Tempeh Taboule

on May 15, 2009

I just ate the most wonderful lunch!

Since making the decision to go vegetarian, I’m been trying to branch out on non-meat protein options. I’ve seen tempeh in the blog world before, so when I spotted it at the store this morning, I knew I had to try it!

This brand of tempeh contains cultured organic soybeans, water, organic barley, organic brown rice, and organic millet (that’s it!). It is rich in complex carbs, fiber, and protein, and low in calories and fat. It’s an excellent meat substitute! One packet is two servings, but I split mine into three, for 150 calories per serving and about 13 grams of protein.

I made Taboule using Near East’s mix plus two plum tomatoes (which creates about five servings, so expect to see Taboule in the near future!).

All together now:

I loved the tempeh raw. It was a little bitter (in a good way) and very chewy.

Dessert:

An Announcement

I gave this a lot of thought after my breakfast post and realized that I need to back off of my commitment to do the Triathlon in June. With as busy as my schedule has been, I really do not have the time required to train for a Triathlon.

People who do not train for races really do not understand how time-intensive training can be. I am committed to racing in the Metric Century bike race in June, but I do not have the time to squeeze in swimming 1,000s of meters in addition to bicycling 40+ miles a week. I will continue to swim as cardio, but I cannot dedicate enough time to it to be good enough for open water swimming in a few weeks.

I think it is very important that I do not overextend myself (already more than I am). Fitness is suppose to be FUN, and work (and sleeping) must come first.

I will be posting a revised training plan for the Metric Century next week. I’m looking forward to my long bike ride this weekend!

Happy Friday!

{ 43 comments }

jenngirl May 15, 2009, 10:10 am
Okay, I really need to try tempeh, it just sounds so good!

I commend you on your triathalon decision. I think you are definitely making very healthy decisions for your life, and you’re right, work and sleep and happiness must ALWAYS come first. Enjoy the exercise you do right now, and save training for triathalons for another time 🙂
Erin May 15, 2009, 10:24 am
Probably the best decision you could make!

I feel a little sad (for you, and us readers!) that you aren’t going to be able to meet your goal of doing another tri!! But, you know your body best, and I’m sure it will feel MUCH better to accomplish your tri goal when you have the time and ability to give it your greatest focus and your best effort!

I, for one, am just amazed that you even have time to BLOG amidst all your work!!

You’re the best, Caitlin 😉
Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point May 15, 2009, 10:27 am
thanks erin 🙂 i really appreciate support like that!
RunningWithin May 15, 2009, 10:28 am
I really admire your ability to listen to your body and back off from training when you need to!

And I know what you mean about training for races being time consuming, not to mention EXHAUSTING! After the RNR Marathon this month I plan on training for NOTHING for awhile and just doing whatever I feel like, if I want to run, I’ll run, if I want to go to Power Yoga, I’ll do that, ah, I’m already dreaming of the bliss of no set schedule…
mgaltier May 15, 2009, 10:28 am
Hats off to you for making what I’m sure was a difficult decision but one which I’m also sure is right for you. Heck, given how much you’re working, I really admire you for dedicating the time to train for the metric century. DH has done the MS Tour for Cure (150 miles over 2 days), and I have friends who’re triathletes, so I can appreciate how much time one must dedicate to training for those endeavors.
Brandi May 15, 2009, 10:32 am
you know what’s best for you right now, and that means that’s what you need to do.

there will always be other triathlons waiting for you when you ARE ready and have time to train how you need and want to 🙂

i’ve still never tried tempeh! it looks so chewy.
itsawrapteacher May 15, 2009, 10:46 am
You should try the spicy tempeh from Lightlife. SOoooo good!
Claire May 15, 2009, 10:47 am
I love this taboule mix but have a hard time finding it! It’s SO good. I really want to try making it on my own, though. It’s one of my mom’s favorite.
runsarah May 15, 2009, 11:00 am
I can understand how you feel – I am super busy and trying to decide if I have time to commit to a summer HM. I think you made a good decision for now.

I loveee tempeh – it is my new favourite food since becoming veg, I eat it every week.
Trish May 15, 2009, 11:06 am
I saw tempeh at the store recently. I hadn’t a clue what to do with it though so I didn’t buy it. I’ll have to try it. I really want to try to have more variety in my diet.
Hallie May 15, 2009, 11:12 am
I’ll be honest…Tempeh scares me. Tofu scared me too, however, and now I love it though, so maybe there’s a lesson in there?

And ok cheeseball alert: when I read this post I thought, this is why Caitlin is one of my favorite bloggers (and I read more blogs than I’d like to admit!). It’s great to “hear” someone say, “I can’t do it all and THAT’S OK I don’t have to.” Stuff like that reminds me that what I do–or don’t do–has to work for me and my lifestyle, and no one else’s.
Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point May 15, 2009, 11:15 am
hallie – try tempeh!! 🙂

thanks for your comment. i think its really hard to NOT compare yourself to others or your own past accomplishments. all i need to remember is that is am doing the best i can do for ME, for RIGHT NOW, and that’s better than nothing!:)
GreenDogWine May 15, 2009, 11:16 am
Smart decision Caitlin! It seriously is time intensive – you have no idea until you are in and then you think “what did i sign myself up for?!?”
Missy May 15, 2009, 11:24 am
Your tempeh looks amazing! I really need to try it one day. Great decision on the triathlon. It is great to see someone not push them self too hard.
Neely May 15, 2009, 11:33 am
Hey Caitlin,

I think Jeremy is doing this Tri so if you want to go with me and cheer/stand around/take pics/be idiots together let me know. I will find out for sure if he is in.

PS- You are Superwoman already. You have tons of time later to tackle events/races.
just me May 15, 2009, 11:41 am
i really wish i were more open to using tempeh. i’m so scared because the one time i tried it came out so bitter! blah! i just tried one that was pre-flavored and pretty good…so maybe it will inspire me.

and i think you made a good decision about the race. there’s always time to do one when you have the time to properly train!
robinbb May 15, 2009, 12:02 pm
I was looking at the tempeh today at the grocery store and was tempted, but didn’t know what I would do with it. I may try it next time.

And I think that is a good decision on focusing on the one race. I have thought about tri-training while doing my marathon training and know there is not enough time to dedicate to swimming when I run so much.
K from ksgoodeats May 15, 2009, 12:11 pm
I’m glad you’re putting yourself first and not overextending yourself just because you feel like you HAVE to do the triathlon right now – I think you made the right choice!

Ahhh I’m scared of tempeh but everyone loves it. I need to just suck it up and try it like I did tofu!
Julie May 15, 2009, 12:20 pm
I think you made a very good decision. You are busy enough working 3 jobs!!
tfh May 15, 2009, 12:26 pm
Ooh, I didn’t know you could eat tempeh raw. I love it.

And yep, training for a race is a huge mental and physical commitment in addition to being time-intensive. I admire your decision, esp. since it seems like with your drive, it must be just as hard to say “no, not now” as it would to train yourself into the ground– maybe harder!
Christina May 15, 2009, 12:31 pm
I love that 3 grain tempeh. Try marinading it in italian dressing and grilling it. Amazing!
Amy May 15, 2009, 12:48 pm
I think you’re making the best decision for yourself right now. This is why you’re my #1 handsdown favorite blogger. You are realistic, you’re fun, and you’re just awesome. 😀 You’re really one of the bloggers who truly shows how you can be healthy, balanced, and happy with who you are. I love it!
HeatherC May 15, 2009, 1:13 pm
I’m SO Glad you posted on Tempeh!! As a Dietitian I really need to know more about these Meat-substitutes and how to make meal plans with them. This looks great!! I’ve never tried it, but honestly that mix looks pretty tasty 🙂
Niki May 15, 2009, 1:30 pm
Thanks for posting about Tempeh! I have been seeing it around in the blog world and have been wondering what it is! I will have to jump on the bandwagon and try it soon! I just made your perfect baked tofu recipe and it was awesome!!

I think it’s a good decision to back off from doing the tri. That way you can really concentrate on the bike race and not overextend yourself (too much!!) 🙂
BOBBI McCORMICK May 15, 2009, 1:35 pm
good for you girl, yes it does take a lot of training and time!!!

tempeh is something I have yet to try I got to get on that wagon 🙂 Have a great weekend beautiful lady!
sloank May 15, 2009, 1:42 pm
Caitlin-
I’ve been a full time grad student and a full time teacher for this year… all I can say is I totally understand where you’re coming from! I began this year, new to running, trying to push myself to my limit, angry when I did not increase my distance enough and missed the first race I signed up for. I thought I could do it all and wound up making myself sick, injured, and exhausted. I think your decision to cut back on your race schedule is both mature and inspiring! Good luck with the new job!!!
Allison May 15, 2009, 2:12 pm
I admire your ability to take care of your self and not spread your self too thin!
Caitlin May 15, 2009, 2:12 pm
I may need to try tempeh now. I have always been a bit freaked out by it because of the texture and what it looks like. It just scares me. haha 🙂

Enjoy your weekend!
Suzanne May 15, 2009, 2:26 pm
I hope your new part-time job is actually codespeak for you blocking out hours to work on your writing…Your blog is so wonderful that I would be excited to see your thoughts reach an ever broader audience.

Not bad stats for the tempeh. I have a problem with veg protein being enough protein for the calories. A prime example for me is beans. Healthy, tasty, fibrous, good-type-of carb, inexpensive, easy, but high in protein? They have protein but what is considered “high” in protein? Kidney beans are not bad with around 8 grams per ~55 cals, but let’s look at 44 cals of black beans say, only 3.6 grams of protein there! Hell, if I eat 55 calories worth of carrots I get 2.2, nearly as much!

As far as protein sources go, I shoot for 1 gram per 10 calories, 2gs preferable. I wish I could tell you that those include lots of veggie options, but the only veggie options I have include dairy (cheese, whey proteins, etc.) and eggs, and I don’t know if those are on your new menu? What about everyone else as far as protein vs. calories?
Thanks!
Suzanne May 15, 2009, 2:30 pm
Also, I could not agree more with Amy’s sentiments above.
Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point May 15, 2009, 2:55 pm
suanne – thanks honey! i wish i was writing more, but the PT job is definitely pushing me towards a good direction, i promise!

interesting thoughts on the protein… maybe i’ll do a post about it soon!!
Anonymous May 15, 2009, 2:58 pm
Try seitan too! It uses wheat gluten, so a no-no for the celiacs, but great for the rest of us.

It’s consistency can be VERY meatlike and seasoned right, is DELICIOUS!
Here is a link to help you out.
http://www.vrg.org/recipes/vjseitan.htm
Carrie H May 15, 2009, 3:07 pm
Caitlin, I agree with all the comments here. Your honesty (with yourself and with us) is so refreshing. You’re right: We all don’t have to be everything for everyone (or ourselves) all the time! I truly think the ‘comparison-syndrome’ that is so common among women can be very damaging … It is to me when I don’t keep a handle on it.

You are awesome, a great inspiration, and keep it up! (You don’t even have to *do* anything to keep it up! He he. Just keep bein’ honest, I think!)
SuzanneRN May 15, 2009, 3:19 pm
Hey! Ever have seitan! Check out my blog about it…”Savory Seitan Sassiness” it is an amazingly tasty and easy food to make! A little weird yes, but actually very versatile and tasty. Let me know what you think!
Jewels May 15, 2009, 3:36 pm
totally agree with all the above statements, you blog is so real, and real people change their minds and revise decisions based on life.

Have a great weekend Caitlin!
Help Meghan Run May 15, 2009, 4:06 pm
Looks great! I need to try tempeh, for some reason I have not yet. And kudos on your decision. Sometimes it’s hard to do the right thing for ourselves, but it’s so important, and it’s inspiring to see you do that.
http://www.HelpMeghanRun.com
Kristi @ Sweet Cheeks May 15, 2009, 4:26 pm
I have not seen tempeh in my grocery store! I really want to try it though, it looks so good!

I think you are making the right decision when it comes to your triathlon. There will always be more in the future!
RachelK May 15, 2009, 4:43 pm
Good for you for recognizing your limits and knowing that you just can’t train adequately for a triathalon right now. That decision takes a lot of insight and wisdom. I know it must have been a difficult decision to make.
Tempeh sounds interesting… I may just have to give it a try!
Holly May 15, 2009, 4:52 pm
You have like the best attitude toward health and fitness I have ever seen. You take care of your body and that’s how you stay so fit and healthy. Good for you!
HangryPants May 15, 2009, 8:48 pm
That stinks, but another time will definitely be better for you.

Also, I want to hear your lost theory!
Matt May 16, 2009, 4:30 am
I made some chicken and feta tabouleh the other night and it was awesome. Not vegetarian, but a tasty meal. I bet it would be great with tofu!
NoMeatAthlete May 16, 2009, 5:20 am
I was so happy to discover tempeh after I went vegetarian, not because it tastes so much like chicken (I don’t really know what it tastes like) but because the texture is so much like chicken. Not a perfect substitute, but it does a nice job in a lot of meals where I used to eat chicken. Like stir frys, buffalo wraps, and on salads. Yay tempeh!
Stacey May 16, 2009, 5:54 am
I just bought that tempeh from Trader Joes, I have never made it before and am kind of nervous, but it looks good on the page 🙂 Gosh, I hope this doesn’t turn out like the time I tried to make tofu!

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