Menu:

 

Do you think vegetarian protein is only tofu and tempeh? Well, there is so much more to vegetarian protein. What might you ask?

Beans - packed with protein and fiber. Soak the beans or sprout them (soak for several days in a covered container - they will be ok - they are going to grow tails though, so don't get alarmed!) to increase digestibility - change your soaking water before cooking!

Bee Pollen - contains amino acids and enzymes - but you could be allergic, test in small doses - usual reactions are skin swelling and itching

Spirulina - contains 3g per teaspoon. I usually add two tablespoons to a smoothie - that's 18 grams - about the same as a 4 ounce serving of steak or chicken and hardly any fat, the fat is unsaturated and omega 3 containing!

Nuts and seeds: chia seeds, hemp seeds and almonds are among my favorites. I add each to smoothies or grains.

Eating just one vegetarian meal per week can lower cholesterol, increase energy and support a more sustainable planet. Give it a try! Check back for recipes and check out my new manhattan healthy food blog on examiner.com