Am I a Vegetarian?

No.  I am not. Bacon.  I do, however, enjoy delicious alternatives to meat.

I recently learned in my studies, one does not need quite as much protein as one may think. Most humans adults need about 50-60 grams of protein a day.  If you ingest more than your required amount it gets stored as fat.  I used to think I needed to be eating a lot of protein during the day.  Especially if I was planning on working out later.   Then I would have a protein shake after my work out.  For some reason I could not figure out why I was not losing weight.  I assume now that one of the reasons was because of excess protein.

Here's how to calculate how much protein you should be having per day:
Divide your weight in pounds by 2.2 and then multiply by 0.8.  For example, 150/2.2x.8=54.54

So if you weigh 150lbs you should be having about 54 grams of protein every day. If you have any questions about how much protein is in anything in particular please, don't hesitate to ask.

Instead now I look to alternative protein sources that are also good sources of fiber and other nutrients.  Legumes: Peas, garbanzo beans, soybeans, peas, lentils, etc...; Grains: barley, oats, quinoa, buckwheat, etc...; VEGGIES!!: artichokes, Brussels sprouts, peas, kale, mushrooms (especially Asian types), spinach, yams, etc..; Nuts, fruit.  MAN! There is protein in almost everything you eat.  Excess animal protein can end up being really bad for you and nearly toxic.  That brings me back to one of my first entries... Remember my mention of the Atkins diet? Yeah...

Now, don't get me wrong, I still eat meat.  I eat chicken maybe once or twice a week, but my portions are significantly smaller than average.  As far as red meat goes, I only eat it maybe 3 times a year at a restaurant or someone else's house.  It's really not terrible for you in moderation.  None of it is.

A lot of people think that you need protein to get a good workout in.  That protein is what gives you the fuel you need to keep going or to lift weights more efficiently.  Most people are wrong.  Carbohydrates are what fuel you towards a faster, longer workout. You, obviously, want to choose the healthy carbohydrates, like whole grains and low sugar fruits, but you get the idea.

Have you heard of this beautiful thing called Pinterest?? That site has helped me find some really yummy recipes that are really healthy and extremely tasty.  Here are two recipes that get you the right amount of everything delicious and good for you that won't make you feel guilty in any sort of way...

Quinoa and Kale Patties

I made these last night and as completely blown away.  They not only look like turkey burgers, they taste even better. I used mostly egg whites instead of 4 eggs. I topped mine with a couple slices of fresh tomato, fresh lemon juices and ground pepper

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 4 eggs, whisked
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
• 3 spring onions, sliced thin
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 cup steamed kale, chopped
• 1 cup breadcrumbs ( GF friends: be sure to use GF breadcrumbs. I always make my own.*)
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

If you happen to already have leftover cooked grains on hand, this recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups. Otherwise, whip up some quinoa from scratch... Rinse 1 cup of quinoa thoroughly and place the grains in a medium sauce pan with 2 cups of water. Allow quinoa to soak for 15 minutes. Then, with the lid on the pan, bring the water to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cook until quinoa is tender and has 

absorbed the liquid - about 20 minutes. Let cool to room temp.

In a large bowl, mix together cooked quinoa, eggs, Parm, spring onions, garlic, salt, steamed kale, and breadcrumbs. Let everything sit for a few minutes to absorb the liquid. You want the batter to be moist, but not runny. Form patties and get your pan ready for cookin'.

Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Cook up to 6 patties at at time (don't overcrowd the pan). Cover the pan and let the cuties cook for 7-10 minutes until the underbellies are a deep rich brown. Flip and cook the other side for another 7-10 minutes until both sides are nice and brown. Let patties rest on a cooling rack while you finish the next batch.

Crispy Parmesan Soy beans

HOLY HANNAH!! These things are tasty... They do not keep well so make sure you eat them in one sitting.  Very easy to do...

• 1 package frozen shelled edamame
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• salt and pepper to taste

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Cook the edamame according to the package. Usually along the line of boiling for 4-6 minutes. Let cool until the edamame no longer gives off steam.
3. Mix parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a bowl. In separate bowl, toss edamame with olive oil.
4. Add the parmesan-spice mixture to the edamame and toss until evenly coated.
5. Spread on a cookie sheet and bake for at least 15 minutes.  I took it out and shook it up then put it back in for another 10.  Got it real nice and golden crispy after that.  YUUUUM!!!