Check out my progress on Clean Eating, Week 1 Recap
So it’s been one week since I began my clean eating endeavor. Thus far, the task has been very similar to my assignment last semester in which I aimed to increase my protein intake, in that I am facing the same obstacles—conquering my sweet tooth and finding non-soy based sources of protein. Nonetheless, I enjoy a challenge, especially when it involves cooking and eating.
Judging by the numbers, however, I am satisfied with my progress. I averaged about 100 grams of protein and 14 grams of added sugar per day. Based on these statistics, I have come to two conclusions:
- Bring on the beans, baby. I will be increasing my protein intake even further in the future. Ideally, I would like my diet to consist of at lest 25% protein.
- Added sugars ain’t no thang. Apparently, my sweet tooth is much more moderate than I expected. My current intake of added sugars represents not even 5% of my daily intake.
In light of the above observations, what are some of your favorite (vegetarian) protein sources?
Let’s see how the second week of clean eating shapes up…
You can’t imagine my glee upon discovering the much-buzzed-about Bagel Thins at my local Kroger yesterday. Despite the fact that I still have a bag of whole wheat mini bagels in my fridge, I had to give these a try—one of my chief complaints about mini bagels is that they are the right size Calorie-wise but far too tiny in surface area. These bagels have plenty of room for toppings:)
After working on a paper about green marketing all morning (details to follow), I broke for lunch. The end result was quite protein-packed, featuring an okara burger and hummus on a high-protein sun-dried tomato wrap. Delish.
Upon returning from a rather lengthy dining committee meeting, I made a quick curry out of some leftover kidney beans and a sweet potato lurking in the bottom of my crisper drawer. Humble beginnings…that yielded tasty results.
Alright, I am now off to organize for tomorrow. Ta-ta for now!
Filed under: Meals
Caroline Yoder, dietitian-to-be and all-around foodie.
Great eats! I get most of my protein from nuts and seeds. I used to eat a lot of soy stuff but I have found that it doesn’t work for me anymore.
My favorite protein sources are greek yogurt and quinoa!
The okara burger looks a lot like tempeh!
My favorite protein sources include beans, nuts, and tempeh
I still have a whole sleeve of bagel things or whatever they were called in my freezer. I would much rather eat millet bread
My favorite protein source is probably nuts. I can eat nuts by the tub. It’s almost an addiction.
Ack, I do not get the hype over those bagel things except that they are lower in cals…bagels are supposed to be thick and dense! Not thin!
Beans and yogurt are my two absolute favourite protein sources. They are also the most convenient
I am not one for protein powders, I don’t eat meat often, and I am picky about nuts so it all works out.
That curry looks to good! Sweet potatoes are such a great addition to curry especially a particularly spicy one, in my opinion.
I need to up my protein intake and take down my added sugars too. It’s a challenge! But, I think I am getting there. I haven’t seen those bagel thins in my Kroger yet, but when I do I will definitely be buying some! I agree about mini bagels and their lack of surface area. I like to be able to take more than just a few little bites also.
How do you calculate your added sugar intake? Most of food comes naturally with sugar anyway…. I don’t have sweet tooth, but I think I can’ avoid to have sugar because veggies and fruits all have sugar in it.
Ahh, you’ve been reading my mind
I, too, have been trying to increase my somewhat sad protein intake to see if I get more energy and satisfaction! I’d love to see what protein sources you come up with, especially since dairy & I do not get along so well. 
I would love to log everything I eat in a day and see how much sugar I’m actually taking in. I have a huge sweet tooth too! I might just try it out..
What did you think of those bagel thins? I was a little disappointed. They taste just like Arnold sandwich thins with a hole in the middle. I need more of a bagel texture!
love the clean eating recap. i have enjoyed seeing your eats! favorite veg protein has got to be greek yogurt, with eggs coming in second.
Beans are so good for you! It’s amazing how many different ways you can cook them! Isn’t it amazing what you learn about yourself when you give yourself a food challenge?
I love bagels. If I ever see those thins around here I’m snatching them up!
I ALWAYS seem to forget about beans as a protein source.. and they’re so good! I rely a lot (prob a bit tooo much) on cottage cheese and yogurt for protein. I just love em. Other than that I get the majority of my non-meat protein probably from hummus, a little nut butter, a little protein powder, a little tofu and tempeh… that’s probably it! Oh and egg whites? All of the above are pretty great.
Greek yogurt is my favorite prtoein followed by poached eggs.