Stephanie, I am wondering about peas/beans and lentils. These are high in protein and cheap to buy. Some nuts are higher in protein also. Mrs. White says around 7 almonds a day gives us enough protein for the day. I am very much paraphrasing but could find the quote if you want it.

One thing to remember is that often doctors think we must have a certain amount of protein but I don't believe it is all that necessary. Science is starting to show that we don't need as much protein as they thought in the past, and it shows in the new us gov. pyramid. I understand that not all the protein you eat is actually absorbed so that you must eat more, but you might want to just double check to make sure you are not getting too much.

You showed a sample of how you might eat in one day and it seemed it was mostly bread and protein with a salad. I didn't see any fruit. I believe the pyramid says we should have some fruit every day (I'm sure you do on most days) and I do understand that you must have very small amounts compared to the pyramid which is for a normal adult who hasn't had the surgery you've had.

Of course you are under a doctors care and doing all you can to be healthy. I just don't believe meat is as healthy as it used to be--especially in fast food places. And I believe in our household we actually eat cheaper buying fresh foods rather than so many processed foods--but we are fortunate to have a good health food store here where I live. Many things are in bulk form so cheaper to buy.

I'm sorry you must live in an apartment. This could not be easy, especially with children.

Stephanie--I forgot to congratulate you about your pregnancy!! That's just great!! I pray God will bless you abundantly and your little family too.

Hi Debbie,
Good to see you again I have one tiny thing about your pasta sauce recipe, and that is the use of canola oil. I forwarded an article to my wife about the harm that this oil causes, and it would be better to use cold pressed Olive Oil, which I believe thats how it is processed. Confirm that the Olive Oil is cold pressed, and get extra virgin. All in all that recipe is something we will have to try out as it is making me hungry.
God Bless,
Will

Thanks Will, I didn't know about canola oil. I plan to make my own pasta sauce this summer with tomatoes out of my garden!! That way I'll avoid the oil altogether!

I'm convinced the more simple our diet, the better.

Debbie,

As I stated at the beginning of the list(s), I have not checked every article personally. It may not be every style of Pregu sauce. I also notice that what they mention is enzymes that are the culprit. These can easily be disguised under labeling laws. The best thing to do is call the company, bigger ones usually have an "800" number and ask them specifically. Give them as much information as you deem necessary as far as why you want to know (dietary allergies, religious restrictions, etc).

One thing I want to mention is "fake" meats. There are basically no controls over fake meats. A number of them actually do have "meat" proteins in them. A larger number are also made on the same machinary that makes real meats. "Spices" are the area where a number of these companies can introduce what they want into the ingredients. If a company buys "spices" from another company, they only have to label it as "spices", they don't have to break down what those spices are since they didn't produce them. Spice companies are now a multi-million dollar operation and the ones I have been in make both natural (using real ingredients) and artificial (no real ingredients). When it comes to meat flavorings, the natural ingredients take the meat source and waters it down until the government no longer considers it meat, then it can be added to "vegetarian" foods though it still contains animal proteins. Sneaky, but perfectly legal!

For the record, the company that makes the spices for Gardenburger told me that their spices were 100% synthetic (in this case, natural ingredients with NO animal sources) but I have yet to find Gardenburger without cheese, so it really doesn't matter.

Final note, we are NOT to judge those who may still be eating meat. In this area God alone knows who is not able to give up meat and who are only deceiving themselves that they are not capable of eating better. Unfortunately, I agree with not being able to eat at potlucks as the official church stance is lacto-ovo vegetarian. While this denies Ellen White's final comments on the matter, it is what the leadership has stated.

Thank you Bill for your information.

I wasn't trying to "judge" anyone because they eat meat. I'm sorry it came across that way because it wasn't meant to be that way.

In some cases, maybe even in most cases, these additives are probably worse than eating clean flesh food.

Have you noticed the additives in the imitation meat products?