Andrea's Question:
I'm a vegan, so finding fuel for the trail is challenging. Do you have any suggestions other than nuts and berries?
— AndreaDorcas's Answer:
Sorry, Andrea -- nuts need to be part of the mix because they provide both protein and fat. Here are some suggestions you may not have tried:
Protein: Without meat, milk, or cheese, you have to rely on grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. If you combine them in certain ratios, you get"complete" protein.
In general, legumes and grains are a good combination, as well as legumes and seeds/nuts. For recipes, see the original edition of Francis Moore Lappe's Diet for a Small Planet.
Fat: Fat has more than twice as many calories, per ounce, than either protein or carbohydrate. Plus, energy from fat is released over a long period of time, so it has staying power. Without cheese, you have to turn to other sources.
For lunches, try kalamata olive spread or avocado (both have lots of"mouth feel") on crackers.
For dinners, use pesto (look for a brand that does not include cheese) with pasta and sprinkle with a few pine nuts. Or, add tahini (sesame seed butter), nut butters, kalamata olive spread, or olive oil to grain dinners. Another option -- add 1/4 to 1/3 cup toasted nuts to grain meals -- you'll be surprised at how much toasting nuts increases their flavor.
Carbohydrates: You can get complex carbos from grains and grain products, and simple carbos from dried fruit and sugars.
