A vegetarian diet is healthy; some people think it is not because vegetarians do not intake the correct amount of protein. You just need to go about it the RIGHT way. I became a vegetarian about 2 years ago, and it’s one of the best decisions I made. I feel healthier and more energetic. A vegetarian diet is good for you because many vegetarian foods are lower in calories, trans fats, saturated fats, cholesterol, and can give you more sustainable energy (from nuts, seeds, whole grains). The American Heart Association explains more on vegetarianism. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4777.
If you just CAN’T give up the meats, that is ok. Stick with skin-less chicken (grilled, not fried), fish, and lean meats, but don’t forget your fruits and veggies! Speaking of veggies, I have a delicious Vegetarian Chili recipe for you! If you’re not into meat-less options, I promise you will forget this chili is meat-less. I joined two different recipes (meatlessmondays.com, allrecipes.com) and then added a few things myself. I make it about once a week, and even my meat-loving household enjoys it:)
Ingredients:
- 2 cans crushed tomatoes
- 2-3 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 2 tsp. oregano
- salt and pepper (optional; use sea salt)
- 1/2-1 tsp creole seasoning (depends how spicy you like it!)
- 1 can red kidney beans
- 1 can garbanzo beans
- 1 can black beans
- 1 can whole corn
- 1 sweet onion
- 2-4 sticks of celery
- 1 green pepper
- 1 pack meatless-ground (Kroger, Trader Joe’s, Whole foods)
- vegetable stock
- 2-3 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1.) Saute onions, celery, and green pepper in a skillet with a little extra virgin olive oil. Saute until golden brown.
2.) While your veggies are cookin’ in the skillet, rinse beans and corn in a strainer then dump into a 5 quart pot.
3.) Add the rest of your ingredients (including celery, onions, and pepper) into the pot; Mix in vegetable stock last. Pour it in slowly. (If you want thicker chili, add less stock. For thinner chili, add the whole can, why not).
4.) Mix your chili well, then cook it on the stove top on MEDIUM heat for 1 hour-1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
5.) Finally, eat and enjoy:) It serves 8-10 people. It’s great with low-fat cheese and lite sour cream! If you like it spicy, hot sauce works out great.
This is a low-fat, high fiber, high protein meal. With the meatless ground, it tastes just like meat! You won’t even know the difference. When I make a pot of this recipe, it lasts my household all week. It’s a cheap meal too! I usually find the cans of beans and corn for 70 cents or less at Kroger, and the meatless ground is less than $3 at Trader Joes. If you have any questions, feel free to ask! Now eat up and enjoy!
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