How to Plan a Vegetarian Meal
Even if you're not a vegetarian, eating a healthy vegetarian meal can add variety to your diet and save some money at the same time. But making the switch from the standard meat, potatoes and vegetable meal may be confusing at first. How do you get enough protein and other nutrients many of us have come to depend on meat to provide? There are some simple guidelines that will help you get a well-balanced and healthy meal without resorting to meat. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
Planning a Healthy Vegetarian Meal
-
1
Get the protein you need. There are many alternatives to meat that supply plenty of protein. Eggs, milk and dairy products, legumes, lentils and nuts are some excellent sources of protein. There are also some excellent vegetarian protein substitutes in the freezer case at the grocery store. These are tasty and convenient, and a good choice to take to a summer barbecue.
-
2
Try some soy. Soy products, such as tofu, tempeh and edamame, have a lot of protein and make great meat substitutes. Tofu can be crumbled and used in place of ground meat in most recipes. It can also be deep-fried and used in dishes where you want a texture similar to meat. Fried tofu is great to use in stir-fried dishes.
-
-
3
Eat your vegetables. Vegetables are important to any diet, and the same rules apply. Go for a colorful plate, with a variety of vegetables. A healthy diet needs a balance of green and orange vegetables, with touches of red and yellow thrown in for good measure. The more colorful your plate, the healthier mix of nutrients you will get.
-
4
Eat complex carbohydrates. Many of the carbohydrates in the American diet are empty calories. This includes white bread, white noodles and sugar-laden foods. Basically, if it's white, it's probably not good for you unless it's a vegetable. Instead of white rice, use brown rice. Eat multi-grain breads and try some of the whole wheat and vegetable pastas on the market.
-
5
As with any diet, desserts are fine in moderation. To avoid overdoing it, try a bowl of fresh fruit with some sweetened yogurt.
-
6
With a good protein substitute, plenty of colorful vegetables and a side of complex carbohydrates, you will have a well-balanced meal. Add some fruit for dessert and rest assured that you've given yourself and your family a healthy meal whether you are vegetarian or just taking a little vacation from meat.
-
1
