Vegetarian for the Holidays

by bocaraton, October 30, 2009 | Permalink

To end our celebration of National Vegetarian Month, we offer a few suggestions going into the holiday months for strict vegetarians or those who just want to try something new.

Vegan Pumpkin Pie is delicious and if you want to make something from scratch, here is a great recipe: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/recipe.php?recipeId=884

Whole Foods Market supports special diets of all types.  This includes offering vegan & vegetarian options for all occasions.  For Thanksgiving this year, our holiday menu includes Vegan Field Roast wrapped a puffed pastry and a variety of side dishes so every guest can enjoy a full meal. 

Our Grocery Department also offers frozen entrees for vegetarians & vegans such as the Quorn Turk’n Roast & Tofurkey. 

Even if you are not a true vegetarian, try to incorporate some healthy salad and vegetable choices with all the heavy carbs and you won’t leave the table feeling bloated, full, and full of guilt.  Here is one tasty side dish from our website: Green Beans with shallots & almonds http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/recipe.php?recipeId=1258

Bon Appe-veggie!

Going Vegetarian Day 21 by Kristin

by bocaraton, October 21, 2009 | Permalink

Living a vegetarian lifestyle can be invigorating and fun, but it is not always easy.  Finding options at your favorite restaurants and cafes can be quite a challenge.  I suggest looking up the menu ahead of time online to be sure they will have something you like.  Many times the chef can make a special salad or entree, but not all restaurants do that.  Be cautious when ordering soups, they may seem vegetarian but can contain chicken or beef broth or some salad dressings may contain bacon or sardines.  Most servers can answer ingredient questions for you.

Just because you are dismissing meat from your diet does not mean you have to miss out!  Try new and interesting ethnic foods.  Great vegetarian cuisine can be found all over the world; Indian, Thai, Chinese, Moroccan and so many more.  Go out and explore your community for ethnic vegetarian dishes, but you know you can always come home to Whole Foods Market to our hot bar that serves a variety of cuisine daily and its all natural! 

Here is a great Indian Recipe from Whole Foods Market to Spice up your life a little!http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/recipe.php?recipeId=1703

Protein for Vegetarians

by bocaraton, October 15, 2009 | Permalink

    About Protein – the main fact to understand about nutrition is the fact that animal proteins are considered complete proteins.  This means that the product of choice has all of the essential amino acids in one source.  Going vegetarian means that you will have to make sure you eat a variety and the right combinations.  You no longer have to eat the combinations at the same time at the same meal.  You do however have to keep in mind to eat a balance of grains and legumes within the same day. 

    Legumes include all beans, lentils, and peanuts.  Grains include amaranth, barley, buckwheat, corn (popcorn and whole corn meal), millet, oats, quinoa, rice (wild or brown preferred), wheat (whole wheat, spelt, faro, kamut, bulgar, cracked wheat, and wheat berries).

Recipe to try-Whole Wheat Linguini with Green Pea Pesto, click the link below:

www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/recipe.php?recipeId=250

Going Vegetarian, Day 7 by Kristin

by bocaraton, October 7, 2009 | Permalink

We are at Day 7 with our Go Vegetarian for October’s National Vegetarian Month.  I feel great and have lots of energy due to the fact that I have been eating lots of fruits, vegetables and nuts in my diet.  I did try the Amy’s Tofu Lasagna on Saturday night and I thought it was tasty, a good substitute for any meaty style.  I liked that the tofu was cut up into tiny little cubes so as not to make it too chewy, but it was a little bland.  I think more vegetables would have been an improvement, so next time I will try the Amy’s Vegetable Lasagna.  Another great seasonal dish to try is a Pear, Walnut, & Gorgonzola Salad.  The Bartlett Pears are amazingly juicy right now and pair well with the Whole Cream Gorgonzola, 365 Walnuts, and some organic mixed greens.  I even added a Balsamic Glaze for a little kick.  Trying out new and creative salads is fun and healthy!  Happy Eating ~Kristin

Going Vegetarian by Abigail

by bocaraton, October 3, 2009 | Permalink

    Welcome to this month’s blog about incorporating more plant based life into your diet while also celebrating National Vegetarian Month.

    First things first, I want to clear up a vegetarian lifestyle myth which is that you need large amounts of protein.  Protein is essential to any diet, but many people believe the misconception that protein mainly comes from meat, poultry & seafood.  Protein is simply free standing amino acids that you can get through all the foods you eat throughout the day, whether it be plant-based or animal-based. 

    Why is protein so important? Protein helps our body repair muscles, aids in digestion, and day to day life thrives off of these proteins. 

    Good sources of protein:  beans, yogurt, tempeh, quinoa, almonds & almond butter.  We love quinoa, so here is a great recipe using this ancient grain and power food:  www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/recipe.php?recipeId=1801

Keep in mind, we are not going Vegan which is a diet that avoids any animal based product.  So we will be consuming yogurts, cheese, and dairy products as part of our diet, which are also good sources of protein.  This is a blog about our experience with new foods, please consult your physician before making dramatic changes to your diet or lifestyle.