superfitbabe

You know those crazy gym bros that basically spend the night at any rec center? That………was me. Just with a different gender identification. But to be real, I genuinely adored the gym far too much to not appear like a total psycho. I ran to the gym for half an hour. I exercised for more than an hour–because I got “carried away”. I ran back from the gym for another half an hour, or at least tried depending on how exhausted my legs were, which was quite often. This routine basically carried on seven days a week for as long as I could remember with a rest day once or twice a year. A YEAR. Jesus effing Christ. How on Earth did I survive without ever getting severely injured?

In utmost honesty, I never recommend anyone exercising like how I did in high school when I was so gung-ho about fitness that I basically scared off all the guys in my grade. Yep, there was a strong sense of “oh boohoo I’m going to die alone” sort of attitude for quite a while. Obviously, I don’t have this mentality anymore–I’m too busy for that. Not to say that I don’t believe I’ll ever not open myself to other people, but when the right guy comes along, I’ll be in a corner making my own food and shutting the door when he comes around. He can cook for himself. My current roommate and I don’t really cook for each other, either. In fact, we have completely separate meal plans and prep of our own!

Anyways, enough about THAT–there’s this myth in the vegan community that protein is overrated. While I will say that you do not need to consume your bodyweight in pounds worth of protein, you shouldn’t assume that your protein needs will be met just by eating a fruitarian or Oreo-tarian (?) diet. Ideally, you should have a source of protein and micro-nutrients at every single main meal. In this case: I enjoyed heaps of vegan steak and vegan chicken with bell peppers, broccoli, and sugar snap peas!

Carbohydrates and fat are also critical. However, I genuinely think that it’s okay to allot these macros a little more unevenly. For instance, you will need more carbohydrates before and after a workout, whereas it’s ideal to consume more fat closer around bedtime or if you decide to have an early breakfast in the morning and in the middle of the day during lunch to stabilize blood sugar levels and absorb nutrients. Whenever you consume this stir-fry, pair with some carbohydrates and fats accordingly! My favorite carbohydrates sources include brown rice and forbidden rice, whereas for fats, I adore avocado, cashews, peanuts, almonds, and pistachios (though they might not pair well with a stir-fry).

Please let me know what you decide to add into your stir-fries! Tofu, tempeh, beans, pulses, and seitan are fabulous protein sources. Vegetables can also be swapped and exchanged for other types too–cauliflower, carrots, green beans, spinach, kale, eggplant, kabocha squash, summer squash, sweet potato, and butternut squash are also fantastic choices!

RECIPE (serves 4)

• 20-24 ounces of vegan meat or any other vegan protein of choice
  • I used one package of Gardein’s Home Style Beefless Tips and MorningStar Farms Veggie Meal Starters Chick’n Srips
• 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 8 ounces of sugar snap peas
• 8 ounces of broccoli
• 1 tsp ginger
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional but highly recommended:
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 tsp avocado oil or any nonstick spray of choice
  • Brown rice, cauliflower rice, mixed greens, or whole wheat spaghetti to serve with

PROCEDURE

1. Set a nonstick pot on medium-high heat. Add in the avocado oil.
2. Mix in the vegetables with the spices, ensuring the spices are evenly incorporated.
   1. If using the garlic and onions, add in these two vegetables before the others and integrate the rest of the vegetables once the garlic and onions are translucent.
3. Toss in the vegan meat, distributing evenly. Ensure each piece of “meat” has been thoroughly cooked.
4. Store leftovers in the fridge or serve warm.

What are your favorite stir-fry ingredients? Would you cook for your roommates/significant other?