Proteinaholic by Dr Garth Davis

[fruitandveggies 456]

17 minutes ago, TheMrsV said:

Any suggestions of how to prepare certain things like tofu would be greatly appreciated. I am very open to advice and input. 😁

My fave way to prep tofu is to bake it into cubes. You can throw it into anything and it's tasty! The keys are this though:

1. Buy extra or extra extra firm tofu (not silken)
2. Pressing out all the Water first (I have a tofu press, but you can also use two plates with a heavy thing stacked on top)
3. Freezing (at least a few hours)
4. Thawing
5. Marinating

The freezing gives it the best meaty texture, it's so much better that way, IMHO. You can marinate in anything you like (check out this page for a few ideas), or you can just toss in a bit of olive oil and bake for 25 mins at 400 degrees (and check here for more details).

One other tip, if you want to make something like a tofu scramble (a vegan classic--here's a few recipes), don't press and freeze. Just drain the extra water from the box and throw in your pan, breaking it up into crumbles as you cook.

Edited September 8, 2017 by fruitandveggies

[Apple1 2,572]

I have used both the freezing and the bake the cubes in the oven method..lol.. Both turned out equally well. I have seen some recipes call for pan frying, but I have avoided that method because I figured it would add the most fat to the meal.

I like tofu and the only thing I would recommend is to buy organic non-gmo.

[TheMrsV 11]

These are great ideas! Thank you, I am going to try some new things this weekend and I will be sure to report back how they turn out.

[Newme17 3,444]

On 9/7/2017 at 4:00 PM, FluffyChix said:

At HEB you can get the little street taco size corn tortillas. You can set one on a paper towel and nuke it at 30second intervals until it's crisp. Usually takes about 1minute in my microwave. Then it's soooo crisp for a tostada. You can break it into sections and make your own nachos without having the deep frying oil from traditional bagged tostada chips. They seem like a perfect size for someone who is out a few months from surgery!

I've always wanted to buy those street sized tortillas just because they're cute!!! Lol. Great idea! I'm going to H-E-B tomorrow, I'll be sure to pick some up. Thank you hon

[Newme17 3,444]

13 hours ago, Apple1 said:

The thread starter @Newme17 was the person that got me started on researching a healthy diet. I am thankful.

Awwww.....and I am thankful for you getting healthier too. So sweet!

[Newme17 3,444]

13 hours ago, TheMrsV said:

am sure that I will have my "mess ups" but I am determined to feel better and to get my digestive track back "on track".

I always had tummy issues before going WFPB. I don't anymore unless I decide to eat something that has a lot of cheese; so I stay away as much as possible (except my yummy black bean nachos-of which I'll definitely opt for the tortilla nuked in the microwave next time!!). It's nice not having issues in He gastrointestinal area and such. Your body will be so happy about it too.

I'm happy you're reading the book! It just makes sense, huh? 😁

Edited September 9, 2017 by Newme17

[Newme17 3,444]

On 9/7/2017 at 5:32 PM, Apple1 said:

Tofu broccoli, snap peas, and carrot stir fry. I used a stir fry sauce that is low sodium and only 3G of sugar per serving. It was delicious. I think I am learning how to do tofu. My dh was a happy camper 😊

Omg hon, I think you're paving the way for us who are a little reluctant to tofu!!!! That looks so good! I'm going to for sure include one of the recipes in this next weeks set of meals. it'll be my first try...suspense!

[Newme17 3,444]

13 hours ago, fruitandveggies said:

I have a tofu press

Never heard of such a thing! But also never bothered to look either. 😊 Thanks for the tips!

[Newme17 3,444]

So I spent some time coming up with a plant based menu for my brother's birthday party that I'm hosting at my house tomorrow. He requested a spicy Thai quinoa salad. I'm going to make a thai cucumber salad and spicy green Beans. If I have time and the energy, try to do some veggie pot stickers. Besides the quinoa salad, everyone will be my guinea pigs tomorrow. 😂

I've noticed something, if a conversation doesn't exactly turn towards a plant based diet, probably best not to broach it. Lol. Live and learn. I'll wait for my cues.

[FluffyChix 17,410]

@Newme17 I think that's the situation with any special diet, LOL!

Be careful not to burn the tortillas in the micro, they smell terrible when you do! After a couple, you will know how long it takes. Oh, and I flip them now and then so the opposite side will dry out. You can only do 1 or 2 at a time. Hope you like them! Your brother's party menu sounds like fun!

[Apple1 2,572]

9 hours ago, Newme17 said:

So I spent some time coming up with a plant based menu for my brother's birthday party that I'm hosting at my house tomorrow. He requested a spicy Thai quinoa salad. I'm going to make a thai cucumber salad and spicy green Beans. If I have time and the energy, try to do some veggie pot stickers. Besides the quinoa salad, everyone will be my guinea pigs tomorrow. 😂

I've noticed something, if a conversation doesn't exactly turn towards a plant based diet, probably best not to broach it. Lol. Live and learn. I'll wait for my cues.

That menu sounds yummy. I love Thai food!! I have a recipe for both a Thai red and green curry that I am going to try soon.

Both of my adult children are meat eaters ..lol..they learned from their parents. Since I have done this before over the years for short periods of time, I am sure they both think this is temporary. I haven't even suggested they should join us. I am just going to wait and see if our example gets them asking more questions and then I will share.

I think waiting until someone asks questions or shows an interest is a good plan.

[TheMrsV 11]

10 hours ago, Newme17 said:

I always had tummy issues before going WFPB. I don't anymore unless I decide to eat something that has a lot of cheese; so I stay away as much as possible (except my yummy black bean nachos-of which I'll definitely opt for the tortilla nuked in the microwave next time!!). It's nice not having issues in He gastrointestinal area and such. Your body will be so happy about it too.

I'm happy you're reading the book! It just makes sense, huh? 😁

Yes the book does make sense. I figured I would just start out with baby steps and just go without dairy first week. Well without even trying , I went without dairy, meat, and artificial sweeteners. Honestly, Meat wasn't that hard as I already have issues with digesting meat. I love cheese though, and I was surprised that I didn't even have any all week and really didn't realize it. I did have a headache BUT the tummy issues improved. I will gladly deal with withdrawal for a few days for long term better health.☺️ Oh and I made my first batch of quinoa last night , very good I must say. I added sauteed zucchini, and spinach, and sauteed celery for some crunch. Added a little soy sauce. It was delicious! I was nervous as I have not had rice or Pasta in 3years. I gave it up because those were my trigger foods so wasn't sure how the quinoa would make me feel. But it's more like cooked cream of wheat than rice so I didn't have the heaviness in my stomach afterwards. It was great!

[Newme17 3,444]

6 hours ago, TheMrsV said:

Oh and I made my first batch of quinoa last night , very good I must say

I do tons of quinoa. That's my go to grain. It really is wonderful in just about anything. Congrats on the eliminations! I think as time goes on you'll find it much easier to forego the cheese. I do love cheese too, but I haven't used it much these days besides one of last week's meals. Another benefit is that it's great on the pocketbook! 😊 Eating healthy isn't expensive, at least for me.

[Newme17 3,444]

Hey y'all. Exhausted here. Did my brother's birthday menu...turned out great! Everything was a hit, especially the potstickers. (Now I know why they're called potstickers! Lol...they literally stick to the pot for a moment). Haha! Here are some pics. Enjoy!

Pics in order: cucumber Asian salad, spicy thai quinoa salad, spicy green Beans, and veggie potstickers.

[Apple1 2,572]

All of the food looks so delicious @Newme17.

I'm getting hungry just looking at the photos!!!