Anyone else trying out a Vegan or WFPB diet to help with PD? Want to share recipes and experiences?

[JAS9]

I've been vegetarian for several years, then went the extra mile about 8 months ago. I've found extra energy and a general sense of feeling better. I've put the energy to use by exercising more. Anyone else care to share?

[Erniediaz1018]

This is my wife's youtube. youtu.be/JmC4feQaeSI(Not working as expected?)

[JAS9 in reply to Erniediaz1018]

Looks fantastic! Thanks for sharing. I'll post a super recipe for lentil chili tonight when I have more time.

[Erniediaz1018 in reply to JAS9]

Can't wait. 😊

[KERRINGTON in reply to Erniediaz1018]

Looks so good...does she have anymore recipes on youtube ?

[Erniediaz1018 in reply to KERRINGTON]

Yes look her up😁

[JAS9]

My wife got this off the internet somewhere, but it's been modified several times and now it is our favorite. It's a bit complicated but worth the effort!

Lentil and Quinoa Vegan Chili

INGREDIENTS

1 teaspoon olive oil (optional; you can saute with water if you're avoiding all oils)

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 small white or yellow onion, chopped

1 red bell pepper, 1 orange bell pepper, diced

2 pounds fresh tomatoes, finely chopped (you can use canned tomatoes)

1 teaspoon cumin

3-4 teaspoons chili powder, depending on how spicy you like it

1/8 teaspoon cinnamon (believe it!)

1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric

freshly ground salt (if desired) and pepper

3 cups vegetarian broth, plus more if necessary

1 cup black (or green) lentils, rinsed

1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed

1- 15 oz can kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1-15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained

Avocado for topping, if desired

INSTRUCTIONS

Heat olive oil (or water if avoiding oil) in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for a minute or until fragrant and slightly golden. Add 1 cup broth, onion, and red pepper and cook for 3-5 minutes or until onion is translucent. Add in tomatoes, cumin, chili, cinnamon, turmeric, and salt and pepper; bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 6-8 minutes or until tomatoes begin to break down.

Add remaining broth, quinoa, and lentils; bring back to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until lentils are tender and quinoa has expanded.

Stir in black beans and kidney beans. You can add a bit more broth if you feel you do not have enough, either way, chili will continue to thicken. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Simmer a few minutes more. Serves 7; about 1 cup each.

I will add a picture soon.

[LAJ12345 in reply to JAS9]

Yum I will be trying this thanks.

[glenandgerry in reply to JAS9]

Thank you for the recipe - I made this last night with the addition of a little soya mince (for the benefit of my meat-eating husband PWP), it was easy to make and it was delicious!

[Annieartist]

Just starting - been a pescatarian for40 years but went dairy free last week- too soon for much change

[JAS9 in reply to Annieartist]

Congrats on the change! Giving up dairy can be difficult for some. Just keep reminding yourself that cheese is 70+% saturated fat, has tons of salt, estrogens, and casein. Casein breaks down in the stomach producing casomorphin (an opioid), and it acts as a histamine releaser. My sinuses used to be so stuffed up after consuming dairy, I'm well rid of it!

I keep finding amazing food that I never knew existed. My taste buds still work at least, even if I can't smell everything!

[NRyan]

I would love to share recipes, I don't eat any grain either. Do you?

[nsofka]

Yes I am! Here's a hearty one:

Lentil Soup

1 chopped Yellow Onion

3 chopped Med. Carrots

4 cubed Red Potatoes

1 14 oz. can of Fire Roasted tomatoes

2 boxes of Veggie Broth

Put all ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil then simmer about 40 mins.

(All Organic Ingredients if Possible)

[glenandgerry in reply to nsofka]

Thanks for the recipe - how many grams/ozs of lentils & what colour please?

[nsofka in reply to glenandgerry]

Ooops Sorry 1 lb. bag of Green Lentils

[nsofka]

My benefits of being vegan are no constipation and good energy unless interfered by drugs.

Down side is being able to keep weight on.

[JAS9 in reply to nsofka]

Yes, that is a downside, unless you eat all the time as I do. My wife says that I'm a bottomless pit. I take that as a compliment because it means that I'm very deep. I even avoid oils and overly processed food, so I don't get that calorie boost. Of course, I do eat starchy food like potatoes and lots of beans, so that helps. Still, eating a lot is a small price to pay for the health benefits, not to mention feeling better about feed animals and the environment. My favorite benefit is not having clogged arteries, which has allowed me to fast-walk several miles a day. Other than the PD I'm in the best shape I've been in since my 20's.

[nsofka in reply to JAS9]

That's what I need is wife! No longer have motor skills to cut and prepare food. I'm now at 94 lbs.

[JAS9 in reply to nsofka]

Yikes! Let's fatten you up, my friend! Here are some of my favorite easy calorie-adding tricks:

1. Beans. Cans and cans of beans. If I'm hungry and nothing else is around, I eat a can or 2! If you can't open cans, there are really good electric can openers that are much easier now.

2. Potatoes. Lots and lots of calories plus the skin has amazing nutrients. Throw them in an oven - convection oven - for an hour, stab with a fork when done, and eat plenty!! Also, potatoes go great with beans.

3. Although I avoid oils myself, they do have loads of calories, so if I were you, I'd put quite a lot of extra virgin olive oil on, well, everything you can.

4. Eat an avocado as often as you can! When I can't hold a knife steady, I use this mango cutter that works on avocados too: amazon.com/Slicer-Cutter-Pi...

5. Bananas for breakfast! Sometimes I eat 4 or 5 at a time. Mash them into oatmeal if you can.

6. Whole grain bread with almond butter or peanut butter. Put raisins or dates on top. I know putting any butter on bread is hard, so maybe have a helper make 8 or so sandwiches and put them in plastic bags?

7. Instead of preparing a salad, which involves a lot of cutting, I just have bell peppers, carrots, lettuce, cauliflower, etc. handy and take a bite out of each of them. They mix together in my mouth and taste great. I call this my "mouth salad".

But if you do all of this (especially the oil stuff) keep an eye on your cholesterol etc.

Any other tips, people?

[nsofka in reply to JAS9]

That's great that you're getting all those benefits! How long have you been vegan?

[JAS9 in reply to nsofka]

9 months now. I was vegetarian for 3 years before that, but giving up cheese and eggs was toughest. But after I did that I felt a lot better.

[JAS9]

Here's a very useful free website that helps you keep track of nutrients and calories:

cronometer.com/