Hey, there! š
Mid-morning, I got my Body Pump on, and then headed home for lunch. A reader sent me samples of a few vegetarian meat mixes, which, at first, I had zero interest in trying. Meat mix? Ewww! But, then I figured, why not? It can’t hurt to at least try it.
I was in the mood for an egg sandwich for lunch today, so I tried the Breakfast Sausage Mix first.
The Sausage Mix was really easy to makeāā just add water, refrigerate for 15 minutes, and cook.Ā
The consistency of the mixture was pretty close to that of ground beef, but theĀ flavor was much more seasonedāā very similar to regular breakfast sausage.
Then, I formed the mixture into patties and cooked them until they had a nice brown on each side. They smelled just like real sausage patties.
The ingredients and nutritionals weren’t awesome, but not terrible either.
When it comes to fake meat, I’ve definitely seen worse!
My egg sandwich included the vegetarian sausage, an egg white patty, and buffalo sauce on a toast Bagel Thin. It was quite delicious.
I liked this vegetarian sausageāā it was much better than I thought it would taste– but I’m not sure that I loved it. I guess I’m just not a fan of fake meat (except the Gardein Crispy Tenders, which are insanely good); I’d rather eat the real thing. But, if you’re vegetarian and generally like these meat-like products, I think these mixes are a good option. I’m just not sure they’re for me.
Feel Great Weight
From time to time, I receive questions from blog readers about what helped me lose weight and how I’ve maintained my Feel Great Weight for so long. Over the years (and through plenty of trial and error), I discovered what worked for me. Here’s a list of my top 10 weight-loss tips!
Speaking of my Feel Great Weight (FGW), a few of you wanted an update on my post-marathon weight loss progress. Well, I’m pretty darn close to losing all of the weight that I gained. All of my jeans fit again (hooray!) and when I visited my primary care doctor a couple of weeks ago, I was three or four pounds away from my FGW, which is totally cool with me. Close enough!
So, at this point, I’m not trying to lose any more weight. I’m happy with my body right now and, honestly, I’m just trying to keep myself strong, healthy, and injury-free for my full race schedule this spring and summerāā and, of course, the NYC Marathon in the fall.
To lose the weight, I took a laid-back approach. Basically, I watched what I ate (fewer desserts and less beer) and waited patiently. I ran the marathon in early January and now it’s May, so it took me a solid four months to lose the weight. Sometimes, waiting is the hardest part, but you just need to keep truckin’!
P.S. Check out this interesting article about How Much People Pay for Food Around the World. It’s a photo comparison of the quantity and price of food in different countries. Thanks for tweeting, AR!
73 Comments
The idea of meat mixes is very frightening but that one looks decent… How interesting! Do you know where they’re from? And I love that Food Around the World link, I used a similar tool with weight management classes to demonstrate the sheer amount of food that a family can survive on in different countries.
Well congrats on getting back to the weight that you are comfortable with!
Sorry but that veggie sausage creeps me out – I’ve never liked the taste of that kind of stuff.
I don’t know if I have the words for the meat mix.
Just term “meat mix” creeps me out. But they don’t look too terrible… where are they from?
I used to use a similar “food around the world” tool when teaching weight managment to demonstrate the amount of food that a family of four can live on… the places with plant based, whole food diets survived on so much less.
That is such a great post about international foods. I am so amazed by the prices of foods and the types of food consumed in other nations.
Thanks so much for sharing!
Congrats on getting back to you FGW. I think fake meat has a time and a place (tempeh bacon BLTs anyone?!) but I mostly try avoid it. Although there is a Mexican restaurant that does an amazing soyrizo burrito in SF!
patience is virtue!
Very interesting to see! Amazing how GB and America and had very high dollar amounts AND a lot of processed food.
I wish there were more fake chicken substitutes and less red meat/sausage ones.
If I don’t do NYC, when can we run together again?
@RunEatRepeat: Fitbloggin’?!?
Way to go getting back into your clothes! I love that you don’t do anything extreme and don’t put pressure on yourself.
I don’t eat meat and avoid fake meat at all costs. I’d much rather replace my meat with beans, lentils, etc.
Love the laid back approach — especially if you’re just trying to lose a little, there’s just no need to freak yourself out about it š
I have the “EW whatt” reaction to fake meat. good to see it can be yummy though; maybe my opinion will change…
That’s so great to hear about your return to your FGW! I think it’s extremely motivating to get to see your meals and workouts everyday and know that you lost the weight by making small changes and weighting (couldn’t pass it up) it out. It gives me hope that I can get back to my FGW, too, if I’m patient with my body!
It’s all about how you feel, if you’re happy with the way you are now then great!! I’m glad to hear those jeans are fitting better, I swear someone sneaks into my house and switches mine out for a smaller pair on a monthly basis š
These are pretty helpful!
Congrats on the weight! I tried a burger mix before that reminded me of dog food. I had to do a review of it and I hate being that honest, but it was gross.
I generally like faux meat but try to limit it due to sodium and other funky ingredients. That sausage looks pretty tasty!
Interesting food/grocery photos. It was interesting to see the difference in the types of food – especially whole foods and liquid beverages.
Congrats on getting back to your feel great weight!
The meat mix looks hmm..interesting? I’d be willing to give it a try. I think your bagel sandwich looks tasty! Congrats on your weight š
Congrats on getting back to your pre-training weight! That’s great news! Faux meats always have me feeling a bit iffy and skeptical, but your sandwich actually looks really good!
thanks for the tips, Tina! I’m trying to lose a few pounds, but the only thing I believe in doing is eating more nutritious meals and exercising more. The best approach but you just gotta wait! š
Congrats on the weight loss! I guess fewer nachos could help me get there, but what’s the fun in that?
Yay for your feel good weight. Being patient is so the hardest part. It is nice when you are at a consistent feel good weight! I’ve been at mine for almost a year!
I’m a vegetarian, but have never been a fan of the “fake meat”… just not my thing either I guess! Love your honest review of this though!
great post! I agree that laid-back but intentional is good. š I think that if we change our perspectives and just focus on the health aspect (putting in wholesome foods, etc.) then naturally our bodies will start to change. š
I’m trying to get back to my feel great weight too. And I’ve decided to get back on alcohol and sweets. I try not to weigh myself; I just want to feel better. š
Congrats on getting back to your FGW!
“Check out this interesting article about How Much People Pay for Food Around the World.” – thought that was neat! Thanks for sharing.
Good for you on your laid-back approach. š I always think, it didn’t take me 3 weeks to gain weight, why should I expect to lose it in 3 weeks? Patience pays off!
@Amy: Exactly!!
Nice!! I’m impressed! I like the laid back approach. I’ve taken the same approach over the last 5 months to lose about 20 lbs that I gained over the last few years and so far I’ve lost 14 lbs. It’s not coming off rocket fast, but I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything. It’s just like you say — little tweaks here and there add up to a difference!
I love the laid back approach you’ve taken…keep up the great work in staying strong for your races!
Nice work! It is ALL about patience, good work, and being smart. WAY to go, Tina: )
Congratulations! You are absolutely beautiful!
Meat mix sounds ewww! Good for you to take the plunge and try it. LOL! Congrats on getting back to FGW!
Congratulations! I gained a lot of weight when I was training for my first marathon, and I still haven’t lost it (almost six months later). It’s so frustrating!
Congrats on getting back into your old clothes – what a great feeling that must be š
Oh dear. That meat does not look so delicious!
Congrats on getting back to the Feel Great Weight. i’ve got the reverse thing going on. 1 month after my marathon and I’ve gained a lot of weight. Gotta get back to Feel Great!
Awesome job on being patient and losing the weight you gained! I think this is a true testiment as to how long it takes to lose weight to keep it off – thanks for sending out the message!
Yay congrats!!
I am not a fan of processed meat substitutes. I understand it works for some but it’s just not for me!
Wow, I had to do a double-take on this post. You gained weight during marathon training?!? I followed the link and read your post about it and your situation totally makes sense (albeit very frustrating for you I can imagine)! As a grad student in nutrition and future RD, this is a great lesson about how nutrition trumps exercise in weight management. Congrats on getting back the weight where you are more comfortable.
That egg sandwich looks incredible. Honestly “breakfast” sandwiches are one of my favorites.
You looked amazing in all those pics of yours from your Vegas trip. Whatever you’re doing…just do that š you look stunning! Great tips!
I agree with Averie above me. You look amazing in your pictures. š Thanks for keeping it real on here.
Hmmm, meat mix? Do you have others that you can review too? It’s kinda over my head at this point.
interesting. might be good for camping!
I gained about 10lbs training for my first marathon too (in Feb) and still haven’t lost it yet. Way to go on getting back to your FGW! š
Btw, it really irritates me when people are shocked when they hear that I gained weight during marathon training. It doesn’t take that much extra food to pack on the pounds over 5-6 months, no matter what you’re doing!
Great advice on the laid-back approach to weight loss. It seems like the harder one tries to lose weight, the more likely it is to fail. It has to be a lifestyle that is realistic for you to make it stick…I always find your blog so motivating š
Great article on your weight loss tips! š
You look fabulous and I’m glad you’re happy!