Happy Friday you guys! A bunch of you have asked what I eat now that I’m vegetarian, so one day this week I photographed everything I ate throughout the day. It has certainly been a journey to go vegetarian – I’ve had to re-train my brain to not center every meal around meat, and after nearly 30 years of doing just that, it was definitely tough in the beginning. At first, you may feel that your meals are “missing” something, but you eventually get over that – and it forces you to get creative and also discover new foods! Chris and I also struggled at first coming up with vegetarian meals that both him and I enjoy, but we’re finally to the point where we have a few favorites that we both love (and sometimes Chris grills chicken or turkey meat and adds it to whatever we’re eating). Anyways, let’s get started!
7:15 am: I wake up hungry first thing in the morning so I have to make and eat breakfast right away. The first thing I do every morning is make a cup of hot lemon water (squeeze half a lemon into a coffee mug and add boiling water) and sip on it while I make my breakfast. I actually have been sneaking coffee back into my morning routine so sometimes I’ll have regular coffee or mushroom coffee (which has less caffeine) instead. My go-to breakfast this winter has been a hearty bowl of oatmeal. I really like these Qi’a oatmeal packets – they contain chia, buckwheat, quinoa and hemp in addition to oats. All I do to make it is heat up some water in my water boiler, and mix it with a packet of oatmeal in a bowl. I let it sit for a few minutes and then add a scoop of peanut butter, some organic trail mix and fresh berries. It’s sooo good! Then I head out the door to make it to my 8:30 a.m. pure barre class.
10:30 a.m.: After my pure barre class I make one of my green smoothies (I blogged about my recipe here). I’m not lying to you guys when I say I make this multiple times per week!! It’s delicious – I usually make a double batch and keep half in the refrigerator for the next day. A couple of you guys commented and said to add a pinch of black pepper to the smoothie because it helps your body absorb the turmeric – so that’s what I do now! This particular day I sit down and answer some emails while I sip my smoothie. My brother comes over at 11 every day for work!
1:30 pm: It’s a later lunch today because my brother and I have been working on a few campaigns. By 1:30 pm I’m starving, and luckily I have a Sakara Life meal in my fridge that doesn’t require any cooking or prep work! Today’s meal is a Winter Sun Salad with roasted brussels sprouts, tart dried cherries, carrots and quinoa. If you haven’t heard of it before, Sakara Life is a meal-delivery system that is 100% plant-based, organic, and gluten-free (I blogged about my experience using it here). Since my initial week ordering Sakara Life, I’ve re-ordered it so many times – usually every single week I’m not traveling! Every meal has a lot of greens in it and they are loaded with veggies – the meals are super creative too, like veggie burgers, ravioli, tomato soup and pad thai. I spend my own money on the meals week after week and truly believe in their brand! (However they did reach out to me with my own discount code in case you guys want to try it – use code REF_SCP15 to receive 15% off your first order, meal plan or anything on their site. You can check out their site here.)
7pm: Chris gets home from work around 6 and we’ll usually catch up for a little bit and then start making dinner. Zucchini Ravioli is one of our favorite meals and we both love it – and neither one of us misses the meat! 🙂 It’s just like cheese ravioli except for there are no noodles – you use zucchini instead! We originally found the recipe here, and there’s even a video that shows you how to cut the zucchini, but here’s the exact recipe that we use – it’s a little different that the original:
INGREDIENTS
- Olive oil spray, for baking dish
- 5 medium zucchini
- 2 cups ricotta
- 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan (we usually buy a block of parmesan cheese and grate it ourselves – it tastes the best that way!)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce (if you can find it, we love Nellino’s Hot & Spicy Sauce)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat oven to 375° and grease a large baking dish with olive oil spray (I like using the spray because it’s less calories, but extra virgin olive oil works too!)
- Make the noodles: Using a vegetable peeler, slice each zucchini into flat strips, peeling until you reach the center. These are your “noodles.”
- Make the filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, egg, 2 tablespoons basil and a dash of black pepper.
- Assemble the ravioli: lay two strips of zucchini noodles down on a cutting board, then another two more perpendicular to the first strips. You should end up with a “T” shape. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling in the center of the T. Bring the ends of the strips together and fold over to the center, working one side at a time. Turn the ravioli over and place in the baking dish seam-side-down. Repeat with remaining zucchini and filling.
- Pour marinara around the zucchini and top the ravioli with mozzarella.
- Bake for around 25 to 30 minutes, are until the cheese is melted and starting to brown on top.
- Top with remaining basil and grate some fresh Parmesan on top to serve. Chris really likes to add red pepper flakes to his as well!
8pm: For dessert I like having a few pieces of this Chocolate Orange Peel bar – it’s sooo good, you can definitely taste the orange peel in it. Even though the package isn’t labeled as vegan, it’s actually a vegan chocolate so it doesn’t have any milk in it! I don’t normally like dark chocolate however I LOVE this bar. It’s so so good! After my two pieces of chocolate I’ll usually make an herbal tea and Chris and I will relax in bed and either watch a movie or a TV show. Usually if we can’t find something to watch we’ll rewatch episodes of The Office on Netflix (our favorite) and then turn out the lights for bed. I try to have lights off and fall aslseep by 10:15 these days!
I plan on doing an entire blog post on easy vegetarian meals, I get asked this question over and over and by now I have a whole list of easy lunches and dinners! Let me know if that’s something you would like 🙂
Ahhh…you have no idea how perfect timing this post is, Caitlin! I’ve been eating less meat within this past year and it’s been great for me personally. I’ve been thinking about being a vegetarian during the week and with all of these recipes you’re sharing I know I can do it for sure.
I’d absolutely love to see more from you on this topic. Can you also share what you snack on throughout the day?
Thanks again for sharing! xo
She Sweats Diamonds
Hey girl! I actually don’t do that much snacking (I don’t know why, I’m just not really a snacker haha) but if I do find myself really hungry between meals I’ll have a pack of raw nuts (I like almonds, cashews walnuts) or some carrots with hummus!
Girl you are so healthy!! You’ve inspired me now to start focusing more on plant-based eating!! I would love to see a blog post with a bunch of the recipes- that’d be great!
I really enjoyed this post, so relaxed and casual! Thanks for posting the ingredients for your green smoothies, I will try this tomorrow for breakfast haha!
And yes, I’d very much like to read a post with vegetarian meals – I am always on the hunt for new recipes (easier ones preferably, as I am not the best cook haha!).
xx Janine
https://walkinmysneaks.blogspot.com/
I would love to see more vegetarian meals – my daughter is a vegetarian and it’d be great to have these when she visits (plus I’m trying to eat less meat these days as well)!
I hate zucchini but I think I’m gonna try that recipe, it might make me like it more, thanks for sharing!
I love that you eat so healthy! It’s inspiring! But what do you do for other “cheat” moments? Are there any other things that satisfies your sweet tooth? Thank you for such awesome content! xoxo @marlathemom
Oh gosh yes I definitely have cheat meals every week! My husband and I go to Moe’s every Sunday after church (it’s our tradition) and I try to order a healthy meal but I ALWAYS get queso and chips! We also love Olive Garden – my favorite meal is a big bowl of pasta with breadsticks. For dessert sometimes I’ll have Halo Top ice cream- it tastes delicious but is pretty low in calories and high in protein!
I am always looking for new healthy recipes to try for myself and my family! I would love a post on vegetarian meals you love! ❤️
What organic trail mix do you use? Thanks! 🙂
Mine is from Harris Teeter and is called “Simple Truth Organic” 🙂
The zucchini ravioli looks delicious and will be making that for dinner tonight! Ive been more into eating a plant based diet (since watching a few documentaries) and love the recipes that you share! Will also be adding the smoothie to my list of things to try!
Great post!
I’ve been wanting to try zucchini raviolis!
Briana
https://beyoutifulbrunette.com/
My husband and I are trying to go vegetarian once per week for health reasons so recipes would be great! My hubby trusts your recipes after trying the husband approved green smoothie!
I would really enjoy some vegetarian meal recipes
That fruit bowl with peanut butter, oatmeal, etc looked SOOOO good! Need to try
Blondie in the City
Definitely post more vegetarian recipes! I’m not a full vegetarian (even though people call me one), but I’m not huge on meat. I’m always looking for new filling recipes! <3
xoxo
Ashley
https://www.blessedinlilly.com
Buying that oatmeal packet – sounds amazing and looks quite tasty! Thanks for sharing lady!
xo Laura Leigh
Louella Reese
Caitlin,
This post and your post to come about your favorite vegetarian meals couldn’t be more perfect. At the moment, I am trying to become mostly vegetarian. My soon to be husband is a very committed meat eater. Hearing you talk about you and Chris truly resonates. I appreciate the content you’ve been putting out regarding food and meals and hope you continue to put out more content like it. We’ve made some of your heartier vegetarian meals and they’ve been a big hit.
Thanks for sharing!
I can’t wait for the blog post on your vegetarian meals!! I’m always looking for new, healthy options to try!
I love having loaded salads for lunch!
http://www.taytayrose.com
You have different nail polish on at dinner. I’m assuming this wasn’t from the same day?
Wow you are observant haha! It actually was the same day, I got my nails done in the afternoon!
SUCH a great post Caitlin! I’m definitely going to have Jeff make me the zucchini xx
Hi! Thank you for this post, it looks so easy, I would like to go vegetarian but I don’t know how to start, and some easy recipes would be the best thing ever! So please, do it!
My husband and I went vegetarian over 3 years ago and always try to come up with new recipes. From autumn Brussels, to eggplant meatballs. Our favorite recipe books are Thug Life and highly recommend. They are vegan if you want to be super healthy, but if you like cheese you can always sub it in. You should definitely look at getting the book.
Love reading your blogs!
Ohh thank you for this rec, I’m definitely going to look into it!!
Please do a blog post on meals! Also, what teas are you enjoying these days?
OH so many! I got a really great Coconut Green Tea one from Target recently, and I also like peppermint tea, ginger tea, and lavender/chamomile for nighttime. I ran out of my favorite Lipton Detox teas so I’ve been meaning to get more!
Yum! That zucchini ravioli sounds delicious! Love seeing a day of meal ideas!
I loved getting to see what you eat in a day! Loved this whole post!
Thank you! Is The zucchini lasagna good reheated for leftovers or does it get soggy? Looking forward to seeing more recipes!
My husband always has the rest for lunch the next day and he says it reheats great! 🙂
Yes to more vegetarian recipes please! Also, I love that y’all watch the Office! 🙂 thanks for being so wonderful in your posts!
I keep trying the coupon code but can’t seem to get it to work. Anyone else having this problem? Would love to order!
I keep trying: REF_SCP15
I remember you posted about the zucchini ravioli some time ago on your insta and it definitely has become a favourite of mine and my bf’s! Love the healthy recipes, thanks for this Cait! – @elleworeit
It looks so tasty! However, I always feel like you remain hungry afterwards… Do you have any advice how to change that?
XO
http://www.lifeofmissg.com
Oooo yummy! I deff wanna try that green smoothie recipe!
http://expeditiontoeuphoria.com
I see that you made 14 ravioli squares. How many do you eat in one setting/serving?
I’m curious if the zucchini stores and reheats well?
Thank you!! I’m loving your wellness posts, both food and fitness.
I typically eat 3 or 4 raviolis and my husband does the same… he always brings the leftovers to work the next day and says they reheat just fine! 🙂
Hi Caitlin, I’ve decided to go vegetarian the last month and eating all my food with rice. Do you eat white rice with any of your meals? Or do you substitute it with healthier carbs?
I’m looking for some healthier choice that will make me feel fuller.
Thanks
Hey! I actually never eat white rice because all of the nutrients have been taken out of it! I either eat brown rice or quinoa 🙂
I love this type of posts – it’s great to find inspiration! Your dinner recipe is lovely, and very healthy too. 🙂
Julia x
Last Post: How To Make Things Happen (For Real!) |
https://juliaspeaksbeauty.blogspot.com/2019/03/lifestyle-my-tips-to-make-things-happen.html
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I love this! Great inspo!
Thanks for this post! I am not a vegetarian, however I have been decreasing the amount of meat I eat, so getting new ideas of vegetarian meals is always great. The orange peel chocolate sounds lovely, and even better since it’s vegan!
Julia x
Last Post: Four Reasons To Start Exercising Now | https://juliaspeaksbeauty.blogspot.com/2019/04/four-reasons-to-start-exercising.html
All of your meals look delicious – especially dinner!
I’m not vegetarian but your breakfast sounds exactly like mine – it’s such a dream. I love drizzling a bit of peanut butter into oats and letting it melt – it makes the oats much thicker and creamier!
Sarah xo Oomph London
Looks so tasteful! Love your blog. Wish I was not so lazy when it comes to cooking myself.
Those are some really delicious looking plates!
This isn’t much food for an entire day, and you aren’t getting much protein at all!
Gorgeous photos, your food looks incredible! Fruity porridge with peanut butter for breakfast is a favourite of mine, too xx
Oh that dinner recipe is SUCH a great idea!! I’m totally stealing that!
chevrons & éclairs
OMG, your pictures look lovely. Love seeing what others eat for inspiration❣️
Having just made Golden Paste for myself with turmeric I am given to understand that pepper is best freshly ground to add in absorption of turmeric.
Like your Zucchini Ravioli recipe
Hi,
I LOVED this, you literally make the most delicious meals!!!
Could you check out my blog and give me some pointers? It’s
anniecatsgossip.blogspot.com
thanks,
Anniecat
so lovely and i like how you did a vege version! it’s nice to think about what we consume and try to eat healthy while keeping the world a bit more cleaner – gonna have to try that recipe it looks delish!!
Wow, I really like your blogpost.
I am also veggie!
Berna, coffee & flowers
Wow, it really looks so nice! I’m also vegetarian, so it’s really helpful.
I would really enjoy some vegetarian meal recipes
Love Love