Vegetarian Diet - Must Have's or Not?

peripatetic_soul wrote:

Hello,
Now that Medicare has increased, the college is downsizing, and rent increases are out of control with all kinds of ludicrous extra fees, I'm seriously contemplating a move to Ecuador which I have been researching for over a year (thanks to all of your invaluable advice). I do meet the income requirements for a retiree and am in good health and physically fit.

As a vegetarian, I wonder if any of the following products are available (in Cuenca, e.g.) to maintain a healthy diet: kale, tempeh or toufu. What types of rice are available (jasmine, etc.)? Are they affordable or expensive exports or simply not available? I've read up about various vegetables and fruits but kale is a coveted favorite.

Thank you in advance for any information you can provide.

Regards,
PS

AM sure other people will chime in, and can't speak from personal first hand knowledge, but my sister is a vegan, now living in Quito, and she doesn't think there is much of a variety to choose from. Obviously the fruits, and vegetables are aplenty, but much of the other stuff that is widely available in the states aren't available, or at least she hasn't been able to find them. She has even started eating eggs, and occasionally chicken. Though the chicken part is probably because she's pregnant with twins.

Hi,
I eat eggs. When in China, the university cafeteria would prepare eggs and mushrooms, eggs and greens, eggs and onions.   I'd like to avoid chicken if possible but knowing it will be a new culture, I'm ready to adapt. Vegetarians need lots of protein through dark green vegetables. I also don't eat much cheese due to the fat content.

Perhaps I can make my own toufu and yogurt, eh? Anyone else with tips?

Thanks much.

PS

@ PS....Bring Kefir grains to make your own Kefir which has 100x the probiotics of yogurt and makes in 24hrs.

ExpatWannabe1 wrote:

@ PS....Bring Kefir grains to make your own Kefir which has 100x the probiotics of yogurt and makes in 24hrs.

Where do you get your grains? Someone you know, or do you just order them from a place like amazon? Definitely interested in trying kefir.

Anyway, just talked to sister the other day. She says there is actually a nice selection of restaurants that have pretty good vegetarian dishes. I was also wrong when I said she couldn't find different vegan products at the store. They do have tofu and other products. Not as big a selection as in the states, but you should be able to find different products around. However she says is only a small quantity of things to choose and what they carry tastes horrible, which of course is subjective based on tastes.

I got mine here kefirlady  I think but she has really good product. And you only buy them once unless you kill them. Never rinse in tap water as the chlorine will kill them. Bottlled only. She has instructions that she sends...good luck.

Hello peripatetic_soul, being a vegetarian, I can completely understand your situation. I have also faced similar situation when I was living in another country then one of my friend suggested me to refer a food guide which is provided by [link moderated] to make healthy vegetarian dishes. You can also refer such a good guide that will help you to make dishes with the available products or ingredients.