Weight Reduction With a Vegetarian Diet Plan

Vegetables can help to reduce the weight, only if a proper vegetarian diet plan is followed, as the calories should be considered in that particular vegetable. People who only eat vegetables, and are diet conscious are of various types. There is a group of vegans, who include dairy food with vegetables in their diet plan; whereas, another group uses seafood along with vegetables. Similarly, some people like only dry fruits, seeds, as well as nuts. Similarly, semi vegetarians eat both meat, and vegetables.

People who follow a strict diet plan use foods, which are lower in calories, and that's why they only take foods from plant sources. But, always keep in mind that it's not necessary that low fat foods are healthy as well, because they can be less nutritious as compared to other foods. Many experts make a menu with calories below 1500, but the food is well-balanced with fibers, and other nutrients. In the absence of dairy food you can have soy yogurt, and soy milk which is rich in minerals as well as vitamins.

The proper way of selection is that, if you want to replace certain foods than replace it with a same type as fruits for fruits, vegetables for vegetables, and grains for grains. Moreover, it should be taken in equal quantity. The whole plan consists of breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner.

Vegetarian diet plan including good nutrition

Breakfast:

It includes one apple, or a pear, a cup of oatmeal, and a cup of skimmed milk.

Lunch: it includes green salad mixed with either a tablespoon of vinegar, or fresh lemon, or the vinegar can be raspberry, or balsamic. Besides, it should also have a fruit salad. Whereas in the afternoon, you can take low fat yogurt.

Dinner: it includes one third cup of tomato sauce with a mixture of both whole wheat, and regular pasta. Similarly, you can take one cup of broccoli with orange juice.

Moreover, you can also add evening snacks in your diet plan, so that you do not feel tired after a day's work. And for this purpose you can have one forth cup of salsa, one third cup of dip made with beans, and eight tortilla chips in baked form. For flavor you can add one, or two cinnamon sticks to any cereal, and garlic to tomato sauce, similarly mint leaves in fresh form mixed with salad of any kind.

But, you should always keep one thing in mind that any diet plan can be effective if you remain patient, and continue it as long as you get your desired weight. You can also make your own diet plan after doing some research on the internet, but in that case you should consider the calories of vegetables which you are going to eat. With a little effort a good shaped body is possible, especially if you also do some daily workouts along with low cal food. So, by following the given vegetarian diet plan, you can reduce weight depending on how consistent you are.

Original article

Yummy Vegetarian Recipes For You

There are various vegetarian recipes that people can enjoy and relish for a long time. One of these is roasted vegetables and a vegetarian should prepare sweet potato, Yukon gold potatoes, red bell peppers and squash. Once they are combined in a large bowl, red onions are added. In a separate bowl, rosemary, thyme, olive oil, salt, vinegar and pepper are stirred together and are used to coat the vegetables. All of these are spread evenly on a large pan that is used for roasting. In a pre-heated oven, these vegetables should be stirred every ten minutes so the vegetables will be cooked thoroughly.

Vegetarian recipes should never be boring and pasta lovers can savor the taste of hearty vegetable lasagna. First, lasagna noodles are placed inside a hot pot and are boiled for ten minutes. Afterwards, they are drained and rinsed with cold water. Next, vegetables such as onions, garlic, mushrooms and green peppers are cooked and stirred in a large saucepan. Pasta sauce is added and is left to boil. After fifteen minutes, the heat is reduced and it is simmered for fifteen minutes. Next, eggs, ricotta and two cups of mozzarella cheeses are mixed together.

The oven is heated to 350 degrees and one cup of tomato sauce is greased at the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Meanwhile, one half of the lasagna noodles as well as the Ricotta mix; Parmesan cheese and sauce are layered together. All of these have to undergo a second layering and are topped with two cups of mozzarella cheese. Before this vegetable lasagna is served, it is baked and uncovered for at least forty minutes. This vegetarian meal is left to stand for fifteen more minutes and vegetarians can partake of this delicious meal afterwards.

One of the simplest vegetarian recipes is the easy cheesy cream of broccoli soup. All that is needed is a ten ounce broccoli that is frozen, a 10.75 ounce condensed cream of mushroom soup, eight ounces of processed cheese, one and one-fourth cups of milk and pepper and salt to taste. The broccoli is prepared and drained of excess water. Then, cream of mushroom soup is added as well as one can of milk. This is stirred in low heat. Cheese is then added and is stirred until it melts. To add flavor to this soup, salt and pepper are added.

One of the most unique vegetarian recipes is Carrot raisin salad. For this salad, three shredded large carrots are needed as well as a cup of raisins and one cup of walnuts. Additionally, two tablespoons of shredded coconut, one half cup of mayonnaise, two tablespoons of sour cream, one tablespoon of cider vinegar, and one half teaspoon of white sugar are added into the mix. To top it off, one-fourth celery needs to be chopped. All of these ingredients are combined in a medium bowl and whisked as well. The dressing is stirred into the carrot mixture. Finally, the salad is chilled before it is served.

Ralph Wilhelm-dude17111 is an online researcher and marketer.
For more information on Yummy Vegetarian Recipes follow this link.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ralph_Wilhelm

Original article

Tasty Vegetarian White Chicken Chili Recipe In 4 Simple Steps

My husband and I used to work at Ruby Tuesday's as waiters back in the day when we were in college and by far the most popular item that patrons would buy from their menu, without any suggestion from the waiters, would be the White Chicken Chili. My husband used to rave about how good it tasted, and obviously, I was never able to join in all the reindeer games because I didn't eat meat. It didn't occur to me, till now, to attempt to cook a White Chicken Chili Recipe and make it not only meat-free and tasty but also vegan friendly. I must say, this recipe has now become a staple and a favorite in my home, no matter how hot it is outdoors, we never mind eating a bowl of this Vegetarian White "Chixen" Chili.

You will discover that most of the ingredients, for this vegetarian recipe, are items that you likely already have within your kitchen and are simple to find. This Vegetarian White "Chixen" Chili is undoubtedly tasty and will have any vegetarian or meat-eater addicted. I have never eaten the meat version of White Chicken Chili but I am certain it does not have anything on the vegetarian and vegan version.

Vegetarian White "Chixen" Chili Recipe

Ingredients:

·1/4 cup of vegetable oil

·1/2 lb (which is about 12 nuggets) of thawed Soy Delight Vegan Chicken Nuggets, diced in to chunks (these are not breaded)

·3 cloves of garlic, minced

·1 medium onion, chopped

·1 large or 2 small jalapeño peppers, seeded and chopped

·1 fresh green chile, chopped (you can substitute for 1 small can of green chillies with the liquid)

·3 sprigs of fresh oregano, chopped or 1 tsp of dried oregano

·1/4 tsp of black pepper

·1 tsp cumin

·1/2 tsp coriander

·1 1/2 tsp of chili powder

·1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

·2 cans of Northern White Beans, with liquid

·3 cups of vegetable broth

·2 cups of water

·1 vegetable bouillon

·3 tablespoons of cornstarch, mixed with a 2 tsp. of water

Directions:

1. In a large pot, add the vegetable oil and heat on medium heat. Once oil is warm, add the vegan chicken nuggets and sauté for about 5 minutes. Next add the garlic, onion, jalapeño peppers, and green chile. Saute until the onions are soft and clear which should be another 5 minutes.

2. Add the oregano, black pepper, cumin, coriander, chili powder, cayenne pepper to the soy chicken and saute for another minute.

3. Next add, the northern white beans, vegetable broth, water and bouillon to the pot. Stir and cover and let simmer on low for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, add the cornstarch and water mix, stir, and continue to simmer on low for another 20 minutes.

4. Serve and garnish with cilantro, sour cream and cheese...if you like...but it is so good as is, you may not need to add anything else.

By the way, in case you can not find the Delight Soy Vegan Chicken Nuggets, feel free to work with some other "mock chicken" nugget or patty. Just make sure it is not breaded. You can also use seitan which is a great option!

Enjoy cooking and eating vegetarian and vegan meals? Get your totally free vegan and vegetarian cookbook with over 100 meat and dairy free recipes plus 5 Free Meat-Free Instructional Video Recipes by visiting http://www.freemeatlessrecipes.com/ Join hundreds of other vegetarians who have already experienced the easy but tasty method of preparing and eating vegetarian and vegan food.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ebony_Johnson

Original article

Vegetarian Foods Are No Longer Boring And Tasteless

Vegetarian food is hardly tasteless or boring and there are a number of these that many people can choose from. For starters, people may want to try vegetarian soup recipes that are very healthy and among these are crockpot, chili, vegetarian minestrone, French onion soup, barley and tomato soup. One of the best vegetable soups that people should try is the gourmet vegetarian and tomato bisque soup. Not to be outdone is the delicious vegan artichoke that will certainly be a treat for vegetable lovers. Vegetarian foods are so very tasty that many people cannot have enough of them.

Incidentally, Taiwan offers plenty of vegetarian chows that people can feast on and enjoy with much delight. One of these is the unassuming Vegan Scallion Pancakes wherein street vendors pile them high and serve them hot. These delicious snacks can be eaten as an appetizer or as a snack and the best way to eat them is by dipping them in soy sauce. Another flavorful fare is Vegetarian Chinese Dumplings that is considered as one of the best vegetarian meals. These dumplings are steamed and dipped in vinegar or soy sauce and they are best served with hot green tea.

Tofu or seitan can be added to a soup called Vegetarian Hot and Sour soup and the Chinese usually eat this during breakfast. Also, this is considered as a complete meal and people can heartily consume this tasty soup. Incidentally, many people are worried that they may not get enough protein if they eat vegetarian foods, but their fears are unfounded because they can get this when they eat whole grains especially if it is the "quinoa." Other, grains that are rich in protein is barley, brown rice, and whole grain bread. For those who miss burgers in their diet, they can try the special Cranberry and Camembert Burgers that are made of healthy soya protein that is textured.

Customers will definitely enjoy this meal that is high in protein and fiber especially if it is served with rosemary oven chips together with grilled haloumi that is placed inside a ciabatta roll. For added flavor, customers can request for salad leaves and fresh tomatoes. Vegetarian foods that customers should look forward to are Red Onion and Rosemary Sausages. This tasty meal is baked with rosemary sprigs and slice onions are added into it. This meal would not be complete without the minted peas, spring onions and mashed potatoes that are buttered.

Like the Cranberry Burgers, this meal has high protein content and is an excellent source of fiber. Sausages are meat products that children and adults alike enjoy very much, but vegetarian foods such as Mini Snack Sausages are great alternatives because they contain no meat and are healthier. These sausages can be served at parties or snacks. Steak lovers would be glad to note that they can wolf down grilled tempeh instead of their usual beef steak. Along with scrambled tofu brunch these customers will discover that they will feel full without worrying about the health effects of these vegetarian foods.

Ralph Wilhelm-dude17111 is an online researcher and marketer.
follow my link to learn more about Vegetarian Foods

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ralph_Wilhelm

Original article

Being Vegetarian - What Does This Really Mean?

Many people all over the world love to eat meat, but there are those who only want to eat vegetables. There are many reasons a person wants to be a vegetarian, but perhaps the most obvious factor is economics. Vegetables are far more affordable than meat and healthier as well, so the latter is only used for special occasions. Incidentally, even if meat is plentiful in some gatherings, there are some individuals who want to eat it moderately. Vegetarianism is a term used for people who want to eat vegetables exclusively because they value their health and do not want to get sick with meat-related ailments.

For other people, their religious belief prevents them from eating meat because they think that eating animals is not right. Still, other people have expressed concern over the environment so they chose to be vegetarian. Hard-core vegetarians do not consume meat at all and that includes fish and chicken. On the other hand, a lacto-ovo vegetarian will eat eggs dairy products, but not meat. Those who follow a strict form of vegetarianism called veganism do not eat all meat products, eggs, dairy products together with gelatin and honey that are made of animal products.

Many years ago, many Americans often consider individuals who do not eat meat as queer, but times are changing. Vegetarianism is taking the world by storm although vegetarians are still a minority in the United States. ADA also known as the American Dietetic Association has endorsed vegetarian diets because these are very beneficial for those who are conscious with their health. Being a vegetarian is not strange anymore because people have embraced the idea that eating vegetables makes one stronger in body and spirit. Furthermore, a growing number of schools and restaurants are serving vegetables in their menus instead of the usual jelly or peanut butter sandwich.

Becoming a vegetarian is easier said than done and people have to educate themselves first and plan their diets carefully. If these people are able to maintain a strictly vegetarian diet, they will become stronger; have firmer muscles and bones, and a higher energy to boot. Would-be vegetarians though have to be cautious with a vegetarian diet because it is lacking in zinc, vitamins B12 and D, calcium, iron and protein. Fortunately, in lieu of eggs, dairy products, and fish people can take other alternatives such as mineral supplements and multiple vitamins.

In regard to vitamins, those who are not getting enough Vitamin D from the sun may resort to buying breakfast cereals and soy milk that is fortified. A vegetarian who wants protein sans the meat can eat various foods like nuts, peanut butter, eggs, tofu, soy milk and grains to name a few. Supplements will be needed if people want to take in B12 which is typically found in animal products. Zinc is another mineral requirement that people need for their bodies, so the best foods for them are nuts, soy products, dried beans and fortified cereals. Lastly, a vegetarian must consult with a dietician and discuss what foods he or she may take.

Ralph Wilhelm-dude17111 is an online researcher and marketer.
For more information on Being Vegetarian follow this link.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ralph_Wilhelm

Original article

Going Green - Leafed: Balancing Nutrition As a Vegetarian

With the ability to produce and import various foods throughout the year that is not only organic, but also cheaper than years past, it's a very great time to explore different eating lifestyles that suit your individual wants or needs. For anyone planning to, or currently eating as a vegetarian, it's important to know that while eating vegetables and fruits is extremely healthy, your body still needs protein, calcium and other nutrients not common in those food groups; luckily, it's very easy to have access to such nutrients.

Why Go Vegetarian?

Being omnivores, humans are able to adjust their eating habits to suit their environment. Over the centuries, various cultures found non-meat foods that contained nutrients once thought to be exclusive to meat. Many "green" foods offer just as much nutrition as meat minus the negative effects. Avoiding meat, especially red meat, means that you won't have to worry about cholesterol or saturated fats, both of which are linked to obesity. On top of that, eating foods grown from the earth means less processed foods and that cleanliness in your diet will reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure as well as increase energy, skin cleanliness and the body's natural glow.

What Nutrients Are Easy to Get? Eating vegetables and fruits gives you access to a majority of nutrients. Some examples are:

• Fiber-any tough vegetable such as celery contains cellulose which contains fiber. This helps maintain a healthy colon by scraping away excess waste in our gastrointestinal tract.
• Potassium-an important mineral used for neuromuscular reactions, bananas are a plentiful source of potassium.
• Essential Carbs-fruits like apples, peaches, oranges, etc all contain glucose or variations of sugar. These are what give your body immediate energy and are used very quickly. Tubers like carrots and potatoes contain starch which are a good source of long-term energy.
• Vitamin C-fruits that contain citric acid, such as lemons, grapefruit, oranges and limes contain vitamin c, which is a natural stimulant and immune booster.

What Are Other Essential Nutrients?

Setting aside fruits and vegetables, it's vital that you have a source of iron, calcium, protein, and unsaturated fat. What's good about being a vegetarian today is that you can get access to such nutrients without having to resort to meat or even supplements! Some examples are:

• Iron-Pop-eye wasn't eating spinach for nothing! Iron helps the blood to carry more oxygen throughout the body. It's also used in clotting processes. Other foods that have it are red beans, tofu and oatmeal.
• Calcium-milk and cheese are the most obvious sources of calcium, which are needed for bone support and growth. However, kale, broccoli, and other legumes also contain sufficient amounts.
• Protein/Unsaturated Fat-without meat, one may think getting protein is going to be difficult. However, tofu, nuts, and wheat's also have very excellent sources of protein, not to mention good sources of unsaturated fats. Protein is needed for muscle growth and development, while unsaturated fat is used by the body in various metabolic processes.

The famous axiom, "you are what you eat" is truer now more than ever. With processed beef, feed lots, and chemically enhanced food the need for going green takes more of a priority now than ever. There are exceptions of course, given that all organic food in Germany requires the traveler to carry international travel insurance just to eat a salad. Overall however, the good totally outweighs the bad, both in long-term health payout as well as energy levels needed for any given day. On every level, the first step to avoid the health issue what you put in your mouth.

Original article

Vegan Recipes for Vegetarian Dads On Father's Day

Father's Day is a special day for the most important and special man in the family. Celebrating the day with the whole family is one of the best gift that can be given to a father. A day full of love and pampering that will leave an imprint to his thoughts as one of the best memories he can ever have. Finding creative ways to make it such sometimes pose a challenge too especially for a vegetarian dad. Preparing meals for the special occasion for the whole family to share and enjoy all through the day can eventually make it one cherished memory.

What about pampering a vegetarian dad the moment he wakes up with a breakfast in bed consisting of a blueberry vegan pancake and a veggie sausage? Surely he'll love it especially when each family member shares his breakfast right in the confines of his bedroom. A riot but enjoyable.

Vegan Blueberry Pancake with Veggie Sausage

Ingredients:

1 lb. Veggie sausage1 tbsp. Olive oil1½ cups blueberries, mashed3 cups flour3 level teaspoon baking powder2 tablespoons sugar½ teaspoon salt5 tbsp vegetable oilsoy milk (for thicker pancakes use a little less milk)

Procedure:

Put olive oil in a non-stick, deep and large skillet. Place the veggie sausage and cook over medium heat until brown. Remove, place in a strainer to drain and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, sift all together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Add soy milk and oil and whisk for consistency. Add mashed blueberries and mix well.

Pour ¼ cupfuls of batter in a greased skillet placed over a medium-heat and cook for about 3 minutes on each side till golden brown.

Place in a platter and serve hot with honey and veggie sausage on the side. The recipe makes 5 to 6 servings, everyone can partake to enjoy breakfast in bed with the extra special man of the day.

Prepare this Vegetable Delight for dinner.

Ingredients:

400 grams vegan cottage cheese cut into sticks and deep fried1 cup mushrooms, quartered1 cup baby corn, cut into strips and blanched1 cup spring onions20 grams each of celery, chopped ginger and chopped garlic10 grams toasted sesame seeds25 grams chilli sauce25 grams tomato catsup3 tbsp olive oilsalt and pepper to taste

Procedure:

Heat a large saute pan. Add oil and saute ginger, garlic and celery until light brown. Toss in the cheese, mushrooms, baby corn, spring onion, chilli sauce, catsup and salt. Mix well and transfer in a serving bowl and garnish with sesame seeds and some green part of green onions. Serve hot.

Bell Pepper Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

1½ cup green or red bell pepper, remove seeds and sliced

4 cloves garlic, chopped

1 large onion, sliced

¾ cup tomato paste

3 cups vegetable stock

2 tbsp chopped basil

green part of spring onions to garnish,chopped

salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:

Mix all together bell pepper, garlic, onion, tomato paste, vegetable stock in a large pot and bring to a boil while constantly stirring. Reduce heat and simmer until bell peppers have softened. Drain or sieve the mixture and set aside the liquid. Puree the leftover bits.Boil together the liquid, the puree and chopped basil in a large saucepan or pot and garnish with chopped green part of spring onion. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

Green smoothies go along well to quench thirst next to water. They can be easily prepared with combinations of fresh fruits and vegetables. When fresh, they are sweet enough to refrain from adding sugar,. They are now popular health trends as they are good for the immune system, for detoxifying, for cleansing and energizing the body and weight loss. Coconut water can be blended with spinach, mango and wild honey. Combinations of other fruits and greens can be experimented for the desired taste. So easy now with blenders and other kitchen gadgets around.

Make him feel special by preparing these veggie recipes specially for your vegan dad. After all, the saying " A way to a man's heart is through his stomach", still applies Father's day or not. Happy Father's Day to all the fathers in the whole wide world!

Marichu Coning

Browse a wide selection of quality cookware, cutlery and kitchenware at our on line location Your Smart Kitchen at reasonable prices with customer satisfaction guaranteed. Your Smart Kitchen specializes in Fissler, Woll, Chasseur, Claybaker, Bosch and more quality brands.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marichu_Coning

Original article

How to Become a Vegetarian in 6 Simple Steps

When deciding how to become a vegetarian, there are many options to consider. Some recommend gradually changing your diet while others advise you to dive right in and correct course along the way. Regardless of your strategy, there is a way to succeed with your new meatless diet by following six simple steps.

Although they are simple steps to take, they may not be easy. Some of them apply more to people who make a gradual change to a meat-free lifestyle while others are more suited to those who make the change more rapidly. Most of them apply to both.

If you are undecided about how to become a vegetarian, consider applying these steps as you go. You could apply one to your live each day or every week, depending on your preference and what works for you.

Step 1: Identify the reasons why you want to change your diet.

Carefully consider your main motivations for following a meatless diet. Do you want to end animal suffering? Save money? Help the environment? Improve your health?

All of these are great reasons to go vegetarian. However, it is important to know which ones mean the most to you.

Give your reasons serious consideration and write them down. This list doesn't have to be fancy and it doesn't matter if you are already a vegetarian or not. Keep it in a place where you will see it often to remind yourself why you are making this change in lifestyle.

Repeat this process periodically, as your reasons may and probably will change over time. It is also a great way to stay passionate about following a meatless diet.

Step 2: Find social support.

Whether it is from friends or just an online vegetarian forum that you visit regularly, it is important to receive support when you go vegetarian. Others will be able to give you advice and tips for how to become a vegetarian. They can lift you up when you feel down and frustrated.

Support from others, especially vegetarians and vegans, is important for you success at a vegetarian lifestyle. It also makes the change much more fun!

Step 3: Research recipes and nutritional information. It is a good idea to know what you are undertaking before you get started, or at least shortly afterward. Look up information about how to become a vegetarian in a healthy way. Consider setting up an appointment with a nutritionist or dietitian, if you can, to talk about a diet that will meet your nutritional needs.

Also, find vegetarian recipes from cookbooks or online. Keep a variety on hand for meals and snacks. This makes the transition easier because you won't have to wonder what you can eat. You already know a few options!

Step 4: Evaluate your diet.

As you change your diet, think about how it makes you feel. Do you have more or less energy?Are you getting adequate nutrition? Do you eat enough fruits and vegetables?

Make a point of evaluating your eating habits on a regular basis. You may need to make changes or focus on consuming enough nutrients.

Step 5: Make changes based on your comfort level.

There are many ways that are recommended for how to become a vegetarian. Do what feels right. Don't think you can stop eating meat all at once? Cut back on how many times you consume meat each week. Eager to dive right in? Go ahead, but do some research as you go.

No one way is the "right way" to become a vegetarian.

Step 6: Track your progress and reward yourself.

Note when you have met a major milestone. Haven't had any meat for a week, month or even longer? Celebrate your progress. Going vegetarian can be challenging, so take the time to reward yourself. Go out for a movie with friends, get a manicure or buy that new outfit you've been eying.

Whether you already follow a meatless diet or you are just considering it, these tips can help you feel more motivated and keep you on track when you feel discouraged.

Deciding how to become a vegetarian can be a bit overwhelming at first, especially with the wide variety of contradictory advice. These simple steps are beneficial no matter how you decide to go about making the change in your lifestyle!

Linda Newell of Recipes-For-Vegetarians.com is a member of the Vegetarian Resource Group and the North American Vegetarian Society. She shares information such as vegetarian protein sources

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_K_Newell

Original article

Vegetarian Chilly Chili

I love chilli... Period. It is the type of food that, as a chef/cook, you can really dive into and experiment with many different ingredients. I enter my restaurant into at least one or two chili competitions a year for this reason. For 8 years straight I have won 'best vegetarian chili', as well as numerous 'most creative' and 'most original' chili prizes. One of my favorite chilli's that ever came out of these contests was what I called "Porky Peanut Butter and Popcorn," which was a peanut butter based, pork chili in which you would put popcorn on top of to add a bit of salt and something quite unique. Sounds weird, but it was a huge hit.

My vegetarian chilli's have varied over the years, and my most recent recipe is less than what one might expect from a typical "chilli." The reason for this... well, it's served cold. I can't tell you how many non-believers showed up at my booth the first year I entered my 'Chilly Chilli,' but I can tell you how many of them left my booth as believers... Ok I can't really, but it was a lot.

Prepare and serve this delicious chilli on a hot summer day for meat eaters and vegetarians alike and make everyone happy, chilly, and satisfied. NEVER be afraid to experiment or add/take away things you like/don't like and make it your own. Your friends and family will be sure to ask for your new recipe to serve at their own parties

Chilly Chilli (Vegetarian Chilli)

Ingredients:
- 8 oz artichoke hearts (in juice)
- 16 oz chickpeas (in juice)
- 16 oz kidney beans (in juice)
- 16 oz black beans (in juice)
- 3 oz tortilla chips
- 2 oz "Picante" sauce
- 4 oz crushed tomatoes
- 4 oz tomatoes, Purée
- 1 tsp chopped garlic
- ½ cup finely chopped onions
- ¼ cup finely chopped red peppers
- ¼ cup finely chopped green peppers
- ¼ cup finely chopped scallions
- ½ tsp coriander
- 1 cup chopped parsley
- 3 tbsp chili powder
- ½ tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ cup red-hot sauce

Method:
- Puree chickpeas, kidney beans and black beans (reserve a few of each of the beans and the bean liquid for a garnish ).
- Puree tortilla chips extra fine.
- Mix all the remaining ingredients and add beans and liquid.
- Serve chilled with garnish of kernel corn, chopped tortilla chips and chopped chives, scallion or cilantro.

Note: After a day of enjoying this chili cold, you may put in a pot and cook for 20-25 minutes on a good simmer and serve hot on a chilly night.

Get more awesome recipes, cooking tips, and stories at the site below!

Shaw H. Rabadi, restaurant owner/chef/author, invites you to Eat, Drink, and Be Mediterranean with him for a happier, healthier life!

Visit http://www.themediterraneandigest.com/ for information on his newly released story-cookbook, "Savor the Spices of Life" and more info on eating, cooking, and living a heart healthier life.

Eat Better, Fresher, Smarter!

Original article

A Carnivores Guide to Vegetarian Breakfast Recipes - Tips on Cooking for Your Vegetarian Friends

What do you cook your vegetarian guest for breakfast? With the proliferation of people choosing this lifestyle, it's a question many wrestle with these days.

Use these 5 tips and pleasantly surprise your house guest with delicious vegetarian breakfast recipes that show how much you care.

1. Have your guest define what kind of vegetarian they are. There is more than one type? Indeed there is. For example, I eat fish, seafood and a little dairy. Some of my friends assume I don't eat fish because I define myself as vegetarian.

Here are some of the common types of vegetarian diets

Lacto vegetarians eat non-meat animal products. They will eat dairy, honey and cheese.

Lacto-ovo vegetarians eat eggs in addition to dairy products, but no fish or meat.

Vegans avoid anything that is produced by an animal. That means no eggs, dairy products, honey, meat, and gelatin.

Pescetarians eat a vegetarian diet with a bit of fish or seafood thrown in.

Don't assume you know what the person's dietary needs are without checking first.

2. If using packaged foods as part of the meal, it is important to check the ingredient list. Be sure to look for hidden animal ingredients such as meat or chicken broth (flavoring), gelatin (thickener derived from animal by-products), casein (a protein in milk), whey (byproduct of cheese production used as a food additive), as well as lactose (milk sugar).

3. Don't just leave out the sausage and bacon. Although not a such a problem at breakfast where eggs can be used for the ovo-vegetarian, be sure to include a source of protein for your guest. Beans or tofu can be substituted as well as one of the many meat substitutes found in most grocery stores.

4. Remember not to cook the veggie part of the meal with the same pan and utensils used in preparing meat. Be sure not to undo your hard work by cooking your Tofu Scramble in the same skillet you just used to fry up the bacon.

5. The most important tip, don't be intimidated by the prospect of coming up with a vegetarian breakfast recipe simple enough for you to prepare but tasty enough to wow the vegetarian in your life. There are tons of amazing meatless dishes out there.

Whether you decide to create something from scratch or pick up one of the many easy to prepare options are available in most local supermarkets your vegetarian friend will thank you.

Choosing a vegetarian lifestyle isn't about eliminating foods from your diet, rather it's about opening up a whole new culinary experince.

If you would like to learn more and pick some great vegetarian breakfast recipes visit us here:

http://www.vegetarianbreakfastrecipes.net/
http://www.vegetarianbreakfastrecipes.net/pancakes/vegetarian-breakfast-recipes

Original article

High Protein Vegetarian Food Items in Indian Cuisine

Most people who are into fitness and weight loss know that neither of the two can be achieved effectively without a high protein diet. Protein is the diet-component that builds and maintains muscle mass, and muscle mass is vital for weight loss and a great physique. Fortunately, there are a lot of protein sources in Indian vegetarian food,in cuisines from all over the country. Here are some of the most significant ones.

Paneer - Cottage Cheese

It will be hard for you to travel to North and Central India and miss paneer. Better known as cottage cheese in the West, paneer is the finest vegetarian delicacy in several states of India. Naturally, since it is a dairy product, it is protein intensive, and depending on what kind of milk it is prepared from, it may also have high fat content. The protein that paneer contains is qualitatively excellent, with the right proportion of all the essential amino acids. A 12-oz serving of paneer contains nearly 14 grams of protein.

Paneer's soft consistency and cheesy taste make it amenable to virtually every cooking style in India, and there are countless dishes in the country made from it. It may be cooked dry, in gravy form, or it may be added as a stuffing in local Indian breads, such as naan and paranthas. People commonly make a sandwich filling out of paneer as well.

Lentils

Lentils, locally known as daal, are a great vegetarian source of protein, and they are commonly cooked in every region of the country. There are many varieties of daal available in India and over a 100 different recipes to cook them. Typically served in curry form, sometimes with the consistency of soup, daal is a common daily dish for almost every class of people in the country.

Apart from their significant protein content, daals are rich in fiber and they are great sources of several vital micronutrients, including magnesium, iron and potassium. They are also cholesterol free. Daal is a perfect food item for someone who wants to lose weight.

Chickpeas and Kidney Beans

Like lentils, these too are from the legume family and have similar nutritional benefits. Red kidney beans are commonly known as rajma and chickpeas as channa, and both feature prominently in the cuisines of North and West India. Amongst most Indian households familiar with both these legumes, channa is considered healthier. However, rajma is the more sought after delicacy, and is a common feature during special occasions.

Bear in mind that rajma and channa are not the easiest dishes to prepare for beginners, since they require some experience with Indian cooking, seasoning and spices.

Nuts

It is widely known that nuts are a great source of proteins in a vegetarian diet. However the way they are generally used in Indian cooking, they would hardly appeal to someone really health conscious. Since almonds, cashews, pistachios and walnuts are very expensive, they are generally used as ingredients in exquisite desserts and rich festive dishes, both of which are loaded with calories!

Gram Flour

Better known as besan in India, gram flour has much higher protein content than whole wheat or refined flour, and it is also lighter in terms of calories. It is a vital ingredient in several Indian main dishes, cereal staples, sweets and snacks, and features significantly in North and West Indian cuisines.

At the end of the day, whichever Indian cuisine it is that interests you, you are bound to find high protein vegetarian dishes that are easy to cook, healthy and great in terms of taste!

You have permission to publish this article without any change what so ever electronically, in print, in your e-book, or on your web site, free of charge, as long as the author by-lines are included.

To learn more about Indian Vegetarian cuisine, visit Meera's Kitchen or go to http://www.indiancookingmadeeasy.com/

Original article

Why Vegetarian Food Recipes Are The Only Real Dietary Choice For Some

Meat is everywhere these days. There's an almost limitless variety of it in the supermarkets, it's served in almost every fast food restaurant around today, and it's even served in the most basic of school cafeterias. You almost can't escape it if you're living in the west, and many ask the vegetarians "why would you want to?" With meat being such a staple in most of our diets and it tasting so delicious, why do some choose to avoid meat and cook and serve vegetarian food recipes, exclusively?

It turns out their reasons are many, but some of the common reasons I hear vegetarians giving for "going vegetarian" include the growing belief that the meat many of us are eating today is becoming less and less healthy; the research that is showing our "mass production" approach to farming is taking a serious toll on the environment; and the increasing awareness we have of animals, of the emotions and experience they're living, and the connection we share with them.

In terms of how meat is becoming less healthy to eat, the growing concerns mostly have to do with the growth hormones that are used to fatten the animals up and have them produce more. With all the chemicals we pump into farm animals today, those make their way into our system too when we eat the animals after they've been slaughtered and packaged and placed in the grocery store freezer. Also, keeping the animals cooped up on smaller patches of land with little or no room to roam means they end up getting less exercise, which results in animals with more body fat, which we consume and is not as healthy. Some also believe that the severely negative emotions of fear the animals experience in their final moments that are flowing flood through their blood and into the tissue of the meat as they take their last breaths, results in chemical toxins from this process that are harmful to eat. This alone is reason enough for many vegetarians to dine exclusively on plants and use vegetarian recipes to make their meals.

The negative environmental impact of mass producing farm animals is another reason many are turning to vegetarian food recipes. When we use the chemicals that we do on so many "farm" animals, those animals pass the chemicals back into the earth and the planet's water when they expel. Also related is the negative impact all their manure is having on the local water supply in these areas as the huge quantities of it get absorbed into the earth. And then there's all of the toxic fluids these animals release when they meet their end at our hands: all of that chemically-laced, fear-filled toxic blood is also absorbed into the ground, into the water, and is also polluting our planet.

And then, many are refusing to eat today because they're developing an increased awareness of animals and the fact that animals experience emotions and have a perceptual experience similar to our own in many ways. When thinking of eating a hamburger, as an example, a lot of vegetarians have pictures come up for them of the mistreated animals that were sacrificed in order to make that burger, and it turns them off of the meat and onto alternative options for getting protein and nutrients, like using vegetarian dinner recipes to make healthy meals.

Of course, there are some good arguments that can be made in favor of eating meat, too. The point of this little article was to simply raise awareness for vegetarianism, of the reasons people have for turning to it, and why many today are using vegetarian food recipes to lead their lives in a consciously different way. Some people love to eat meat, and they have their reasons for it; and some people love to live the vegetarian life, and they have their reasons for.

Lissette V. is a self-proclaimed super chef who is passionate about vegetarian food recipes. Check out here blog with quick and easy vegetarian dinner recipes that you can often cook in less that 30 minutes.

Original article

Vegetarian Baked Kibbee - A Must Try!

This dish is simply amazing for vegetarians. Period. It is tasty, flavorful, full of nutrient rich ingredients, and doesn't sacrifice that "hearty meal feel" whatsoever. This is a dish that you can play around with once you are comfortable with this recipe. Add or take away to suit your specific tastes and/or needs and make a dish to call your own.

Vegetarian Baked Kibbee BiSanieh
Ingredients:
- 2 cups minced onion
- 1 ½ cups chopped onions
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 ½ cups fine bulghur wheat
- 1 medium eggplant
- 3 lbs. potatoes
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp allspice
- ½ tsp sumac
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- ¼ cup cooked chick peas
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup cold water
- ½ cup pine nuts
- Salt to taste

Method:

Stuffing:
- Sauté 1 ½ cups chopped onions into 3 tbsp olive oil until tender.
- Add pine nuts until they turn light golden color.
- Add allspice, cinnamon, salt and pepper...mix well, remove from heat
- Add chickpeas and parsley to the sautéed onions and spices mixture, stirring well; set aside to cool.
- Peel eggplant and cut into long slices (¼ inch thick).
- Oil the base of a baking sheet and add a layer of eggplant brushed with olive oil and bake until soft and tender (8-10 minutes in 350° oven).
- Repeat this step to bake all of the remaining eggplant.
- Boil potatoes until firm yet tender.
- Peel and cut ½ of the cooked potatoes in to very small pieces.

Kibbe:
- Peel remaining potatoes and mash in processor.
- Add 1 tsp of oil and a splash of water to the potatoes to moisten.
- In a mixing bowl, soak bulgur wheat with enough water to dampen and set aside for 15 minutes.
- Mix mashed potatoes with minced onions, then combine with the new softened bulghur wheat and mix thoroughly.
- Work the mixture with your hands (clean hands of course) and then add the remaining spices and knead into a soft doughy mixture.
- Divide the mixture in half.
- Oil the bottom and sides of a 9 by 12 inch baking pan, spreading half the potato and bulgur mixture on the bottom.
- Place one or two layers (your preference) of baked eggplant over the mixture and sprinkle with sumac.
- Add the stuffing mixture, spreading evenly over the eggplant.
- Add the rest of the potato bulgur mixture, smoothing the top using a few drops of water.
- Score the top by cutting the layers into square or diamond shapes.
- Sprinkle with pine nuts.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350° for 25 minutes.

Shaw H. Rabadi, restaurant owner/chef/author, invites you to Eat, Drink, and Be Mediterranean with him for a happier, healthier life!

Visit http://www.themediterraneandigest.com/ for information on his newly released story-cookbook, "Savor the Spices of Life" and more info on eating, cooking, and living a heart healthier life.

Eat Better, Fresher, Smarter!

Original article

Five Tips for Going Vegetarian

Increasingly, people have become interested in eating less meat or even going vegetarian. There are many great reasons to start to reduce and even remove meat from your diet entirely. Not only is reducing your meat consumption good for your health, but it's actually good for the planet as well. Producing livestock for the amount of meat that the planet currently consumes is one of the most destructive, non-eco friendly practices in existence today. However, reducing or giving up meat can be challenging. Here are five tips to make it easier!

Start Small
Don't try to give up all meat at once! Phase yourself into it. Start by just practicing Meatless Monday to get used to a day without meat as well as to start to learn to cook without meat. Like anything else, if you try to give up something entirely at first, you'll be challenged to be successful.

Select Easy Vegetarian Recipes
Don't begin by trying to cook the most complicated vegetarian recipes possible. Eating vegetarian can be challenging, so invest in a book of simple vegetarian recipes. There are a number of great cookbooks that featured fully, hot vegetarian meals that can be cooked in thirty minutes or less.

Don't Eat Only Salads
Much like eating meat doesn't mean that you should eat only hamburgers each day, eating vegetarian doesn't mean that you should eat only salad every day. You don't just want to be a vegetarian, you want to be a healthy vegetarian. That means a diversity of diet that extends beyond lettuce and tomatoes.

Research Protein Sources
Without a doubt, the biggest challenge when you give up meat is finding alternative sources of proteins. As we said above, you don't just want to be a vegetarian, you want to be a healthy vegetarian. If you're only giving up meat, consider eggs as a great source of protein. You may also want to consider continuing to eat fish. Alternatively, do the research about the best nuts, soy and other products to supplement your protein.

Find a Message Board and Ask Other Vegetarians
The best advice on going vegetarian can be gained from other vegetarians. Find a good message board or online community and talk to other vegetarians about the best way to go meat free, stay meat free and be healthier (and kinder to the planet).

Even if you don't want to go vegetarian, reducing how much meat you have in your diet will pay off for both your personal health and the health of the planet. Start today by having just one meat-free meal and go from there!

Jocelyn Saurini became a vegetarian because of her desire to go green with her life. Now she not only writes about green living tips, she also writes about how to go vegetarian. She eats meat-free and lives waste-free as much as she can, and she hopes she'll be able to help you do the same.

Original article

Healthy Vegetarian Meals For the Holidays: No Problem!

One of reasons people start getting serious about their health come January 1st is not only to have a New Year's resolution but to start setting goals to change their diet, get in shape or lose some weight. Usually people tend to eat more than normal during the holidays in the months of November and December. And if you are like most people....maybe some of the food choices are less than healthy - after all, how can you resist your mom's baking? Between the feasting and drinking, it takes a toll on our bodies. And so goes the resolution.

Don't feel as though you have to continue down this path. You can start a vegetarian lifestyle right now. Healthy vegetarian meals can help with this change and it is a perfect idea to help yourself or those you love. Finding ways to enjoy the holidays AND include vegetarian dinner recipes to your menu does not need to be stressful. The traditional holiday menus that we all love can be sprinkled with healthy choices.

Most people wait all year for enriching holiday moments and special celebrations with their families and friends. Don't let diet strain relationships and ruin holiday cheer. Here are some tips to become a master at creating familiar dishes that are sure to fit within your family's culture and traditions and will appeal to all taste buds.
It is very easy to find vegetarian recipes for Thanksgiving for example - as vegetables are mainstays in many parts of this meal.Instead of your traditional turkey, you can enhance your guests with a herb roasted soy vegan chicken, served with your traditional vegetable side dishesFor those that normally serve "beef" at your turkey dinner, try something like a Vegan Beef Wellington with a traditional salad to entice their taste budsWant to be warm and cozy, serve something like a Vegan Chicken Pot Pie, warm cranberry sauce and some mashed potatoes with a vegan gravy (yummy)A traditional chef prepared Meatloaf, ala vegan style, that would food the Queen of England

People want to be healthy, but they don't want to give up the taste of traditional fare of meat at their holiday meals. Once you realize how easy it is to find vegetarian dinner recipes, you will feel joy in making and eating such healthy fare. You can show people they don't have to give up anything; You will bring delight to the table and health to those you care for.

You can give the gift of health in the next few weeks and months to people who otherwise are engaging in un-healthy diets by sharing your healthy vegetarian meals with everyone at your next holiday! If you do not feel comfortable preparing vegetarian dinners or making vegan meal plans; no worries, you can order them online!

Veggie Brothers Founder, Michael Balducci, suffered from numerous illnesses, experienced fatigue and pain daily, and needed a solution. He recognized the need to change his diet and improve his health to create a permanent lifestyle change that would serve him well. However, he was frustrated with the taste of meatless prepared foods found in supermarkets and resorted to learning to cook dishes that were bland, boring and not enjoyed by others he knew.

Original article

Vegetarian Eating

The Shepherd's Pie is a brilliant, healthy alternative to the original, meat based version of the pie. Vegetarian dishes are becoming an increasingly popular option to the traditional meat oriented meals. This is due to the health, and other benefits of these meals. It is becoming increasingly apparent that obesity is becoming a big problem worldwide. A vegetarian diet could be one of the ways that an individual can control their weight.

There is more to the vegetarian diet than simply eating vegetables. There are many different types of vegetarian diets. The following are the most common:

1. Vegans, who avoid all foods of animal origin, including poultry, beef, fish, eggs and dairy products
2. Pescatarians avoid eating all animal flesh with the exception of fish. They eat eggs and dairy products. This diet is often adopted for health reasons
3. Lacto-vegetarians include dairy products in their diet, which would also include dairy products and eggs.
4. Raw Vegans, eats unprocessed vegan foods that have not been heated above a certain temperature (115 degrees F or 36 Degrees C). this is due to the belief that food cooked above this temperature has lost most of its nutritional value and could be harmful to the body

There are various reasons why someone may follow a vegetarian diet. There is the aforementioned health benefit. The diet could also be due to ethical, religious, environmental, economical, labour condition or demographical reasons.

The body's necessary nutrients can be sourced from other sources. Research has shown that the vegetarian tends to have beneficial health attributes such as lower cholesterol, lower risk of hypertension, heart disease, osteoporosis, renal disease, type 2 diabetes amongst other disorders.

The ethics surrounding the consumption of meat are usually based on the premises of the interests of the animal being eaten. The ethical opposition towards the consumption is more often than not divided into schools of thought, the act of killing in general, and the practices surrounding the production of meat.

Certain religions advocate vegetarianism. These include Seventh Day Adventists, Rastafaris, major sects of Hinduism and the Hare Krishnas. Most of these religions do not all out ban the consumption of meat, but in general hold up vegetarianism as an ideal.

Environmental proposition of vegetarianism stems from the concern that the rearing of animals for consumption is unsustainable. The concern is that the livestock industry is a major contributor to environmental degradation.

The author seeks to promote the niche idea of Vegetarian Shepherds Pies. Healthy living is an important achievable step for everyone. Visit him at http://vegetarianshepherdspie.net/

Original article

Vegetarian Health Benefits

Have you ever thought about becoming a vegetarian? Did you wonder about the benefits of being vegetarian? If you have been giving this some thought lately, you are not alone. As we age, our bodies change. We understand the importance of knowing about what we put in our bodies. So much information is available to us via multiple Medias that sometimes it is difficult to decipher the facts. Have you also noticed that health food stores are everywhere - from the small local stores to the large food chain? So wondering about the benefits of being a vegetarian is a natural progression for most people.

Becoming a Vegetarian

Becoming a vegetarian / vegan is a choice. Depending on what you choose to include and exclude from your diet, there are 5 main categories of vegetarianism

1. Ovovegetarian- this includes the consumption of eggs but not dairy products.

2. Lactovegetarian- this includes dairy products but not eggs.

3. Ovo-lactovegetarian(or lacto-ovo vegetarian) - this is a combination and includes animal/dairy products such as eggs, milk, and honey.

4. Vegan- this excludes all animal flesh and animal products, including milk, honey, and eggs, and may also exclude any products tested on animals, or any clothing from animals.

5. Raw vegan - this includes only eating fresh and uncooked fruit, nuts, seeds, and vegetables. Also, vegetables can only be cooked up to a certain temperature.

What are the Vegetarian Heath Benefits?

After you learn about the different types of Vegetarianism, you should consider the health benefits. This diet tends to lead you to consume higher levels of certain types of fiber than traditional diets as well as magnesium, folate, vitamins C and E, carotenoids and phytochemicals. Also studies have shown a positive link between eating a vegetarian diet and a reduced risk for multiple chronic diseases. In fact, the American Dietetic Association (ADA) affirms that, "appropriately planned vegetarian diets are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases."

If you decide on becoming a vegetarian, now what do you do about the food? You might feel the preparation of food for vegetarianism daunting, especially when you begin. There are great online companies that have delicious high quality prepared vegetarian meals which can be delivered right to your door! You can actually order all your meals this way from breakfast to dinner.

If you feel the benefits of being a vegetarian is the right choice for you, consider purchasing from an online vegetarian meal company to learn what you like and don't like. Then you can start using different ingredients and making your own vegan food at home. Its time to get healthier today!

Veggie Brothers Founder, Michael Balducci, suffered from numerous illnesses, experienced fatigue and pain daily, and needed a solution. He recognized the need to change his diet and improve his health to create a permanent lifestyle change that would serve him well. However, he was frustrated with the taste of meatless prepared foods found in supermarkets and resorted to learning to cook dishes that were bland, boring and not enjoyed by others he knew.

Original article

Why Become A Vegetarian?

You've probably asked yourself that one at one point in your life. As someone who's been a vegetarian for several years, as well as learned from world-class chefs and dietitians, there are several of valid reasons to make a fresh start and begin a plant-based diet.

A lot of people concerned about their well-being are searching for ways to get rid of unhealthy eating habits. By taking meat out of your diet, you are getting rid of a major source of saturated fat, cholesterol, and various other harmful elements. This doesn't include the chemicals that you take in by having meat in your diet. The animal processing industry uses various growth hormones, antibiotics, and other unnatural chemicals that you will wind up eating and processing through your body.

You can also take into account the environmental aspects. Research has proven that the level of harmful gases given off from the daily excrement of millions of factory-raised livestock is more harmful to the world than every car put together. Additionally, the dizzying amounts of feed necessary to feed the millions of head of livestock requires additional millions of pounds of pesticide and other chemicals, which can run off into drinking water.

One more element of the discussion over going vegetarian has to do with the less-than-humane ways animals are processed for eating. We like to think that chickens, pigs, cows, etc. that are raised for consumption lead pleasant lives, similar to how we treat our dogs and cats.

But the hard fact is that the majority of livestock are looked at as commodities and are treated as nothing more than a product; not sentient creatures. Realize that most livestock live in small boxes, often not allowed room to stand. They suffer from awful diseases and are kept viable so that they can make it to the slaughterhouse, where they are shocked, hit with electric bolt guns, have their throats slit, and some are even dumped into scalding water while still conscious.

The good news is that you can lead a healthy, ethical life by eating a meatless diet. Vegetarians often have lower incidences of disease, and several report feeling a higher level of focus and concentration all through the day.

And for the folks who are worried that all they will be eating is lettuce and soybeans, think again. You might be surprised to find out just how great a plant-based diet can taste. With a slate of delicious, simple, and quick cooking techniques, not to mention modern meat analogs and replacements, you will be more satisfied than ever before. This includes the once-in-awhile treats that will make you believe you're eating steak, grilled chicken, pepperoni pizza, and more.

Think about just how much change you could bring to the world and your own life by taking animals off your plate. You will most likely look great and feel even better, in addition to making a significant impact for the rest of the planet. Thanks for reading.

For more info on how to easily adopt a plant-based diet, visit Benjy Portnoy's WhyBecomeAVegetarian.com for articles, recipes, forums, restaurant guides, cookbook recommendations, and even a free email series on making the transition.

Feel free to reproduce this article online as long as this info and its links are included.

Original article

Three Vegetarian Dinner Recipes

Vegetarian dinner recipes are getting easier and easier to find now that many people are more focused on their available healthy choices. Vegetarians and meat eaters alike will love to add these three recipes into their general dinner recipes box. The following three recipes are tasty and quick to make. The three recipes are going to be a pizza, a curry, and a stroganoff, to show what kind of variety you can have when cooking vegetarian.

The first one is an Arugula and Goat Cheese Pizza. Many people have problems with the red sauce that comes standard on most pizza so this one has a pesto sauce instead, and this pizza is so so tasty with the fresh goat cheese and flavorful arugula.

ARUGULA AND GOAT CHEESE PIZZA

INGREDIENTS:

1 medium to large unbaked pizza crust

6 tablespoons pesto sauce

3 fresh roma tomatoes, thinly sliced

1 (8 oz) package seasoned goat cheese

2 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced

1 cup fresh arugula

1 teaspoon olive oil

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven according to pizza crust instructions.
Dab pesto onto the center of the crust and spread toward the outer edges. Cut goat cheese into thin coins, and crumble across the pizza. Arrange tomato slices over goat cheese. Sprinkle with garlic. Brush the edges of the crust lightly with the olive oil.
Place your pizza directly on preheated oven rack. Bake for 5 to 10 minutes but check frequently and take out when the crust edges are golden.
After removing pizza from the oven, allow to cool for a few minutes so that the feta has time to set, then cover the pizza with a few handfuls of arugula. Cut generous slices and serve.

This second recipe is an easy vegetarian curry. Once done, serve over rice or quinoa with a generous side of salad. This one is especially good if you have no garden or fresh produce nearby, as these ingredients are easily found at your local grocer.

AN EASY VEGETARIAN CURRY

INGREDIENTS:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves crushed garlic

2 1/2 tablespoons curry powder

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes

1 cube vegetable bouillon

1 (10 ounce) package frozen mixed vegetables

1 1/2 cups water

salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

DIRECTIONS:
Using a large saucepan over medium-high, heat oil and saute onion and garlic until golden.Stir in the curry powder and tomato paste, cook for 2 to 3 minutes.Stir in your tomatoes, the vegetable bouillon, frozen mixed vegetables, water, salt and pepper to taste.Cook for about 30 minutes until vegetables are well done (not crunchy).Sprinkle with the fresh cilantro prior to serving with rice or quinoa.

This last recipe is a stroganoff and has a rich sauce with the portobello mushrooms served over egg noodles.

PORTOBELLO MUSHROOM STROGANOFF

INGREDIENTS:

3 tablespoons butter

1 large onion, chopped

3/4 pound portobello mushrooms, sliced

1 1/2 cups vegetable broth

1 1/2 cups sour cream

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

8 ounces dried egg noodles

DIRECTIONS:
Bring large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Add the egg noodles and cook until al dente, about 7 minutes or follow the package instructions. Remove from heat, drain, and set aside.
While noodes are cooking, melt the butter in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook, stirring until softened. Turn heat up to medium-high and add sliced portobello mushrooms. Cook until mushrooms are limp and browned, then remove to a bowl and set aside.
In the same large skillet, stir in vegetable broth, being sure to get all browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Bring to a boil and cook until the mixture has reduced by 1/3. Reduce heat to low, and return the mushrooms and onion mixture to the skillet.
Remove the pan from the heat, stir together the sour cream and flour; then blend into the mushroom sauce. Return the skillet to the burner, and continue cooking over low heat just until the sauce thickens. Stir in the parsle, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve over cooked egg noodles.

These three vegetarian dinner recipes are sure to be enjoyed by all your family, and just check out the website as I will be adding these and other recipes to there on a further basis.

Tracy is a semi-vegetarian but has 4 other vegetarian family members that have to be cooked for daily. That is why I am always looking for vegetarian dinner recipes to test and share with others.

http://www.evegetarianrecipes.org/

Original article

Become a Vegetarian

Parents often tell children to finish their vegetables because it is good for them. The truth is that vegetables are good for everyone. In fact, some people live on them alone. Becoming a vegetarian can help you become healthier, help with weight loss, keep animals and the environment safe and so much more. Although it may take some effort, becoming a vegetarian is not really very difficult.

The first step to becoming a vegetarian is finding a good reason to do so. This is something that shouldn't be taken too lightly. Changing your eating habits can really have a big effect, so you need to consider why you are doing it. Wanting to become healthier, caring for animals and others are often good reasons. Those with good reasons are often able to stick to this change better than those without solid intentions.

The next thing to do is read up and do some research. There are different levels of being a vegetarian and it takes different amounts of effort. Find out what it is all about and what you need to know about it. By learning these things you can brace yourself for what you are about to take on. It will also help you clear any questions that you might have and offer a good amount of guidance for you as well. During this time it will be good to look for forums or support groups which you can turn to during the process of becoming a vegetarian.

Once you've been able to find reasons and gather the information you need, goal setting is up next. While some people go cold turkey and just switch to vegetables suddenly it may be better to go for a gradual change. Set your goals for each week and cut back on your meat consumption slowly. You can start by eliminating one type of meat a week. This will help you get a feel of things without jumping into it too quickly. At the same time, meeting each goal will give you a drive to go further and do more.

Lastly, don't forget to try out new vegetarian recipes. This will help you expand your menu and let you discover new dishes. By finding new things to eat you do not feel deprived and will not be tempted to switch back to old eating habits. This can also be incorporated with your goals.

If you set your goals publicly it can help to keep your goals on track. Our goal setting website, Solid Goals, is ideal for this.

Original article