Fruit, veggies, and whole grains only "diet" - I have questions

[Josie Maurer]

I've never done this before. I've been feeling sluggish so I'm gearing up to eat only fruits, veggies and whole grains all next week. Anyone have experience with this type of diet?

Any other suggestions? Should I add chicken for protein?

[Susana]

Josie, I have been a vegetarian for more than 20 years now and can tell you from my experience that never felt better! If you eat whole grains you get the most of them. And veggies and fruits are the complement for them.

This picture shows a good example from where vegetarians get their nutrients:

Are you going to do this diet from now on or trying different ones? Just curious...

[Josie Maurer]

This is great. I just had the idea to try this for a week. I've been sluggish and not myself and I have an unction that it has to do with the foods I eat, not that they're bad. But I think I need a serious shake up of my diet.

I know this experiment will work, just pray I have the willpower to get through the entire week! If all goes well I may extend it.

Hope you don't mind if I have more questions later?

[Susana]

You are welcome! No problem about helping you with anything I know. I am not a doctor or a dietitian but a very concerned and conscious person about what I eat.

It should be a good idea if you can continue with this type of diet... not overnight but little by little :)

[Email Support From a Registered Dietitian]

Here are some examples of vegetarian foods with high sources of plant protein:

PROTEIN IN LEGUMES: Garbanzo beans, Kidney beans, Lentils, Lima beans, Navy beans, Soybeans, Split peas

PROTEIN IN NUTS AND SEEDS: Almonds, Cashews, Filberts, Hemp Seeds, Peanuts, Pumpkin seeds, Sesame seeds, Sunflower seeds, Walnuts (black)

One excellent ingredient to look for is hemp seed protein. Hemp seed is an nutritious dietary source of easily digestible gluten-free protein. It provides a well-balanced array of all the amino acids, including 34.6 grams of protein for each 100 grams. The fatty acid profile of the hemp seed is extremely beneficial, containing omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in a virtually ideal ratio. Other beneficial aspects of hemp seed include a strongly favorable unsaturated-to-saturated fat ratio; a high content of antioxidants; and a wide variety of vitamins and minerals.

[Lena Hellsten]

Hi Josie. that sounds like a fab idea, nothing better than eating fruits and veggies if you want to become more energized and feel healthy. I'd recommend to do it completely vegetarian, especially if it's only for a week. I've been a vegetarian for 8 years or so and doing great. Your body will definitely thank you for it. Animal fats and proteins do from my experience create more sluggishness, and we don't need that much proteins really unless we do heavy bodybuilding. I would eat a lot of sprouts too and as much raw as possible. perhaps have one completely raw meal a day and then have a stir fry together with quinoa or smth similar once a day. And of course, lots of fruits. You'll feel great! Have a great time and enjoy yourself. :)

[TR Hughes]

Has no one mentioned Quinoa? It is an easy to prepare grain that is a COMPLETE protein. (As in all essential amino acids profile) I love qunioa. Think of it as being kinda like couscous in taste and texture...although I think it is much better tasting. I like to cook my quinoa in a good veggie or chicken broth instead of water...then I add lots of stuff, like: broccoli, summer squash, carrots, asparagus, mushrooms, onions, celery, fresh spinach, scallions, herbs, spices, seasonings, pine nuts...just pick a few items and have fun. One of my favorites is with fresh spinach, mushrooms, asparagus, pine nuts, scallions, garlic, and a touch of Parmesan.

[Susana]

Yes, I tried it already and posted the meal here with instructions and photos:

A healthy & nutritious meal for only $2.50

I used water because the veggies were roasted with olive oil this time. I will use veggie broth instead because I am vegetarian.

You will see the complete nutrition facts inside the post.

[Josie Maurer]

Ok, this is day one! Right now I'm enjoying an avocado. It's wonderful! I could eat these all day but I read that they're high in calories/fat.

I'll check in at the end of the week to let you know how I fared. Thanks for your support.

[SpinDiva]

This is very interesting and comes at a good time for me. I exercise, I teach fitness, but due to my hectic schedule and some recent stressful issues I can't seem to get out of my slum and sluggish feelings. I like the chart Susana posted, makes it easier to visualize what my kitchen should have in order for me to succeed with this type of diet. I like that eggs are included and I know I will eat fish and maybe chicken on occasion but I will be more aware of eating mostly fruits, veggies and whole grain foods. I'll have to try this for a week and see how I feel at the end.

[Josie Maurer]

SpinDiva, let me know how you do. I'd love to compare notes.

[Sharon Porter]

Hey, sounds like a very strict diet but manageable. I wish you all the best of luck :)

Here are some great recipes using whole grains and veggies and I've tried and are delicious: http://www.shar-on-nutrition.com/?p=362

Feel free to leave a comment!

[Patrick Kallie]

I have done that before, but I think you should add some protein in their. I tried it but it lasted about 3 days until I just had to have some protein. I would probably go the lean chicken, sounds like you could also use a colon cleanse. This will rejuvenate you and give you more energy. You should try it out I think it may help.