Vegetarianism has certainly transpired over the years. What used to consist of a “basic” approach to food has evolved into a culinary art in and of itself. Apart from the environmental benefits of cutting meat from your diet, a well-planned vegetarian diet may also reduce your risk of disease, support weight loss, and improve other areas of health and wellness.
The stereotypical questions, however, undoubtedly remain. Will I be “full” enough? Are the choices of what to eat too little via the vegetarian criteria? How hard is it to truly be a vegetarian? The myths and unknowns regarding this elusive title certainly exist; however, instead of trying to go this route overnight, why not work on integrating a few meals per week that are meat free to slowly gain the benefits? While we all love fresh guac and salsa, vegetarian diets are so much more complex….AND fun!
Perhaps over the long holiday break, you could dabble a bit with the following recipes? After all, you might have a little bit of extra time in the kitchen with friends and family to help taste test!
- Breakfast with the Kardashians (the eldest sister’s must have to start her day)
Avocado Shake
Ingredients: 1 avocado pitted and peeled, 1 cup organic milk, 1 scoop plant-based protein powder, 1/4 teaspoon of MCT oil, 2 dates OR 2 teaspoons honey, 1 teaspoon maca powder, 1 scoop wild greens supreme
Directions: Blend all ingredients together for 3-5 minutes.
- Meeting Gwyneth for a Goop-esque Lunch (Gwyneth Paltrow’s favorite twist on a charcuterie board)
Sweet Potato Hummus
Ingredients: 1 sweet potato, 1 tablespoon tahini, juice of 1/2 a lemon, 1/4 teaspoon cumin, garlic clove, salt to taste and evoo
Directions: Roast the sweet potato. Scoop out cooked inside of potato and place in bowl with remaining ingredients. Fork and/or mash together to desired consistency and taste. Serve alongside fresh veggies, gluten free crackers and olives, if desired.
- Italian Night done right (gooey cheeses make you never miss the meat)
3 Cheese Pasta
Ingredients: 1 package of ziti, 2 10-ounce refrigerated packs of Alfredo sauce, 8 ounce of sour cream, 15 ounces ricotta, 2 slightly beaten eggs, 1/4 cup Parmesan, 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese
Directions: Make ziti according to package directions. Blend the Alfredo sauce with sour cream and toss ziti to coat. Spread 1/2 of that mixture in a 9 X 13 glass baking dish. Stir ricotta and next 3 ingredients and spread this over pasta. Top with remaining sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. So delish!
