Vegetarians pls come in...

vigurl

What is the ratio of vegetables to carbs/starches to meat substitute on your plate?   I am curious b/c although I have been a vegetarian (not vegan) for my entire life (26 yrs )I now realize that I think that I am eating to much carbs/starches.  I think this is the main reason why my weight has been slowly creeping up over the past 10 yrs.

My lunch or dinner plate usually consists of about 50% carb/starches, 30% meat substitutes and 20% vegetables.

What does your plate look like?

Tambcat

I am not vegetarian (was for a couple of years, but not anymore), and I try to have more vegetables than anything else. Or at least equal parts each. I do think your plate is weighted too heavily toward the carbs.

apples09

If you're talking ratios, I would say my plates are more like:

50/veg

25/protein

25/whole grain carbs

 I pretty much use my carbs as a vehicle for my veggies ie: brown rice w/ veggie stir fry, pasta with veggies, veggie fajitas with ww tortillas, etc.

 

Alisha_A

I came in out of curiousity (no longer veg, although I eat mostly vegetarian).
Definitely too much starch! I would agree more with apple's ratios of 50% veg, 25% protein and 25% starch. I just aim for most of my meals to be vegetable or fruit based,, and then eat a reasonable amount of protein with it. I don't always eat carbs but if I do I keep it pretty limited. I don't really limit protein but I do watch fats esp the less than healthy one.

apples09

And FWIW, while I think you should definately uptake your veggies, it really depends on what your body needs/processes.

 Everyone is different. I need and can process carbs very easily (although I do not need or eat processed carbs/anything "white")- I could overeat brown rice or ww bread/pasta and not gain weight- protein (for me, beans, tofu, soy, etc) can make me a little sick to my stomach- I mostly eat just the amount I need to get my daily protein reccomdendation.

If you're not sure, try experimenting with different ratios and see how you feel. Regardless, make sure you just throw extra veggies in EVERYTHING

vigurl

thanks ladies

wildride

SO MANY CARBS. However I am nursing and for some reason I NEED CARBS BAD.

However normally I make sure there is a salad and a side of veggies around. 

SuperGreen

I'd say we're 40% veggies, 30% protein, and 30% carbs.  Like tonight will be tofu and veggie stir-fry over lo mein noodles.  Last night was black bean and veggie chimichangas with spanish rice and guacamole.  DH and I have gained a few pounds too since going veg in July, but we can't tell if it's just from eating terribly during the holidays.  All our families knew how to make for us was cheese! I'm also going to try to cut down on my carbs, like I don't need rice and naan (flatbread) with an Indian meal.  But my appetite has skyrocketed since I went veg, I'll eat anything and everything!

Rockrchk87

I agree with the ladies above. Although it's also really important to note WHEN you are consuming these carbs. In the morning it's a great idea to eat more carbs than fruits or veggies. Lunch should be your biggest meal and should have more protein than your breakfast and less carbs. Dinner should be light. A big salad with loads of veggies is a great idea because it gives your body the amino acids it needs because it helps your build muscle. I got this information from our personal trainer. I'm also vegan lol. He made a point to say NO CARBS before bed... the reason being that your body isn't being given the chance to healthily burn them away (like in the daytime). Hope it helps!