Part Time Vegetarian

Part Time Vegetarian – One Year (and Change) Later

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So I was thinking that it might be time to do an update on this whole Part Time Vegetarian thing that I started a little over a year ago. You can read more about Part Time Vegetarianism, and why I chose it here. There are a lot of thoughts here so get comfy. Also keep in mind I’m not a food scientist or a nutritionist so everything written below is just my opinion.

Mediterranean Chickpea Burger

First and foremost making this diet change was one of the best decisions of my food life. I know this change is not huge, but it was the change I needed to help my body function correctly. Man I have never felt better. I used to get terrible migraines weekly, usually Sunday-Monday, yeah they were that regular, and completely debilitating. I was also very prone to bloating; constipation (can’t believe I am admitting this), and vomiting, all things no one really likes. It was stuff that I had been dealing with my whole life; it just felt like it was getting a little worse with each passing year. This year however, other than the occasional hangovers (which aren’t nearly as bad as they used to be) I can’t remember the last time I had a migraine. The other symptoms have pretty much gone away too. Despite all the stress of this year, you know with the house, and wedding I honestly think I’m handling it all way better than I would have when I was still having these symptoms (though Chuck may not agree with that). While I am still a worrier and a stress ball I don’t think it has the adverse affects of completely draining me like it used to.

It’s pretty amazing to me how simply reducing my meat consumption has had such a huge affect on everything else. I think the main reason is because most of the meat I was eating was processed, and we all know what those new reports are saying. It could also of course have to do with treatment chemicals or hormones from factory farming but I tend to think it was more about the processing. We like things like breakfast sausage, Italian sausages, bacon, and deli meat, all of which are highly processed; just cutting those out would have probably had a pretty big effect on my diet alone. Don’t get me wrong I definitely still eat them, but now they are treats instead of daily parts of my meal. I can’t tell you how exciting it is to eat a breakfast sandwich with maple sausage on it now, since I only eat one maaayybe once every couple months. I don’t even miss deli meat, and so often it doesn’t even look appealing to me, but a veggie sandwich with hummus? Oh man we are now best friends. I also notice that since I’m not eating as much meat I’m not buying it as much and so when I do buy it I look for the higher quality stuff, that’s usually produced locally which makes my heart feel better too.

One Pan Spinach Artichoke Pasta

In conjunction with less processed food I have notice that the variety of vegetables that I eat on a regular basis has gone up considerably. Instead of just a typical salad with some cucumbers and tomato I have found that I am tossing roasted red peppers, sweet potatoes, grilled zucchini (which is a new addition to our lives also) and anything else in the fridge into said salad or putting the same veggies in a bowl over rice. When I started making this change I was getting bored with tomato sauce over pasta, grilled cheese and soup. It’s sad to admit that it did take me a couple weeks to start adding variety into my meals, but now it’s just what I do. When I cook dinner I tend to make a number of vegetable sides so that I have variety with my lunches. Also because of this I don’t tend to make as many starchy carbs, such as pasta as much as I used to. It does take a little more time to prepare all the different veggies but it’s totally worth it in my book.

Now it’s gotten to the point where I usually prefer vegetarian versions of things if I can get them. I really think that there is more texture and flavor in most vegetarian dishes than meat laden ones. It makes sense because most vegetarian dishes contain a bigger number of ingredients, all with their own textures and flavors. I also reach for vegan options once in a while, because why not?

Spring Couscous

I’ve also noticed a number of changes in Chuck’s attitude toward food. While he has always been an adventurous eater, willing to try anything though at heart he has always been my meat and potatoes man. Now he loves zucchini fries, is ok with eggplant Parmesan, no longer laughs at the idea of veggie sandwiches or tries to sneak meat onto my plate. He likes green juice, and will have a salad for lunch sometimes. It’s so exciting for me to see him embracing this lifestyle choice that I made, even if he isn’t really into it himself. And while I don’t think he will ever become a vegetarian or anything he seems pretty impressed with my lack of headaches and pains and is considering a small diet change himself.

I really couldn’t be more thankful about this diet change and the benefits that I’ve seen from it. I know I may have glossed over some of the more personal details but I promise you I can feel the difference.

Do I think everyone should be a vegetarian? Probably not, but I think our world would see huge benefits if everyone just ate one less serving of meat a day and added a few more vegetables instead. #savethepolarbears

Mediterranean Chickpea Burgers

By Jessica

This post may contain affiliate links. I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

This is a great Copy Cat recipe for Morningstar Farms Mediterranean Chickpea Burgers that is full of flavor!

Remember way back when I did that whole Part Time Vegetarian thing? Well I’m still kind of doing it. I say kind of because I haven’t really kept track of what I eat in about 3 months, but while writing this post I decided to give my diet for the last little while a run down, and aside from a couple weekends I’m still doing it with out even thinking about it. How awesome is that.

For those of you who don’t know Part Time Vegetarian, basically means that I only eat meat after 6 pm or with dinner. You can read more about why I started it in this post.

No when this whole thing started I was reliant on humus, bean burritos and MorningStar products, but as time passes I have really expanded my horizons with hearty salads, tofu, and lots of veggie packed soups (I really love soup). I have also gotten a lot better about eating breakfast, and this Juice has become a staple snack in my life. I find myself craving vegetables like eggplant and zucchini, things that I was previously convinced that I didn’t like.

One of the things I started doing now that summer has hit is experiment with veggie burgers, which are incredibly satisfying and something I don’t know why I didn’t try more often before. I’m pretty sure that I perfected my own version of my all time favorite MorningStar Mediterranean Chickpea Burgers. These burgers from morning start are packed with flavor and great not only in burger form, but cut up in a wrap or on a salad. With this recipe I am able to make my own version in bulk for way cheaper, and then freeze them individually so that I can use them as needed. If you hadn’t noticed I’ve been into that lately.

The trick to keeping these from sticking together when frozen is to freeze them on a sheet tray first and then stack them with wax paper in between before sealing them up.

I know you are just going to love my copy cat recipe for these burgers. They are so flavorful, and have a dynamic texture that makes it hard to stop after just one!

Mediterranean Chickpea Burgers

Prep time: 20 mins

Cook time: 30 mins

Total time: 50 mins

Serves: 6 to 8 Servings

Ingredients

2 (15 Ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 roma tomato, deseeded & chopped
1 cup packed fresh baby spinach
2 tablespoons rice flour + more if needed
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoons lemon juice
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon cumin
¼ teaspoon tumeric

Instructions

Place chickpeas, tomato, spinach, salt and lemon juice in a blender and pulse until the mixture is chunky. You may need to stop and scrap the sides to get it all even, however do not allow it to get smooth.
Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and with a fork gently fold in the rice flour, garlic, salt, lemon juice, paprika, cumin, and turmeric.
With your hands form the mixture into patties. If it is too sticky fold in some more rice flour a teaspoon at a time. If it is too dry add a drop or two of water.
Once 6 to 8 patties are formed place them on a flat surface to be placed in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or the freezer for 10 minutes. This will help them hold together while cooking.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Place the cold patties on a greased baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes per side.
Serve immediately.

What are your favorite vegetarian burger recipes?

Moroccan Chickpea Chili

Chicken Caesar Burger

Loaded Greek Salad

Part Time Vegetarian – 6 months In

By Jessica

This post may contain affiliate links. I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

I have been doing this part time vegetarian thing for 6
months now (you can find out why here). I can’t believe it’s already been so long. As I kind of predicted
the whole thing has gone pretty easily for me, and I think it’s a lifestyle
change that I am going to stick with for the long hall.

There are a few things of note however that I want to
mention about this change. It’s been hard to organize my thoughts on anything
but writing lately so I’m just going to use bullet points right now.

Weekends are the worst, especially while travelling, or
visiting friends. I mean bacon with breakfast is so hard, and not always
doable.

When traveling most rest stops are not equipped for anyone
with any kind of dietary restrictions. Everyone must be better at planning for
car trips than me.

Everyone is suddenly worried about my protein intake, even
after I tell them all I’m still getting more than I need.

Chuck never seems to be full if I cook a vegan meal. I think it’s
his mentality, or maybe because veggies are not as calorie dense I should cook
more than I would if we were eating meat? We are working on that.

Almond milk. I always knew it was good, but oh my, it’s so
good. All in my granola, and oatmeal. Phew! So good.

I’m forcing myself to eat an actual breakfast. It has
not been easy. This is something I have struggled with since I was a teen.
Breakfast first thing in the am is not my thing, but we are getting there.

Skipping milk in my tea (unless its almond milk, again
yum). I’ve also successfully cut out sugar, except for the occasional afternoon
treat.

I am going vegan more often, and craving more
vegetarian and vegan meals.

Eating more raw food. I mentioned before that I
started just grabbing random odds and ends from the fridge to comprise my
lunch, well now that’s a habbit, and I’m eating a lot more raw veggies because
of it, and our fridge is not piled high with all kinds of random food that goes
bad (bonus).

I feel lighter, and my digestion much more pleasurable.

My past cravings for mounds of cheesy pasta have
subsided. Now I crave soup and rice. Odd right?

With the holidays approaching I’m wondering if anyone else is changing their diet in preparation? Are you packing in a few more vegetables before you overload on sweets?

Part Time Vegetarian – 6 Weeks In

By Jessica

This post may contain affiliate links. I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

It’s been about 6 weeks and I think this whole being a part time vegetarian thing is around to stay. It’s been so easy and I feel so much better that there seems to be no reason not to keep doing it. There were a few times like vacation and camping where it got hard, and I gave in a little, but it’s flexible and that works.

Things that are different since the change:1) I can’t get enough rice, especially wild rice. It’s almost taken over my pasta addiction, almost.

2) I eat some really weird combinations of food. Oh we have some leftover cobbler? Sweet, there’s rice pilaf, and a cucumber left perfect, now let’s toss some dried mango in there and call it lunch.

3) I’m getting 10 x the variety of veggies that I was getting before.

4) Chuck has even decided that it’s ok to eat vegetarian more often, and he doesn’t really complain about it (gasp).

5)Hummus is a new house staple.

6) I have random cravings for chicken nuggets, that’s never happened before, and I’m thinking it might just be a mental reaction to the reduction in processed food in my life, I’m dealing with it.

7) I really like these burgers. I never thought I would go for something like that, but having them in the freezer at work is a lifesaver on days I don’t have lunch made.

8) Our grocery bill has gone down by a few bucks. It’s not a whole ton, but it’s a little, and I will take it because every little bit helps.

When I started this whole Part-Time Vegetarian thing I was already trying to cut back on processed food and grains, so adding in vegetarianism was another step toward finding the diet that best suits me and my life.

I think I my diet is something that will be ever evolving as my life changes and the needs of my body with it. Right now this feels right. It feels good both politically, physically, and emotionally. I’m going to stick with it.

Changing My Diet the Facts & How I Feel 7/21

By Jessica

This post may contain affiliate links. I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

I’m replacing today’s usually scheduled fitness update to talk about the whole Part Time Vegetarian thing that I am trying out. I want to preface this by admitting to you all (as if you didn’t know before) that I am a total nerd and I’m probably going overboard here but that’s me, so feel free to skip to the bottom where I talk about how the effects this whole thing has had on me.

Since the beginning of this experiment I have been tracking my diet in excel (again dork status). I don’t plan on doing this forever especially if I decide to stick with this diet, right now it’s important to me to make sure I am getting everything my body needs nutritionally and spiritually (ie. I’m not craving anything major) to function properly. It has also helped me keep track of how I feel after I eat certain types of food. Already after only a few weeks of tracking I have a good idea of how to balance my diet.

To begin with I made sure I was getting the right volume of macro nutrients (fat, protein, carbs) in my diet. For a base I used .35-.5 g/lb fat (or .4g/lb @ my body weight = 56g/day), 1-1.2 g/kg protein (so roughly 1.1g/kg @ my body weight = 69.85g/day) and the rest is carbs. Where did I come up with these ratios? Lots and lots of research and experimenting with my own diet since college. Yes I’m such a dork I have kept spreadsheets and note books on this kind of thing for years.

We are both dorks, and he was a vegetarian. Clearly kindred spirits.

There is a lot of debate about how much protein we should actually be getting. FDA recommends .8g/kg of bodyweight, however this is for a
typical sedentary person with 20-25% bf. This is not for everyone, and doesn’t account for active people (active being a relative term, and again another debate for another day). There are a million articles that debate a million different ratios of protein to bodyweight, or LBM (lean body mass). Right now I feel the best on a 60-100g range of protein a day. What I mean when I say my best is that I have high energy while still feeling strong and being able to make slow gains in weight lifting. If I eat more protein I tend to feel more sluggish, and crave fats, whether that comes from a decrease in fat intake on
those days or an over abundance of protein I haven’t figured out yet, but maybe that will be the next experiment.

When I refer to fats I try to keep it to the healthy fats, EVOO, avocado, dairy, eggs, etc. I know there is a lot out there that says you should have a low fat diet, but in truth you need fats for proper brain function
and hormone production. A diet too low in fat can have disastrous effects. I’m not saying you should go crazy with the fried food, just be smart.

Carbs I have found it pretty easy with these, since I already made a change by trying not to get them through starches (pasta, white rice, etc..) I have been eating a lot more vegetables, which it great for my
energy and the antioxidants. I have been loving bean burritos, and potatoes, like totally and completely craving them. I hope this isn’t a phase because for the first time in my life I’m not dreaming about mounds of cheese covered pasta, and it feels good.

So far I have only slipped three times and I’m on week 5. I originally planned to only do this for 2 weeks, but the first two weeks went so
well I decided to extend it for a month, and now until the end of July. I’m going to reevaluate how I feel, and what my goals are then and see if I need to make any changes. By then I’ll have had 6 weeks under my belt.

As far as cravings go it’s been cheese pizza, and ice cream. These are two of my favorite things, and I think I will always crave them, so I
guess I’m not craving anything weird.

Things I have noticed: My abs are more visible. I didn’t expect this so I never took a picture of my stomach before, and now I wish I had. I think it has to do with bloating more than body fat but either way I will take it. The dark circles under my eyes that I have had FOREVER are way lighter!! I have been taking a multivitamin for years and it never did much, so maybe getting more “stuff” out of my food is helping. There have been a few others, but I’m going to wait until the 6 weeks is up to discuss them.

I think this is a long enough post now. Thank you for those of you who made it through!

What are your thoughts on vegetarianism, veganism, flexitarianism or pescatarianism? (did I miss any?)

How would you describe your diet?

Do you think this is the kind of diet you could do?

Part Time Vegetarian

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