
2 Pears(Ripe)cored peeled and cut into cubes
1Tbsp Lemon juice
1/2 cup Hazelnuts, toasted roughly chopped

To make Vinaigrette: In a jar, add vinegar, minced shallots and mustard. Cover and shake well. Add Olive oil. Shake well til well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper and stir in chopped parley. Set aside.

*Peel*, core, & chop Pears and add 1Tbsp lemon juice. Set aside in small bowl. Cover

To assemble salad: Place the frisee and arugula (or Spring Mix) into serving bowl and toss. Drizzle with enough vinaigrette to coat greans, lightly. Add Pears. Toss gently. (Do not saturate the greens with dressing!)

To serve: Divide the dressed salad between 4 chilled serving plates and sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts and serve immediately.

note: * * Peeling Pear is optional-I love it natural. I've also tried this salad with a Raspberry Vinaigrette and loved it too.

I wish I were the cow in this video LOL

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NI3450QFPn4

How is the whole world not vegetarian after k.d. lang told us all to stop eating meat?!

No harm toast-favorite
 

thishttps://www.eatingbirdfood.com/wp-co...late-Toast.jpg is my absolute favorite late night treat-
(Toasted)favorite bread
cashew butter
(Sprinkle)*cinnamon
(Spoonful) Maple Syrup
*sliced banana
*blueberries
*(Mini)choco chips
*hemp Seeds
*black Poppy Seeds

*Optional

Ooooh, that looks yummy! I'll have to try a version of this.

Vegan-friendly
 

Vegan-friendly Pancakes

love this, make it often (for me) whilst my spouse enjoys his favorite pancakes

Batter:
1/2 c. old fashioned oats
1/2 c. (homemade) almond milk
1 (large) ripe banana
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. nutmeg, freshly grated)
1/3 tsp. vanilla extract

buzz oatmeal to powder in blender. Add rest of ingredients to blender and blend til combined.
Warm non-stick pan to medium. Lightly brush with vegan butter. Use 2-3 Tbsp. of batter for each pancake and cook 2-3 minutes or until bubbles form all over pancake. Keep warm

To serve- To warmed plate add pancakes and sprinkle blueberries & raspberries (frozen or fresh). Add chopped walnuts and drizzle with maple syrup and finally.........if you want the ultimate sprinkle with black poppy seeds...................uh huh, next best thing to ...everything that counts :)

Every Sunday I meal prep for the week. It's usually at night since I am out but today, for the first time in a while, I had nothing planned. Yay. I absolutely abhor having to cook when I get home during the week. Absolutely hate it. It's the last friggin thing I want to do. So, meal prep it is. I am going to post some really great recipes that I have found.

This first one is going to sound really weird, but it is soooo good. If you hate dill, skip this.
https://www.connoisseurusveg.com/veg...otato-chowder/

I used homemade hummus in the recipe below instead of the vegan ricotta.
https://www.fooduzzi.com/2018/01/veg...oli-chickpeas/

I will admit, I did something I swore I would never do. I pulled the little covering off the chickpeas. It makes a huge difference. Hint: rub them dry with papertowels, it helps!
https://www.fooduzzi.com/2016/09/che...ted-chickpeas/

This vegan parm cheese is the absolute best thing I have ever tasted. I can put it on anything.
https://www.fooduzzi.com/2017/10/vegan-parmesan-cheese/

https://www.fooduzzi.com/2018/01/veg...sted-broccoli/

Instead of quinoa (I hate quinoa) I used farro for this one.
http://www.panningtheglobe.com/2017/...t-buddha-bowl/

The avocado dressing for this recipe is amazing. I love creamy dressings but have not found any vegan versions to make that weren't runny. This changed that.
https://www.shelikesfood.com/seasone...anch-dressing/

I made a couple of new ones today, so if they work out, I will post later.

This is my newest favorite vegan breakfast treat:


Lots of ice
cold brew coffee
unsweetened almond milk
medjool dates
vanilla
cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, or whatever spices you like.

I throw all of this in my Ninja and blend it up and it's super delicious and filling. I don't add any sugar because the dates are so sweet.

The dates get ground up but you can taste their little gummy goodness bits and it's like a really good dessert.

Vegan cream cheese. Does anyone have a recipe that they love? I see some but that’s a lot of raw cashews to be throwing out if it doesn’t work. Also, one that is is plain, not fruity or vegetable flavored. Thanks.

I love cardamom. I make a vegan split pea soup with cardamom in it. Yum!

OOOOOOOHHHKAYYY - I am slowly moving back toward my mostly-vegetarian diet and am stocked up on the things that make me feel full.

I ate the last of my chicken sausage tonight for dinner and I felt kinda grossly full even though it was a small portion. I remember now how good I used to feel after my vegetarian meals a couple of years ago and am looking forward to not feeling so gross after I eat.
:D