DD & I thinking of no meat for Lent... Help

JAFitMama

JAFitMama

Cathlete
I made the transition December 2, 2005, so it wasn't that long ago. I wanted to stop eating meat a long time ago because I know that it is a healthier lifestyle, but I didn't have to conviction, so to speak. The only thing that made it happen and cemented the decision for me was seeing how they treat the animals that are sold for human consumption. After that, I got Vegan Planet (it is a GREAT cookbook!) and did a lot of online recipe hunting. I learned how to make Seitan (wheat meat) and used it in recipes calling for ground beef (you really can't tell the difference, it is amazing!!!!). I also learned how to cook tofu and found out about this wonderful product called tempeh - it has iron, fiber, calcium, a ton of protein, and is easy to prepare and can be used like chicken. :7

I need to go, my little man is crying, but I will be back on later to finish, kay? It really does open a world of wonders when you cut out meat and search for alternatives!!! :)

Missy
 
Judy,
Several things you can do:
First, make a list of meals that you eat that are meat free already (pasta primavera? chinese dishes?)
Then make a list of foods that you make that could easily be changed to meat free (chili with beans or tempeh or seitan instead of meat, for example).
That should give you a good place to start.

It might be more convenient for you to do some substitutions, like veggie burgers for meat burgers (though that might not work, since you're used to the taste of the meat version, and the veggie version might not cut it, though there are several brands that are more appealing to meat eaters. I usually don't eat those (less appealing to me!), but someone might be able to give you some ideas.

A good cookbook, like the one Missy recommended, is also a great idea.
 
I've gone vegetarian for weeks at a time and it's really not that hard. Vegetarian protien products have way less calories and fat than meat so it's good to include them in your diet whether you're going to be all-the-way-vegan or not. Also, tofu is much cheaper than lowfat meat. Tofu gets a really nice texture if you freeze it overnight. The day you want to cook it, thaw it in the fridge and then squeeze out the water. It'll pick up the flavor of whatever you cook it with. It works well with anything saucy.

Kristy

I solemnly swear that I am up to no good
 
DH and I are doing the exact same thing. I call it the Catholic "no meat" diet (seafood and fish allowed). There are a ton of recipes that are great no-meat that I prepare and the kids don't even realize that I'm serving a vegetarian meal. www.lightandtasty.com has several really good recipes. I've given up meat before, when DH's relatives come to town (they're from India, are total vegetarians, and come for six weeks - which is great - I love having them here), and it's not as tough as it seems. I do feel better, as well. I even realized that I prefer veggie burgers. It's easier now than ever to convert. Feel free to PM for recipes, ideas...

Good luck! Maybe we should have a daily check in. That would be fun...
 
Judy, I really don't have any pointers for you, I just want to wish you well on the effort. Good luck!

Michele:)
 
Thank you Ladies!

I do have a handful of non meat meals that I already make. So I will visist my recipes.

At the library I have The Vegan planet on hold and just checked out anothe vegan book. Breakfast lunch and snacks shuld be no problem. I often have some form of bean or lentil soup stew or chili for lunch at home. It is the dinners that will satisfy the whole family that I am concerned about.

PS- I'm Ok wiih an occaisional non-meat burger but DD is not. Niether of us like hamburgers

Judy "Likes2bfit"

ETA- i like the nickname catholic no meat eating.;-)


If you fail to plan, then you plan to fail.
Success is acheived by early preparation


http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5ce27b3127cce94279e1404fa00000016108AatHLZo3buN

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5ce27b3127cce9426d0892
 
Judy -
When I became a vegetarian in 1989, I didn't try to replace meat with anything. I personally though that the replacement strategy would only make the "loss" feel greater. Before that, I was a meat potatoes and corn sort of gal. Going vegetarian was a BIG change, and it opened up a whole new world to me - dang, vegetables actually taste GOOD!! There are so many great meals you can prepare - and this is coming from a person who does not like to cook and is not very good at it.

Enjoy the change of menu - I think you'll find it to be fun!
 
I prefer bean burgers to veggie burgers that are supposed to be like meat. To be honest, I don't really see the point of giving up meat only to eat things that are supposed to mimic meat. I also can't eat most of those "meat substitutes" as they are too much protein for my poor digestive system to handle.

We like to eat lots of one pot type things with beans, pasta, rice. Veg curries are always good. My SO puts beans in virtually everything:p
 
>I prefer bean burgers to veggie burgers that are supposed to
>be like meat. To be honest, I don't really see the point of
>giving up meat only to eat things that are supposed to mimic
>meat. I also can't eat most of those "meat substitutes" as
>they are too much protein for my poor digestive system to
>handle.
>
>We like to eat lots of one pot type things with beans, pasta,
>rice. Veg curries are always good. My SO puts beans in
>virtually everything:p


It's so funny that you would post this. I have always found it odd to mimic things like burgers and turkey. When I want a meatless dish I do exactly the same as you. Beans, rice, pasta, and couscous are staples at my house in one pot meals along with whatever vegetables I have in the fridge.

Michele:)
 
Interesting thread. I honestly don't know why I am not vegetarian. I don't eat meat all that often anyway. Maybe I just don't want to be restricted that way. Also, beans and soy kill my stomach.

Ah, well. Someday maybe.

Sparrow


Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ‘Wow - what a ride!’ — Peter Sage
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Our Newsletter

Get awesome content delivered straight to your inbox.

Top