My new-found meatless way of eating requires some experimentation.  I was born and raised in the midwest.  Dietary staples included beef, beef, and more beef.  Some of the foods I grew up on are meatloaf, steaks, lasagna, stuffed peppers, and many more yummy goodies.  I will always love those foods and can make a killer meatloaf.  Vegetarian cooking is new to me.  I ate a vegetarian diet for about a year once, but now, it’s even more challenging to cook delicious meals that my mega-carnivorous husband can also enjoy.

Here’s how is gone so far.  Tuesday dinner:

Chili rellonos stuffed with brown rice and beans that were nicely seasoned with chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, and oregeno.  I also sautéed some onions, garlic and organic canned tomatoes and mixed it with the rice and beans.  A little cheese, avocado and hot sauce, and I had a meal even the hubby would eat.  Although, for his, I used ground turkey from the freezer in place of the beans.  We were both happy campers.

For dessert:

Organic chocolate frozen yogurt and a couple of Pepperidge Farm Bordeaux cookies.

Wednesday started off with one of my favorite treats:

Half a naner with peanut butter.  Then it was out the door running.  I did about 3 miles, then some sit ups and push ups. 

I’ve lost 9 pounds since January 1st. Just had to toot my horn a little.  I was always little, 5″3″, and usually around 115-120.  Then, when I got married 5 years ago, I got comfortable.  And I thought I could eat the same serving size as my 200 pound husband.  Well, it turns out that I can, easily, but not without consequence.  At my highest weight I was 138.  So all in all, I’ve lost 18 pounds since my heaviest.  My tipping point  was when I quit smoking  in September 2009.  Let’s face it, there’s no point in trying to live my healthiest if I am going to smoke.  After quitting smoking, I was able to start running without feeling like my lungs were going to explode.  I’ve also been reading, studying, and researching clean, wholesome, natural, organic foods for years.  I just feels like it’s all clicking now.  So here I am, continuing to learn and enjoy this healthy journey I’m on.

After my run, I had breakfast:

Then for lunch was yummy leftovers:

With some cantaloupe.

I went to work for a few hours and came home with a grumbly belly:

Carrots and spicy hummus, yum!

Then for dinner, I made a vegetarian dish that both me and hubby enjoyed:

I used some Quorn chik’n cutlets cut up for a wonderful stir fry.  I used bok choy, water chesnuts, mushrooms, scallions, carrots, red peppers, and broccoli, seasoned with Braggs Amino Acids, serve over brown rice.  I made a big batch of rice yesterday so I could quickly throw together some healthy meals.  This one was a winner.  Carnihubby loved it! 

Now off to see who wins American Idol!