Vegetarian Meal Ideas

Whether you are a vegetarian or would like to adopt some vegetarian meal ideas in your meal planning, this page will help you learn what you need to know. A vegetarian lifestyle is one that is chosen according to personal beliefs. Choosing to become a vegetarian is a viable way to improve one's health and it is also a decision that is based on certain moral principles.

Vegetarians do not eat meat or meat products. Some vegetarians adopt even stricter dietary practices and will also refrain from eating eggs, fish and dairy products.

Today many people realize that healthy food choices will have a positive impact on their overall health. A vegetarian diet can lower the risks of heart and blood pressure problems. These vegetarian meal ideas can also have a beneficial impact on the environment because raising animals as food wastes far too many of the world's natural resources.

Vegetarian Meal Planning

A vegetarian makes the conscious decision to exist on a dietary plan that includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. They can choose to add eggs and dairy products if they wish, but those who do not eat these items are often referred to as "vegans".

People who utilize vegetarian meal ideas and cooking methods can enjoy a wide variety of foods. Steaming, baking and grilling vegetables such as potatoes, corn, artichokes, asparagus or leafy greens can result in some healthy, delicious dishes that even non-vegetarians can appreciate.

Vegetarian foods are available in almost every restaurant, grocery store and supermarket. If you can not find prepared meals that meet the requirements for a vegetarian or vegan diet all you need to do is create your own dishes with fresh veggies, whole grains, fruits or beans. Vegetarian style, black bean burritos have all of the nutrition and flavor of beef burritos but they contain no animal products and are much healthier for your body.

When you plan a well-balanced vegetarian diet and use vegetarian meal ideas you will be able to get all of the necessary vitamins, protein and minerals that you need without sacrificing any of your principles. Meat free meals are tasty, guilt free and they are also cheaper to prepare.

Vegetarian Meal Ideas-Substitutions for Meat Products

Dump the meat and add soya products and other plant based meat substitutes to your daily diet. Tofu is a nutritious meat substitute that is very versatile and it allows you to avoid animal products. Tempeh and seitan are also available as meat replacements in most recipes and you can purchase these in fresh, frozen or dried forms. There are a wide variety of meatless hot dogs, burgers, sausages and main dish entrees that are all created specifically for those who do not eat animal products.

Vegetarian Meal Ideas-Changing Recipes to Fit

Learning to adapt recipes for a vegetarian lifestyle is actually much easier than one might imagine. You need to pay careful attention to the ingredient list when buying packaged grocery products and you should also begin to use fresh veggies, spices, herbs, whole grains and fruits.

If you want to stir fry or grill your vegetarian foods you can do so with a little vegetable oil, olive oil or butter. Do not use oils or shortening products that contain any animal fats. When you begin to use a variety of natural spices, herbs and nuts in your recipes you will soon discover that these dishes are packed with powerful flavors.

Pros and Cons of a Vegetarian Life Choice

There are some drawbacks associated with a vegetarian diet. It can be difficult to find restaurants that have vegan or vegetarian friendly menus. You must always double check ingredient lists to be certain that your food does not contain items that you find offensive or troubling. Sometimes it is hard to make sure that you are getting enough protein and vitamins in your daily diet. Some people also feel that their recipe choices have a limited scope.

Still there are many good points that are part of a vegetarian existence. There is always the fact that you are doing your part to support animal rights by refusing to raise animals for slaughter and food. Vegetarians are also helping to raise the awareness of "eco friendly" food choices and meals.

This type of diet is very healthy for any individual and as a vegetarian you may be less likely to develop heart disease, blood pressure problems, arthritis, cancers and other physical ailments. Most vegetarians are able to maintain a healthy body weight. Even the weekly grocery expenditures can be much more affordable for those who follow a vegetarian regimen.

Vegetarian Meal Ideas and Plans

For a healthy vegetarian program you should make sure that each day you are eating

• 3-5 servings of cereal/ potatoes or grain products
  
• 4-6 servings of fresh veggies and fruits
  
• 2-4 servings of seeds and nuts
  
• 2-3 servings of soy products, organic eggs, milk or cheese
  
• 1-3 small servings of butter, margarine, vegetable oil and yeast extract is also a good choice

Vegetarian Meal Ideas and Vegetarian Recipes

Vegetarian Enchiladas

Use this beef and bean enchilada recipe and leave out the ground hamburger. The bean and rice mixture makes a great vegetarian enchilada filling.

Try some easy salad recipes.

Vegetarian Minestrone Soup

1 onion, grated or chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 carrots, diced
small bag frozen corn
small bag frozen green beans
28 oz. can chopped tomatoes
1 can tomato paste
3-4 potatoes, peeled and diced
1/2 head cabbage, chopped
1 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon oregano
2 bay leaves
4 cups vegetable broth or equivalent water and vegetable bouillon
8 cups water

In stockpan, sauté onion and garlic. Add all remaining vegetables. Add seasonings, water and vegetarian broth.  Stir together and simmer for 30 minutes.

Lentil Soup

Vegetable Lasagna

Lasagna noodles, uncooked
small bunch of broccoli flowerets, cut in small pieces
2 carrots, shredded
4 cups spaghetti sauce or large jar
2 Green or red bell peppers, chopped
1-2 tablespoons olive oil
15 oz or 2 cups cottage or ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 Tablespoons dried parsley
2 large eggs *if vegan add 1/4 Cup milk instead
1 cup mozzarella cheese, for the top
Saute garlic in olive oil and add carrots, broccoli, bell peppers and spaghetti sauce. Let simmer about 8-10 minutes until vegetables are tender. In separate bowl mix cottage cheese, Parmesan, parsley, mozzarella cheese (save some for sprinkling on the top) and eggs*.

Spread a thin layer of sauce on bottom of a 8x11 or 13x9 pan. Lay lasagna noodles on bottom of pan. Spread cottage cheese mixture over top of noodles. Spread more sauce on top of noodles. Continue layering in pan until the pan is full. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top and bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until noodles are tender.







Potato Gnocchi Recipe

Homemade Tomato Sauce

1 cup onions, chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
3 1/2 cups tomatoes, peeled and pureed in blender
2/3 cup tomato paste
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon basil
season with salt and pepper
In saucepan, saute onions and garlic in 1 Tablespoon olive oil. Add in pureed tomatoes, tomato paste and water. Season with oregano, basil and salt and pepper. Serve on spaghetti or other pasta noodles.

Baked Potato with Avocado

medium potato, one for each person
Poke potato all over with a fork. Wrap in tin foil and bake for 30-45 minutes until tender.
Top sour cream with slices of fresh avocado and sour cream. Season with salt and pepper.




Grilled Vegetables on Skewer

A simple vegetarian meal idea is grilled vegetables. You can use whatever vegetables you'd like. Thread chopped vegetables on a skewer and grill. You can marinate your vegetables before hand if you'd like in a vegetarian salad dressing.


Spinach Quiche

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Related Speciality Meal Pages:
~ Low Carb Meals, ~ Low Calorie Meals, ~ Vegetarian Meal Ideas, ~ Gluten Free Meals, ~ Low Fat Cooking

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