Well I fell completely off the wagon

[CuSukha]

I was perfectly vegetarian for vegan for 4 months (vegetarian a few months before) and then I got pregnant. I decided to go vegetarian when I became pregnant and ease to vegan once I gave birth. Then came the day, tofu became unedible and all I wanted to eat was eggs and meat. After 2 weeks of craving meat for breakfast lunch and dinner I gave in. :( I wasn't getting enough protein and I had developed anemia. Well I am now 21 weeks and my craving for meat is finally going away, I haven't eaten meat in 3 days and would like to become vegetarian 24/7 again before giving birth. Problem, I am a horrible meal planner. I look at the recommended food list (like the one in birthing from within) and its like it all gets jumbled in my head and is kind of overwhelming and seems like so much to eat. I'm hoping to get some meal ideas from you guys or a site that has good balanced vegetarian/vegan meal ideas. I need a set meal plan there is no way I can get enough nutrition just thinking of stuff to make on the spot and my midwife is worried about me getting enough protein. So help would be great.

[Bleacheddecay]

Don't beat yourself up about it. Every day is a new day.

*hugs*

 

[charmedmamaof2]

Quoting Bleacheddecay:

Don't beat yourself up about it. Every day is a new day.

*hugs*

[H.Unger]

Pregnancy is not the time to make diet changes. I would stick with being an omni until you have the kid. I know when I first went vegan I ended up with some digestive upset for awhile until my body adjusted, I can't imagine it being good to do that while pregnant.

 

[Imamom4sure]

when folks are newly transitioning, most do something that is off the wagon, and get right back on and keep getting right back on every time they fall off,  I went vegan a couple of months before my first pregnancy, it was stressful because it was new diet and all kinds of taboos (it was 13 years ago)

I craved some kind of meat food (liverworst) when I was pregnant with my second, but I believe the craving was because of emotional reasons, I missed the people whom I ususally ate liverworst with. anyway, I do believe cravings are not necessarily because its what our body needs but its because its familiar.

anyway, when I crave the taste and texture I make a dish or go to a vegan restruant or buy the meat substitute that has the texture and favor, after a while with committment you can find recipes and ways to make any of your old favorites.

[Imamom4sure]

I'm not that good at meal planning, but what helps is a food log of what you do eat, then you know what kinds of recipes or subsititutions you need. since most likely you will continue to eat or crave similar things.

[STVUstudent]

Try this dish- good protein, very satisfying, quick:

1 medium red onion- dice and saute in a little olive oil, add 3 cloves minced garlic.  Add 1/2 pound asparagas (either roasted or steamed until tender-crisp), 1/2 pound washed chopped spinach, cook until wilted.  Add 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 can drained chick peas, 1/2 cup chopped artichoke hearts, 1/2 teaspoon each basil and oregano.  Add 2 cups cooked orzo (or you can sub cooked brown rice), 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 cup sliced kalamata olives.  Continue to cook until hot all the way through.  Serve with feta or feta alternative (I make it with drained diced tofu, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano and salt).

This keeps well and is very satisfying.  I make it one day and have it for lunch the next day- makes 4 hearty serving.