Newbie Needing Help on Simple Foods to Make & Tips When Starting Lifestyle

[juliesvoyage2]

Hi Everyone--

Tonight is my first night on this site, and I am excited to be a part of it. To make a long story short, I went from an active teaching lifestyle to that of a graduate student. I have been watching my caloric intake and working out four times a week. However, my trainer thinks that I may not be getting enough calories and sleep. My life consists, literally, of waking up, being in class or my Graduate Assistant job at a desk from 7:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. I would love to sleep, but my professors wouldn't accept sleeping as an excuse not to get my homework done. On Friday nights I wait tables for a twelve hour shift and have been accused of having too much energy. However, the chai tea from Starbucks that I have before then might give me that boost. ;) In addition to this, for years I have been battling various health ailments. So I am hoping that this lifestyle helps me feel better and drop the pounds that I have gained. I'm already a vegetarian and have partly lived this lifestyle without knowing it.

So, I need help from everyone on this site. What are some quick and easy meals that I can prepare, or are there things that are good to eat that take no preparation at all (i.e. just grab a banana, an orange, etc.)? What do you suggest for a breakfast, lunch, dinner? Should I eat six small meals or three big ones? Are there any tips that you can offer as I start this journey? I love chai tea, but I know that this is not too healthy. What drinks do you like?

I am sorry to ask so many questions! Once I learn what to do, I'll return the favor.

Thanks in advance for everyone's help,
Julie K. in Indiana

[Raw Yogini]

For drinks, I'd recommend green smoothies. There's tons of recipes on this site, just search green smoothies. Having fruit and veggies around to grab and eat on the run is a huge benefit. Best of luck!

[Emma-Liza]

What are you studying?

I had a vegan friend in graduate school who was for a short time a raw foodist. His meals were few and small-- a couple pieces of fruit or half head of lettuce or a couple of whole carrots. He didn't last very long as a raw foodist; he was always hungry. I could see why...:p

If you find yourself getting hungry on simple, whole foods, make a couple of hearty food items on the weekend to use during the week. They needn't be complex, pate or marinated veggie salad are endlessly variable and will be filling.

Everyone's need for variety differs, and if you need a lot, give yourself a lot. Make dipping sauces for your wraps and dressings for your salads. These condiments can also add "heft" to a light meal, if you need that.

Eat as often as you feel like eating. There are no rules about that!

Be prepared for all your food preferences to change. I eat less and want less variety than I used to.

Lastly, never beat yourself up. Make your best choices in each moment and learn from them.

[annavon]

I have a green smoothie for one of my meal, usually breakfast because it is quick. I add a small amount of hemp/rice protien powder which seems to give it some staying power. It fills me up all morning. You can get a container and carry it a long as well. At lunch I usually do a big salad. I buy the salad mix and throw it in a container. I just carry along an avocado, tomoto and other veggies to add on top when ready to eat and bring a long a lemon and a little EVOO for salad dressing (sometimes I forget the oil and just have the lemon). I usually carry some fruit, nuts and some raw bars along as well. I don't tend to eat a formal dinner because I have usually snacked on fruit or nuts in the afternoon and am not hungry.

Alissa's book has some easy items as well. I like the Almost Tuna and the Mock salmon. They are pretty quick to make in a food processor and usually last a couple of days.

Planning ahead helps too, but I am not good at that!:rolleyes: