Eat like a Flexitarian!

Eat like a Flexitarian!

Flexitarian: A person who actively practices a plant-based diet and nutritious lifestyle, with the occasional consumption of animal products (meat, fish). 

How I start my day...

Breakfast: Muesli 

Muesli is a tasteful mixture of fruit, nuts, and grains! Add almond milk or cashew milk for flavor (and extra calcium).  It's similar to making your own modified version of oatmeal.  Feel full for longer!

Muesli Breakfast Mix.
Photo By: Julia S

Lunch: Dark Leafy Greens, Drought Juice, Nut Butter

Light colored lettuce does not contain any nutritional value or benefits.  The darker the leaf, the better.  Chick pea's and/or rotisserie/grilled chicken can be added for protein. Mix in any fruit and vegetable to your salad! Next, you may blend any vegetables (kale, spinach) and any fruits (berries) together for a smooth juice (powerful mixer: Ninja Blender, Magic Bullet, Vitamix) or a smoothie (plus chia and/or flax). Too, nut butters, such as organic almond butter (flavored or natural) and peanut butter also help keep me feeling energized! 

Beautifully plated, nutrient-abundant dark green salad.
Photo By: Julia S

Dinner:  Green, Protein and Grain

Pick a Green: (pea's, green bean's, brussel sprout's, broccoli), Pick a Protein: Tilapia (White Fish, Cod, Shrimp, Scallops) and Pick a Grain: (Organic Brown Rice or Farro). Food does not need to be slathered in sauce or dressings. The sooner you begin to change your habits, your tastebuds follow. 

(Pre-Non-Dairy Lifestyle) Caprese is a great choice
for those who can tolerate!
Photo By: Julia S 

Additional Sources: Ávitāe is 100% natural caffeinated water.  It is sourced from green coffee beans, which add no flavor or taste to the drink (a true hidden treasure). Ávitāe comes in multiple refreshing flavors, as well as natural/plain.  Instead of drinking pop or coffee, make a lasting switch to Ávitāe! 

Photo By: Julia S

*Products can be modified to account for all allergens* 

My style is soyless, dairyless and eggless.

Be aware of the oils used in fryers - some utilize peanut oil (if you have an allergy, avoid it, otherwise this is a fine oil to use) or vegetable oil.... which is actually soybean oil.  

The better oils that some restaurants utilize: 
-canola oil (also can be categorized as vegetable oil) and 
-palm tree oil.

When at home, try cooking with 
-coconut oil for the healthiest alternative or 
-use an olive oil.

Organic and Imported Oils
Photo By: Julia S

ALLERGENS and INTOLERANCES:

Dairy: Lactase Enzymes help reestablish the lacking enzyme, lactase, in your body. This was made to help you consume various dairy products that contain lactose, if you've had trouble in the past. Give the enzymes a try if this is one of your dietary wants or needs.

Soy: Soy is an emulsifier in almost all food.  It has no benefit, it is a collection of chemicals made to economically aid in mass production of food. Studies have also shown it can lead to developing different cancers. You may be surprised in just how many products soy is found in. Read your labels! 

Egg:  Lecithin is found in egg, a phospholipid or fat molecule, which can lead to indigestion by many. Egg whites do not contain lecithin. Apples and banana's can be used as a 'binder' in bakery recipes as a substitute for egg. The 'vegan egg' also exists.

Gluten: The chewiness in breads (elasticity of dough). It is a mixture of proteins that may prove indigestible for many.

When going out, do not be afraid to ask for an allergen list or menu.

Thanks for reading! Hope you learned a little something new... Drop a comment or question!