Does this sound like a healthy meal?

[lindameansawesome]

Whole grain pasta

Spinach

Low sugar low sodium tomato sauce

Olive oil

Fresh garlic

Sprinkle of Parmesan

V8 vfusion 100% juice (I know it's a lot of sugar but it's all from the fruit, no sugar added)

And should I add tempeh for more protein (I'm a vegetarian) or should the pasta and spinach be enough?

[Allijackson]

It is a healthy ALTERNATIVE meal to a regular white pasta dinner. But I'll tell you what I think.

Pasta, even whole grain, has little nutritional value (compared to other carbs like quinoa, which is also an excellent protein for vegetarians since it is a complete protein, or has all 9 essential amino acids.) I say switch out the pasta for a healthier, protein rich grain.

Spinach is excellent! My favorite as far as healthy eating goes! Low sugar low sodium pasta sauce should also be fine. Olive oil- good in moderation. I recommend measuring it because although it's good for you, it's still a fat and can be overdone. Fresh garlic; can't go wrong with that!

Sprinkle of Parmesan- it's not the most health-conscious choice, but if you REALLY need it to enjoy your pasta, just a little is OK.

NO JUICE! I have a thing against juice! Sugar is sugar, fruit sugar or not. When a fruit is juiced, all the fiber is removed and what remains is an insulin-spiking (thus fat storing) beverage. Though the fiber in your pasta in spinach will slow your insulin response, I would never recommend drinking juice. It's caloric and the insulin spiking thing is a problem. Drink water. :)

Finally, yeah, I'd add protein. My new fave veggie protein is soy beans (or edamame if you've been to a Japanese restaurant.) but there's also tofu, other beans, nuts. Be sure to get a few different sources of protein to receive a full spectrum of amino acids, since you're a vegetarian.

Good luck and I'll answer any questions you have :)

[rachiee]

What exactly are your goals? If you're just trying to be healthy and not loose weight then this meal is fine but needs some stuff added onto it. Try to add more protein especially. Add some beans and tofu. Tempeh is fine too.

I highly suggest this isn't your daily meal though. Too much pasta, even if its whole grain, can turn into a bad thing.

Also drink plenty of water!

[Konnour]

Is that your daily menu?!

..damn, I'm so glad I'm not "pre-coded" to store excess fat...

Oh, and your question - yes, you need more protein, there's pretty much nothing with high nutrition value.

Add some eggs. You're vegetarian? Tell yourself it's only about meat. Eggs ain't meat.

You may lose weight with your current diet, but I'm pretty sure you don't want also to lose your skin, hair, physical endurance and immune system.

[WoIIie]

You do need more protein, but if you're a vegan that doesn't eat egg or dairy then it's tough to gey a really efficient source. Black beans and spinach make for a nice combo.

[aMuse]

If you want to add a little more protein you could add in some mushrooms.