Lunch Ideas - Creating Balanced Vegetarian Meals

Thanks Satchi! For a decade I resisted counting calories but in the end that was the only thing that worked. Tried it all from vinegar detoxes to honey-lemon water and boiled cabbage soups. After some research discovered that my PCOS + insulin resistance could be to blame. Women with PCOS tend to have very slow metabolisms. High levels of testosterone and cortisol make it worse. One paper I read estimated our basal metabolic rates (BMR) as low as 1400-1600 calories a day. With such a low BMR two extra biscuits can wipe out an entire day's calorie deficit. Only when I started counting calories, and restricting myself to 1200-1400 calories a day, did I start to see the weight shift. I've lost the weight and kept it off. I'm probably going to have to count calories forever, but I don't mind. It has become second nature after all this time. I eat out a lot and don't sweat it. But at home I do keep track. Working so far.

I've seen a lot of buzz about high protein diets ameliorating PCOS symptoms. Makes sense considering that the underlying common factor seems to be insulin resistance. My next goal is to restrict carbs to no more than 120-150 gms a day and increase protein to a 100 gms a day. It's been very tough. Indian diets are not protein friendly. I keep experimenting with food pairings but haven't found a successful formula yet. : )

 

@shodin @parineetha Thanks ladies! I did add cream to the soup. The recipe is a common one. In short, the tomatoes are blanched in hot water and their skins removed. I roasted the red peppers in the oven and took out the skin, seeds and stems. Finely dice garlic, onions, carrots and celery. In a big pot, melt butter and soften the garlic, onions, carrots and celery without caramelizing or charring. Add the peppers and tomatoes, bay leaf, salt and black pepper. Once the veggies have cooked down, add vegetable stock. Let the soup simmer for 30 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings. Blend to a smooth consistency. Once the soup is lukewarm, stir in some cream. Reheat before serving.

Here is a good approximation of my recipe. I skipped the crouton part.

 

This gif got me curious to try aquafaba. Chocoloate mousse made with chickpea juice.

Magical Two Ingredient Chocolate Mousse