Hello and Help for Newbie(s)

[Guest guest]

Hello to both new members to the group - I've found this place to be

a great inspiration for good ideas, good recipes, and good support.

 

I'm afraid I don't have much to offer on the nutrition needs and

experiences of raising children. But I have been veg for more than

half of my life - from age 14 to 32. And I can tell you I have no

thoughts about ever going back.

 

My number one piece of advice is to relax. Honestly. Seriously.

 

Unless you're eating terrible, uber-processed food only, with nary a

green leafy veg or a bean in site, you're probably getting the

nutrition you need. I don't necessarily follow " food pyramids " -

they're too complicated for me. Instead, I stick to the words of

wisdom that the foods you consume should 1) primarily come from

nature (in other words, not a box, can, or jar) and 2) should be lots

of different colores (unless you count fake orange cheese as a color!)

 

I personally have found a vegetarian lifestyle to be much cheaper,

but that's because I frequent my local farmers' markets (or CSA) as

much as possible, don't eat out a lot, and fill up on fruits and veg

instead of calorie- and fat-rich snacks. When I do need something

quick and easy, I resort to soups or meals from suppliers such as

Amy's or Health Valley. They're not always the cheapest, but the

money I save not buying burgers equals it out.

 

If you're looking for easy meal ideas, this files in this group has

lots and lots. What I've found to be easiest (if I have to spend

more than 30 minutes making a meal I get cranky!) is to do lots of

vegetable and fruit chopping in one day, and then store in containers

or baggies in the fridge (less than a week storage) or the freezer

(up to a few months). Some people don't like the texture of frozen

veggies, but for me, the convenience is worth it. I supplement

veggies and fruits with lots of brown rice, whole wheat pasta, meat-

alternatives (currently LOVING Morningstar Chik'n Strips) and beans.

With some spices and toppings such as pasta sauce, hummus, tamari,

and pesto, the possibilities are endless.

 

So, by all means, get lots and lots of tests and such with doctors.

But if you're getting a wide variety of vegetables and fruits, you're

sticking with whole grains, and you're eating a decent amount of

protein from beans, soy, dairy, etc. (avocado is a protein! and a

veg! YEAH!) then you're most likely going to be healthier, happier,

and richer.

 

And, of course, so will our planet and animal friends.

 

CONGRATS ON GOING VEG!