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Going Vegetarian At Home
Have you ever thought about going Vegetarian? There are a lot of reasons to consider eating less meat or cutting out meat altogether. Worries about compromised beef, the ever increasing cost of meat, ethical concerns and mounting obesity statistics have got many people thinking about how and what they eat. The health benefits of a plant based diet are irrefutable - people who eat little or no meat tend to be slimmer and have far fewer chronic health concerns like diabetes, heart disease and stroke than people who regularly eat meat. So if you are interested in finding ways to reduce the amount of meat in your diet, this article is for you.
Vegetarians come in many different forms. Some eat dairy and eggs, some eat fish or chicken and some, called Vegans, disavow all animal products. Even within these wide parameters there are variations. Some Vegetarians will eat chicken broth or small bit of bacon in their salad, while others won't even use the same pans or dishes that contained meat. There are others, sometimes called Flexitarians, who limit their meat consumption to a meal or two a week. It's completely up to you to decide how far into Vegetarianism you want to venture.
One of the problems many people face when thinking about eating less meat is what to eat. They like the idea of eating less meat, but don't know where to start. When asked to come up with a few meatless main dishes, most people come up empty. So many meals are designed around a slab of meat with a couple of side dishes. But the truth is, Vegetarians are not starving, there are plenty of delicious meatless dishes available. It simply requires rethinking your menu.
Begin with side dishes. Most meals are comprised of meat, a vegetable and one or two side dishes of rice or pasta. Simply eliminate the meat and turn the rice or pasta into your main dish. Dishes like lasagna, green chili, soups and stews are typically made with meat, but are just as fulfilling when made without meat. They are still hearty and substantial dishes, they just happen to be meatfree. Pasta and rice are also great choices that can be made in thousands of meatless ways. Also, consider what can be used in place of meat in a dish. Beans and lentils have a meaty taste and feel and are great in burritos, soups and with rice. Cashews are often used in Indian curries to add crunch, protein and substance. Even hamburger lovers can be satisfied ' Boca burgers are good enough to pass for the real thing.
Getting enough protein is often a concern when people are considering eating less meat. But there are many protein rich foods that do not contain meat, and most people have no problem meeting their daily requirement.
If you aren't ready to make the leap to Vegetarianism, begin by cutting out meat one meal at a time, adding another and another when it feels comfortable. If you miss it, you can always go back, but you might really like how great you feel. Good luck!
About the Author:
Want more tips on saving your waistline along with your budget? Check out The Deceptive Diet for great results!
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