As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve been a vegetarian (and vegetarian society member) for many, many years and I now enjoy growing my own produce in the garden and reaping the benefits of this kind of lifestyle choice.
I’m planning to add a section of my favourite vegetarian recipes to HardToBeet.com, but in the meantime, here’s a video by Manjula demonstrating how to make delicious Chola (Chana Masala) — that’s Indian vegetarian curry!
Do I miss eating meat?
Rarely.
I’ve found that there are many excellent quorn, tofu and other alternatives that taste excellent, although you sometimes have to be a little more creative with your recipes and dishes.
That’s no problem as I’m growing over thirty different fruits, vegetables and herbs – I’ve got lots to choose from!
Also, it seems like I’m not on my own: vegetarianism is the fastest growing trend in the Western world.
Vegetarian Diet Facts
Here are a few facts that might prove enlightening about a vegetarian diet and lifestyle:
- Giving up meat will decrease your risk of heart attack and cancer
- 500,000 animals are killed for meat EVERY HOUR in the US. Have a look at vernoncoleman.com and the rest of Vernon’s website for some eye-opening observations about our screwed up world
- The vast majority of food poisoning stems from eating meat
- A vegetarian diet provide EVERYTHING that your body needs nutritionally (but how many of you have heard the opposite story? Enlightening, isn’t it?)
- There are starving African countries that actually export grain to the West (to feed animals) instead of using it to feed their own people. There is no need for a global food shortage. For example, one hundred acres of land can produce enough wheat to feed over 240 people, as compared to feeding only 20 people with beef!
- Do you know what can be included in ‘meat’? Spinal cord, rectum, head, tail, feet or ground up intestines anyone?
- Millions of male chicks (only one day old) are slaughtered every single day
- It’s easier to maintain your weight and stay slim on a vegetarian diet
- Meat can contain antibiotics and tranquilisers
- Many top athletes are vegetarian
Despite these eye-opening facts, our society seems to frown on vegetarianism and it always surprises me how hostile certain sections of the press, TV (and, in fact, friends and neighbours!), can be when discussing the subject. It surprises me because I rarely mention the fact (this page is the exception) but folks just seem to turn defensive: “Oh, I rarely eat meat these days… never red meat… only chicken and tuna”!
Whatever the reason, it certainly produces a strong reaction in some people and, I guess, it’s because it gets them to re-evaluate their impact on the world.
How To Get the Best Nutrition
I mentioned earlier that a vegetarian diet can provide all your body’s nutritional needs (whether you are an adult or child). Whilst this is perfectly true, you also need to plan your meals quite carefully in order to ensure that you get a variety of different food types.
A simple rule of thumb is to eat the following:
- Grains: 6 servings
- Nuts and legumes, etc (for protein): 5 servings
- Vegetables: 4 servings
- Fruits: 2 servings
- Fats: 2 servings
Basically, try to eat a variety of different foods. Vegans need to pay attention to vitamin B12 and calcium but there are ways around this (such as fortified foods, soy products and even supplements).
In a nutshell (sorry!), “Variety is the spice of life.”
Becoming a Vegetarian
Maybe you’re not a vegetarian at present but are contemplating becoming one or maybe you’re simply wanting to reduce your meat intake.
The key here is to change gradually. Increase the number of meat-free meals each week and try converting your favourite meals into veggie ones (like vegetarian chili con carne, for example). Also, grab a few veggie cookbooks or search the internet (there are thousands of tasty recipes online). Don’t neglect slightly more exotic or ethnic cuisine as well.
Don’t forget to visit Manjula’s Kitchen for more tasty dishes – she really is the ‘bees knees’ when it comes to Indian cuisine!
Alan
