Forks over Knives

Frittata

I know, I know, Frittata is made of eggs! So, let me just say that we don't hardly eat eggs. I will occasionally use them in my baking, but mostly I use flax seed or chia seed ground up and mixed with water so that it will form a mucus. Our bodies do not process animal protein very well and yes, that includes eggs. Dr. Colin Campbell (The China Study) recommends about 5% of our daily calories be from animal proteins. It is a fabulous book! I recommend it to everyone!
Let me just say that when I do use eggs I use cage free organic eggs, that have no hormones or antibiotics. Costco sells some now that I buy. They are 5.99 for two dozen eggs. Not bad for good healthy eggs! We don't have this recipe often, but sometimes I make it to satisfy my husband who really likes eggs. It is better then making him a plate full of scrambled eggs because it really is just one egg that we are each eating and there is so much other good stuff in it that fills us up. It really is a good transition recipe to help you move forward in your quest to eating healthier! I am guessing that you could use an egg replacer like this one in this recipe, but I have never tried it, so I am not certain.

Frittata

3 cups chopped potatoes (chopped into small bit sized pieces, like country style hash browns)
1/2 green or red bell pepper, chopped
1/4 medium onion, diced
1/2 pound fresh asparagus spears, or fresh broccoli cut into one inch pieces
or a large handful of baby spinach
1 garlic clove, pressed
1 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
5 eggs beaten (or you could do one per person in your family up to 8 eggs)
2 small roma tomatoes, sliced

Place potatoes, bell pepper, onion and garlic (you will also want to add the asparagus or the broccoli now if you are using that option) into a large skillet with a little olive oil. Cook on medium heat with very little stiring until potatoes are tender, but not mushy. Reduce heat to low. Add salt, pepper, and eggs to potato mixture (If you are using spinach add now also). Cover with lid and cook for about 15 minutes or until eggs are set in the middle. Place sliced tomatoes on top and cover again. Let sit for about 3 min to allow the tomatoes to soften a bit.

Again, sorry there is no picture! I am working on getting a new camera.

Good source of plant protein

Yesterday I had a good friend of mine ask me what a good source for plant protein is because of this post.

One of the best sources is quinoa (keen-wah) . Quinoa is considered a complete protein because it contains the amino acid lysine that is not in most grains. The World Health Organization has rated the quality of protein in quinoa at least equivalent to that in milk.
Quinoa is so tasty and very versatile. I will post some recipes for Quinoa in the next few days.

Amaranth seed is also considered a complete protein. It is high in protein, about 15%, and also contains lysine and methionine, two essential amino acids.
I have yet to try amaranth, but hope to soon and will be sure to post what I think.

Other good sources of plant protein include:

Nuts, including raw almonds, cashews, pistachios, pine nuts and peanuts (peanut butter)
Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, collards, broccoli and cabbage
Grains, including barley, buckwheat, whole wheat couscous, and wheat
Sprouts like alfalfa, red clover, broccoli, radish, mung bean etc.
Seeds such as flax, sesame, sunflower, pumpkin and chia
Beans and legumes including lentils, kidney, garbanzo, black and split peas

Nutritional yeast also is considered a complete protein. It contains 18 amino acids. I have a few recipes that I can post that include nutritional yeast.

One last way that I get protein is by drinking Just Barley. On days that I don't make green smoothie, for one reason or another, I drink it. It is a good source of protein, but also has many other healthy benefits.