Book Review: The Flexitarian Diet

Lately I feel like we can all agree that there has been a shift in the way we think about food. Consumers are becoming more aware of what they are putting into their bodies and not only that but, where it comes from and  how it's made or grown. It's a wonderful thing!

 

Where I'm going with this leads me into another book review...The Flexitarian Diet! Now more than ever I feel like people are making the choice to be vegetarian or vegan. I tried it for a month or two back in college and it was not for me. What I do love, however, is Registered Dietitian Dawn Jackson Blatner's perfect combination: Flexitarian.

 

The Flexitiarian Diet is the perfect combination for those who love the idea and benefits of being vegetarian or vegan but don't want to give up those special occasion steak dinners or hefty servings of turkey at Thanksgiving. Flexible + Vegetarian = Flexitarian! 

 

 

I found this book to be quite informational. It breaks down the "five flex food groups" which are new meat (aka vegetarian protein sources), fruits & vegetables, grains, dairy and sugar/spice.

I also enjoyed the "troubleshooter" boxes which provided great tips and inspiration throughout the book.

The majority of the book is the Five-Week Flex Meal Plan which includes five weeks worth of breakfast, lunch and dinner. Some recipes include a "flex swap" if you prefer animal protein sources. There are also grocery lists included for each week.

Overall, the idea behind this book is to try and make at least one change. By making at least one change it will hopefully jump start other healthy changes down the road. Don't think about the meat meals you're missing, but rather the vegetarian meals you're adding.

You could start with a Meatless Monday recipe!


Purchase The Flexitarian Diet book Here


? What diet or health book do you recommend? ?
 

Meatless Monday

I've had a package of edamame in my freezer for sometime and decided to put it to use with an easy meal! This was one of those "round-up" meals where I basically combined what I had available.

 

 

 

I had some leftover zucchini (~1 cup) so I chopped it up and cooked up some brown rice (~3/4 cup uncooked)

 

 

While the rice cooked I heated the edamame as well as blanched some green beans (~1 cup)

 

 

Once the edamame was heated I removed the soybeans from the shell and combined all the ingredients together with sea salt, lemon juice, garlic and olive oil.

 

 

 

This was super easy to prepare and great for those looking for a quick, healthy meal! You can incorporate any vegetables or herbs that you have or even substitute black beans (or bean of choice) for the edamame.

 

 

Edamame (soybeans) is a great source of protein and fiber. In 1/2 cup you get 9 grams of fiber as well as 9 grams of protein! (Make sure to look for non-GMO soybeans)

 

 

? What's your go-to meatless meal? ?

 



Meatless Monday

Another work week. Is it just me or did the weekend go by waaaaay to fast? I guess I'll blame this one on the time change!

Anyways, on to the first edition of Meatless Monday. This is actually a huge movement in the nutrition world. There's even an entire website dedicated to it! Here's why going meatless is a great idea: "Going meatless once a week may reduce your risk of chronic preventable conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity. It can also help reduce your carbon footprint and save precious resources like fresh water and fossil fuel."

  

I was craving a taco salad and thought it would make the perfect meatless meal. I started with black beans as my protein source. Oh, how I love black beans.

 Black beans are a great protein and fiber source. In 1/2 cup you get 5g of fiber and 7g protein! I like to rinse my beans before using them to remove some of the salt and starch.

 I started building my salad by adding shredded lettuce first (use romaine, head lettuce, etc).

Then, I added black beans, tomato, red onion and avocado. Aren't avocados amazing? I recommend slicing the avocado first and then scooping out the pieces.

This salad can be dressed up anyway you like. Add in cilantro, lime juice, salsa, shredded cheese, low fat sour cream, brown rice, bell peppers... anything you would put in a taco!

Some people might like to crush up chips and put them in their salad but, I had my chips on the side. Garden of Eatin' are my favorite chips. They taste really good!

This meal is great because it's full of veggies, fiber, lean protein and healthy fats. Plus, the options are endless! Have fun with it!

Tell me, do you usually have a meatless meal during the week?