Food Options for Semi-Vegetarian

Hi All:

I'm back again, doing more research.  This time on food options for a "part-time-vegetarian".  I'm by no means a vegetarian, but I generally prefer to eat more eggs, some seafood, dairy, beans, grains, veggies, etc. for my meals as opposed to meats, i.e. beef, chicken, pork, etc.  Don't get me wrong, I do love a good rare steak from time to time.

I know that with the RNY you are supposed to concentrate on getting in your proteins, 60-100 grams, depending on your doctor's recommendations.  Any thoughts on how to get the protein in without having to rely so heavily on protein shakes or meat?  Are there any people out there like me, who already have done the RNY?  If so, how do you get your protein in?

Any thoughts and ideas would be helpful.

Thanks,
Terri

Just a few suggestions, as I like to take non-meat days also...
Saute Extra firm Tofu cubes in olive oil, garlic and herbs, or your choice of seasoning( 1/2 cup has 20+ grams, low in calories, olive oil is a healthy fat)  I like to add hot pepper flakes...just a few!  Toss Tofu with EVERYTHING!!..lol
Peanut butter, natural if you can find it, I add a dash of Splenda and a dash of sea salt,
cottage cheese, Yogurts, hard cheeses
beans of any sort, legumes (I am not fond of these, but they are chocked full of protein),
scallops are high in protein, as is tuna, salmon ( I like smoked salmon, aka Lox) ...sardines...(not for me, but maybe for you..lol)
When eating non meat protein, be sure to keep your simple carbs to a minimum as some non-meat proteins are higher in complex carbs and the simple ones will not only add wasted calories, but produce more insulin which in turn causes the liver to release glycogen (sugar). 
When on a vegetarian eating plan, increase your heart healthy fats to be sure and keep your system lubricated and increase absorbtion of fat metabolising vitamins missing from your lack of animal source foods.
This is just a tiny list of the plethora of vegetarian fare out there...best wishes!
Kim in Fontana

Wow, thanks Kim.  Those are some great options.  I get into such a food rut that I forget to take the blinders off and look around.  The info about keeping simple carbs lower while eating vegetarian makes a lot of sense.  I really hadn't thought about that before. 

Thanks again!

By no means do your protein sources have to come strictly from beef, chicken or pork.  What your preferences are of eggs, seafood, dairy and beans should provide all the protein you need with possibly some protein supplement shakes or bars thrown in.  Eggs and cheese are great sources of protein and seafood as well as a protein source is lower in calories.  There are many RNYer's who have long term problems with the denser proteins of beef and chicken and stick with eggs, fish and cheese.

I wouldn't worry about it one bit.  You'll find what works for you and you'll also learn that it's a hit and miss proposition as to what works for you.  I call it refrigerator roulette.  What works today in the pouch, may not work tomorrow.

Good luck and keep asking your questions.

Stephanie

Thanks Stephanie.  I like your "Refrigerator Roulette", now that's too funny! 

A lot of my research in the past had been on VSG, but I've been researching RNY for a while now (Kaiser isn't doing the VSG here in Northern Cal).  I didn't realize that RNY'ers had the same sensitivies with their pouch as the VSG'ers have with their new small tummy.

Thanks again!

My fav shrimp meal is 2T cream cheese, 2T salsa and 3 oz shrimp all mixed together.  Add it to a salad further down the road.

Substitute scallops crab or any fish for a change from shrimp.

I also like salmon flavored cream cheese, cottage cheese.  Mix and roll up in a slice of lox.

Tofu is also great in chili in place of meat.

Lots of options. :-)

---jan---