So you want to be a vegan? Most of you (all 4 of you who read this) would most likely say no way! That doesn't mean you still can't make better decisions for your health. I was craving wanted a hot dog, so I searched and found "Smart Dogs." Hot dogs made with vegetable protein! I was curious, so I pan fried them (sprayed with cooking spray) and gave them a try... an All American meal!
They look just like the real thing... how do they taste? They were great, I couldn't even really tell a difference between these and the traditional ones. And there is quite a nutritional difference!
Smart Dogs: 45 calories per dog, 0 fat, 0 cholesterol, 8 grams protein, 1 gram fiber
Oscar Mayer Original Hot Dogs: 130 calories per dog, 12 grams fat (4 grams saturated), 35 mg cholesterol, 5 grams protein, 0 grams fiber
There you have it! You can still eat the things you love, just find a healthier alternative!
If you have kids, I bet you could make this switch and they wouldn't even know! I dare you!
One thing I really enjoy about my vegan endeavor is trying new recipes and flavors. I have always been a safety guy - finding something I like and rotating a few dishes over and over.
Here's one I made today, and I really enjoyed it. I found the recipe on Sprouted Kitchen (click here). It has great flavor, and was super easy to make. I like beans, and wanted the extra protein, so I added an additional can of beans. When I made it, I also doubled her recipe, and added some extra vegetable broth too. You just have to play it by eye and see how it goes if you make it! I topped it with home made corn tortilla strips, cilantro, and avocado slices.
Another great, flavorful vegan dish I'll add to my regular rotation!
Tonight's dinner: Quinoa Pilaf and sauteed broccolini (baby broccoli). Good stuff.
After my workout tonight (legs, abs, 20 minutes bike, 20 minutes elliptical) I needed something quick to eat when I got home so I could watch The Biggest Loser. Hmm, what to have? I had already made some corn salsa which is delish, and I decided to pair that with vegan refried bean tacos (corn tortillas filled with the beans, tomato, green onion, and salsa) I grilled each side of the taco in the frying pan to heat it. It was great...and very messy! Something I will definitely have again when I'm in a hurry, or when I'm craving Mexican food!
