Hello people of the World!
Yes, here I am. Writing to you on a Sunday, the coveted day before Meatless Monday in which we all plan out our luxurious meat free meals (I mean, that's what I do...). You may be wondering "Where has this girl been? I am in serious need of her guidance for my meatless Monday adventures". Well, don't worry about a thing, because I'm back and I'm here to stay! It's been tough finding time to blog between running and piano, and oh yeah that little thing I like to call
Yes, here I am. Writing to you on a Sunday, the coveted day before Meatless Monday in which we all plan out our luxurious meat free meals (I mean, that's what I do...). You may be wondering "Where has this girl been? I am in serious need of her guidance for my meatless Monday adventures". Well, don't worry about a thing, because I'm back and I'm here to stay! It's been tough finding time to blog between running and piano, and oh yeah that little thing I like to call
"High School". Super fun. So please bear with me if I continue to be inconsistent with my posting.
I'm kicking off my first blog post in like ages on a very special day: Blog Action Day 2011 #BAD11. This annual event is when bloggers from all corners of the universe (yes, the universe because there are certainly aliens participating in this as well) come together to put their blogs in one place writing all about the same subject. This year, that subject is food, coinciding with World Food Day. That being said, I have decided to honor you with a very general posting about how to eat less meat, and still find joy in food. So here it goes:
(Sorry the beginning kind of sounds like an infomercial. But those can be quite interesting and persuasive... right?)
So you want to go meatless, but aren't sure where to begin? Afraid you're missing out on something if you cut meat out of your diet? Whether it be once a week, twice a week or every day of the week, here's your (well my) guide to eating less meat, while still enjoying food (and life) to it's fullest.
I'm kicking off my first blog post in like ages on a very special day: Blog Action Day 2011 #BAD11. This annual event is when bloggers from all corners of the universe (yes, the universe because there are certainly aliens participating in this as well) come together to put their blogs in one place writing all about the same subject. This year, that subject is food, coinciding with World Food Day. That being said, I have decided to honor you with a very general posting about how to eat less meat, and still find joy in food. So here it goes:
(Sorry the beginning kind of sounds like an infomercial. But those can be quite interesting and persuasive... right?)
So you want to go meatless, but aren't sure where to begin? Afraid you're missing out on something if you cut meat out of your diet? Whether it be once a week, twice a week or every day of the week, here's your (well my) guide to eating less meat, while still enjoying food (and life) to it's fullest.
1.) Reflect in on yourself: It's good to figure out your reason for wanting to do this in the first place. Is it because you're a gung-ho animal lover? Do you want to be healthier? Is it because you want to learn some new recipes? Or maybe you're just a self-proclaimed hipster who wants to be different? All of these reasons are valid for making the decision to eat meatless (though I personally would discourage the hipster one...). However it's not good to force yourself into this (or someone else, for that matter). So just make sure you know why you want to go meatless.
2.) Learn the Facts About Nutrition: You just can't say "Hey, I'm not gonna eat meat today!" and make a beeline for the cookies and potato chips. Everyone needs protein in their diet, and although the exact amount needed is controversial, I can safely say that you will need some. One of my favorite ways to get protein is by eating quinoa. Quinoa, a grain originating from Peru (pictured below), can take on any flavor you want to give it; whether it be Italian, with tomatoes and basil, or Asian, with ginger, soy sauce and peppers. As it is both versatile and healthy, it is the perfect substitute for meat.
3.) That being said... Steer Clear of Meat Substitutes: You may think that if you're not gonna have meat, you might as well have tofu and call it a day. However, tofu, although made from soy, is highly processed. Not only that, but it doesn't even taste (or look) very appealing. I mean, if you really like it, go ahead! But try not to overdo it. Also, meat substitutes such as tempeh and tofurkey are just as bad. It is a much better choice to go with beans or protein packed grains.
4.) Vary Your Meals: Eating meatless is no fun unless you change it up! Do some research and find some recipes that interest you. Branch out to new cultures; there are plenty of countries that go meatless all the time. Try something new like black eyed peas and bananas from Ghana (pictured below), or enchiladas from Mexico. There's a world of possibilities! (Get it? World?) Or next time when you're at the grocery store pick up something you've never even seen before and try to make something out of it. Have you ever seen an aloe plant? Probably not. It looks like a cactus and is most commonly used in soap and lotion, but why else would they have it at a grocery store? They obviously want you to cook with it, so just go for it!
Follow these steps and you'll be well on your way to being a successful, and happy, meatless eater.
And don't forget to celebrate World Food Day on, October 16th coinciding with Blog Action Day 2011. Do something good, write something good, and most importantly eat something good.
Happy Eating!
Leda :)
Image Credit: "Tri-colored Quinoa" by avlxyz via Flickr and "Black Eyed Peas and Tomatoes with Sauteed Bananas" by Whole Foods Market. Recipe here: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/2983
TOFURKEYYYY FTWWW
ReplyDelete