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Fresh Start : Vegging Out

1.27.2014

6831976780_1c563558f9Y’all, our Fresh Start series will continue this week!! I was unable to post today’s last week the day I was out for my back and I’ve also thought I’d share a few other fun posts, like my goals for 2014 and my home binder. Today, I’m thrilled to have Brit Tucker, founder of Landlocked Bride blog and vegetarian sharing her thoughts on going meatless one day a week! It has been something Tyler and I have wanted to do, to save a few bucks each week and give our bellies a little break, but we’ve never been able to do it! I’m so excited to hear Brit’s tips!!

landlocked-bride_300As a vegetarian for more than three years, I was beyond excited when Valerie asked me to share a few ideas and tips on how to cut meat out once a week. I love helping out friends and family members looking to switch it up. I get that not everyone wants to become a vegetarian, but making conscious decisions about the food you eat and the environment are an awesome way to start to take control over your health.

I realize that the idea of eliminating meat from your diet can be quite scary. Let’s be honest, as Americans, meat is often the central piece of nearly every meal. Think about it – bacon and sausage for breakfast; turkey on your sandwich for lunch, and a steak for dinner.

So, let’s talk about how easy it is to actually cut meat out just one day a week. Doing so will not only force you to think more creatively about your meals each week, but might even convince you to try cutting out meat more than one day a week.

So, how can you do it?

Meal plan. Whether you’re single, married with no kids, or a family of four, meal planning makes figuring out what to eat each day incredibly easy. It’s extremely crucial as you begin to map out what your non-meat meals look like.

And, given that for an entire day you’ll be avoiding chicken, pork, beef, and seafood, you’ll want to know what you need to shop for.  It all boils down to setting yourself up for success.

The Internet is your friend. No, really. Blogs like Meatless Monday and Peas and Thank You are great resources for not just meatless meals, but meatless meals that your kids will love, too.

Some of my favorite recipes include Roasted Chickpea Tacos, Broccoli Soup with Parmesan Crostini, Blueberry Orange Yogurt, Black Bean and Corn Topped Potatoes, and Avocado, Mozzarella, and Tomato Grilled Cheese.

It’s okay to fail. Sometimes you might make a meal that just totally flops. But, that’s okay. Because the beauty of it all is that sometimes you try out a new recipe (that includes meat) and it flops.

However, if you’re really afraid of cooking up a not-so-delicious meal, try to find recipes that use ingredients you already enjoy. In other words, don’t pick a recipe that uses kohlrabe.

Think seasonally. Fresh tomatoes do not grow in December in the U.S. So, it’s best to avoid eating a ton of them right now in the middle of winter. Instead, think about what’s in season, and use that as your inspiration. It’s winter now, so what’s in season? Broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts.

Now, I realize some of these are not the most kid-friendly veggies, but now is the time to be introducing those kiddos to something new. It takes at least 10 tries of something before they’ll begin to like it. So, keep trying. And, opt to switch up the preparation method each time. Or, do what Jessica Seinfeld does, and hide it in something.

And, no helpful post on going meatless is complete without a few honest thoughts:

It’ll take some time until meal planning and going meatless becomes easier. I’ll be honest – those first few weeks might be tough.

Use this as an opportunity to get your kids or significant other in the kitchen with you. Make it a group activity.

Have fun!

Have you recently gone meatless? What are some of your favorite meat-free dishes?

12This post is a part of the FRESH START series. A three-week series to get you ready for 2014. Each week will have a different theme, mind, home and body. 

Previous Posts:

Intro | Goal Making | Using the Powersheets | Become a Reader | A Morning Ritual  | Creating White Space | An Inspiring Space | Contentment Challenge | Managing Finances | Breathing Easy | Get Moving | Get Juicing | Skin & Hair Recharge | Spruce the Wardrobe

Cabbage | Brit

 

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