Vegetarian for a Week Challenge – Day Three

Day three of the vegetarian challenge seems to have been another success. My husband asked me if I had cheated by sneaking meat and I declared no! This has been a lot more trying for me than it has him – he’d eat anything where I’m a little more particular.

Tuesdays are what we call “YOYO Night” in my house (you’re on your own). I do dinner on my own on Tuesdays, usually some leftovers or some fruit and cheese, but last night I didn’t want to cop-out of the vegetarian plan. Watch now as I prepare one of my favorite personal recipes, a Southwestern Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette.

Day Three Vegetarian Menu

• Breakfast – Cheerios. My morning was busy, but I never let that interfere with breakfast. Today it was just a bowl of Cheerios with skim milk.

• Lunch – chips and salsa. At least I can admit it! A busy afternoon where choices were slim. I was not prepared, but will say the salsa was very fresh, full of veggies. Lunch – fail!

• Dinner – Southwestern Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette. This is a favorite recipe of mine that I usually prepare with chicken, but of course skipped that and just added extra black beans (lots of protein and fiber!). I also make the vinaigrette myself, it’s super simple and literally takes seconds to prepare. I serve this with a cheese quesadilla – one whole grain tortilla folded with about 2 Tbsp. of low-fat cheddar cheese inside, grill in a skillet, and put a half with each salad.

• Snacks – post-gym I had a reduced-fat cheese stick and after dinner a bunch of grapes.