[BiggestloserDiva]

Hi,

I wanted to know if anyone on the forum are vegetarians trying to follow this plan? If so, could you give me some suggestions?

[Ruthxxx]

We have several vegetarians and semi-vegetarians here who will pop in with ideas. You certainly CAN follow this plan!

[beachgal]

, BLDiva!

I know there are lots of vegetarians here at 3FC. I know of a couple in the SBD forum, as well (rdw1 comes to mind...). You can find a lot of great information in the 3FC Vegetarian forum as well.

Look in the Foods to Enjoy/Foods to Avoid lists posted in our FAQ (one for Phase 1 and a separate one for Phase 2) for veggie-related options, such as soy milk (sugar-free), tofu, seitan, veggie burgers, etc.

One of the really important parts of doing SBD as a vegetarian (in all phases), is eating beans and legumes. They have protein, fiber, and good carbs that really help your health and energy levels, along with reducing cravings. Make them part of your daily routine.

If you go to the recipe forum main page, you can use the search function to search for the word "vegetarian." There are tons of recipes.

Here are links to a couple of great veggie dishes in our Recipe forums, just to get you started:

How to make our favorite Phase 1 dish, Taco Bake, vegetarian. (info on TVP)
Broccoli and Cheese Soup (use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth)
Warm Lentil Salad with Onion, Peppers, and Spinach
Portabello "philly cheesesteak" sandwich
Mock Tuna Salad (Chickpeas)
Tomato Peanut Soup
Brown Rice and Mushroom Pancakes
Hearty Italian Soup with Meatballs!(vegetarian if you please)

[CyndiM]

Hi Diva and I eat mostly vegetarian, all vegetarian at home with occasional fish when we go out to dinner. I know Rikki and Cottage are also vegetarian or mostly and I think Baristamon (did I spell that right and are you still here?) is too.

This is a great plan for vegetarians and the main reason I chose it. Lots of beans and veggies are required. You will find mixed opinions of seitan in Phase 1. I ate it because it is pure protein and, in my opinion, allowed even though Dr. A doesn't mention it (I just think it's below the radar of non-vegetarians) but others chose not to use it for Phase 1. I try not to overuse soy products so like the balance it allows me.

Join the Phase 1 thread if you are doing that now and the daily too and don't forget the dinner thread. There are some great vegetarian recipes above . Kara, who pops in now and then, is also vegetarian and added quite a few recipes to the files.

[cottagebythesea]

BLDiva!
I have no trouble at all following this plan while being a vegetarian. I thought I might have trouble getting enough protein, but that hasn't been a problem for me at all. I eat a lot of beans, and make sure I have peanutbutter every day, too. I can make almost any SBD recipe, just substituting tofu, seitan, or just beans for the meat, and most of the time I think it tastes even better than the original recipe. This is a plan that I feel confident I can live with the rest of my life, and I've never felt healthier.
Good luck to you, and I hope we hear from you often!

[mizski]

One of the things that attracted me to SB was their use of beans/legumes. So many diets out there discourage them while trying to lose weight. I recently found out that I can't have soy anymore (along with a bunch of other things) so menu planning is a bit more work but doable. I'll have to check out the vegetarian forum myself for some new ideas.

[rdw1]

Welcome BLD! I am 100% vegetarian and love this plan! As said before I popped in here, lots of beans, I also try to limit my soy product consumption.... one fake meat a day or tofu and then I eat beans usually at least once a day, sometimes more! Just check out the allowed foods lists and pick anything you like without meat!~ that simple