Day Four: Where's the protein?

My journey on giving up red meat for lent doesn't mean replacing it with processed foods or starvation.  For me it's about finding the right balance between eating healthy natural foods that enable me to broaden my food experience and still have enough energy not only to get thru the day, but train as well.  I will openly admit that I'm secretly wishing that I come out loosing several inches from this food change but at the same time just really enjoying the experience of learning to love what I'm eating and all of the different flavors there are to experience.

A late breakfast of eggs and 12 grain toast was filling at the time, I found myself scarfing down two slices of my daughter's cheese pizza later.  (I don't even like cheese pizza but I felt like I was starving).  I snacked on raw blackberries and granola throughout the day.  I'm definitely eating way too much granola lately, I think it has become my chip substitute.  I used to be able to eat an entire family size bag of Lays in one sitting, now I have no desire to even have just one chip.  My bag of granola on the other hand lasts for three days of nonstop munching but I feel I could pry make a healthier choice.

Today I decided to get a little creative.  I have never had stuffed green peppers, but thought it sounded like a good idea.   I enlisted my 9 year old daughter to assist in the prep.  We cut up squash, celery onion, tomato, and mushrooms.  She was even brave enough to try a few of the raw ingredients like mushroom and didn't mind it.  We used some instant Uncle Ben's Spanish rice for the filling as well and added it to my sautéed vegetables along with some crushed red pepper for a little kick. 
We filled the pepper and over all it turned out fairly well, although the pepper could have baked longer.  While my daughter was willing to try some of the raw ingredients she expressed no desire to eat the finished goods, either did my other children. The smell of green pepper seems to be an issue with them whereas I love the smell of green pepper.

Several hours later and I still find this dinner rather filling.  I am however, recognizing that I definitely am going to need more protein in my diet.