Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Day 10: Meat Alternatives

Meat Alternatives
If someone asks you where you're getting your protein, tell them, "nuts!" Nuts are a delicious, nutrient-packed food that can also satisfy an occasional meat craving. -- Paul HAD
Other high plant protein foods:
Black Beans
Quinoa (keen wah) is packed with protein, equal to meat
Almonds
Barley
Lentils
Blackberries
and the list goes on ...
Study shows that an animal product based diet can cause disease to the body. There is a much greater chance of Cancer and Heart Disease. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3Bu6MJZbW0&feature=related

Plant Based News
In a recent interview with Wolf Blitzer on CNN, former President Bill Clinton officially addressed the circulating rumors surrounding his dramatic weight loss and change in eating habits. When asked to describe the type of diet he was on, President Clinton explained, “The short answer is I went on essentially a plant-based diet.  I live on beans, legumes, vegetables, fruit…no dairy”
The former President credits both Dr. T. Colin Campbell, and his son, Dr. Thomas Campbell, authors of The China Study, as well as Drs. Caldwell Esselstyn and Dean Ornish for their pioneering work in the field of plant-based nutrition.
President Clinton went on to say that while a major reason for his transition to a plant-based diet was because of the prior cardiac events he experienced, with emotion behind his voice, he revealed the true motivation for this healthier lifestyle was that he and his wife, the current Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, “would like to be around if there’s grandkids…”


Today's Recipe:
Bean Burritos
From Everyday Wholesome Eating by Kim Wilson
Ingredients
1 Tbsp olive or grape seed oil
1 onion, chopped
1/2 red pepper, diced

1 can black beans (or 2 cups cooked)
1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa

2 tsp chili
1/2 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp unrefined sea salt
3 cloves garlic, crushed
Directions

1. Sauté onion, garlic and pepper in oil.
2. Add beans, rice and spices.
3. Simmer together as you prepare rest of toppings.
Topping choices

Shredded lettuce Chopped tomatoes
Salsa Cut onion or scallion
Spinach leaves Corn or whole wheat tortillas
Guacamole

Mash 1 avocado with 2 tsp lemon juice and 2 Tbsp salsa.
Opt: 1 Tbsp flax oil
Layer center of tortilla with bean mixture, lettuce, tomato, salsa, etc. Roll and enjoy!