Growing up, my family lived way out in the country. I mentioned in a previous article how it took us about an hour just to drive to the grocery store. Did I say we were rural? We also were poor and if you grew up country, as we did, the first thing you realize is that the poor folks usually have massive gardens. So did we. In fact, we almost always ran two gardens, when I was a kid. We used one garden for things like tomatoes, green beans, peas, lettuce, and a few other things. The second garden was more for staples like potatoes, onions, and such. My sister and I were the free, manual labor for tending those gardens. We were there dropping seeds in the rows my father tilled or planting seedlings in holes we created with our hands.
As a kid and like most kids, veggies were not my favorite. Maybe it’s as the fact that my parents had been born in the boomer generation and the main way most people cooked back them was to boil the ever loving fuck out of what was in the pot. Or maybe it was the fact my father was not much for seasonings. Even pepper could be too much for him, at times. All of that aside, I did grow to like a great many vegetables, as a kid. But never would I have thought I would become a vegetarian.
Have you ever thought about giving vegetarianism a whirl? It’s like being an explorer, but instead of jungles, you’re discovering a whole new world of delicious plant-based eats! Don’t worry, ditching meat doesn’t mean ditching flavor. Buckle up, because we’re about to make vegetarianism as easy and fun as building a blanket fort (with snacks, of course!). Let’s take a look at Veggie Vibes: Your Easy Guide to Plant-Powered Eating!
- Why go veggie?
- Stepping into the Veggie Garden: Let’s Make it Easy!
- Stepping into the Veggie Garden: Let’s Make it Easy!
- Fueling your fantastic veggie body!
- Recipe Time! Let’s Get Cooking!
- Remember, You got this!
Why go veggie?
There are tons of reasons to join the veggie crew! Maybe you want to help animals, be kinder to the planet, or fuel your body with awesome plant power. Whatever your reason, know this: you’re making a cool choice!
Becoming a vegetarian isn’t just about the food, though the veggie burgers and creamy pastas are pretty awesome! There are tons of cool reasons to join the plant-powered party:
- Superhero Strength: Veggies are bursting with vitamins and minerals that fuel your body and mind,making you feel strong and energized, just like your favorite superhero!
- Happy Animals: Choosing veggies means happier lives for animals, which feels good and makes the world a kinder place. You might even earn yourself some grateful animal pats (virtually, of course)!
- Saving the Planet: Eating less meat helps protect our planet by reducing pollution and conserving precious water. Think of yourself as an eco-warrior, saving the planet with every bite!
- Delicious Discoveries: The veggie world is bursting with vibrant flavors and exciting textures. Get ready to explore new foods, experiment with spices, and create culinary masterpieces that will make your taste buds do a happy dance!
- Feeling Fantastic: Studies show that vegetarians often have lower risks of certain health problems,like heart disease and diabetes. So, by going veggie, you’re not just helping others, you’re taking care of yourself too!
Stepping into the Veggie Garden: Let’s Make it Easy!
Stepping into the Veggie Garden: Let’s Make it Easy!
Imagine your taste buds taking on a veggie adventure, not a Mount Everest expedition! Becoming a vegetarian doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing switch that leaves you feeling lost in a forest of unfamiliar ingredients. It’s more like a choose-your-own-path journey through a vibrant farmers market. There are plenty of ways that you can ease into becoming a vegetarian and see what works best for you. This isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress! Each bite is a delicious step towards a healthier, happier you and a planet that will high-five you with sunshine and rainbows (okay, maybe just less pollution). So, ditch the pressure and grab your veggie passport – the adventure awaits! You might even surprise yourself with how much you love the journey and the amazing flavors you discover along the way.
Going veggie shouldn’t feel like a massive change to your lifestyle. Here are some chill tips to make your journey smooth:
- Baby Steps: Don’t jump in like a superhero landing. Start with “Meatless Mondays,” or try replacing meat in familiar dishes with veggie crumbles or tofu.
- Be a Recipe Detective: The internet is your treasure trove! Find vegetarian versions of your favorite meals or explore exciting new recipes.
- Spice Up Your Life: Herbs and spices are flavor champions! Experiment with different combos to turn simple dishes into taste bud fiestas.
- Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Enlist your family and friends to join the veggie adventure. Sharing meals and making it a group effort is super fun!
- Don’t Sweat the Slips: We all have them! If you accidentally eat meat, don’t stress. Just get back on track for the next meal.
Fueling your fantastic veggie body!
Remember, variety is key! Make sure you’re getting enough protein from beans, lentils, nuts, eggs (if you eat them), and dairy (if you eat it). Fruits and veggies are packed with vitamins and minerals, so fill your plate with their colorful goodness!
Since we brought up the topic, how can you best get protein as a vegetarian? There are a lot of misconceptions out there that being vegetarian or vegan means you have to skip on protein but that just is not the case anymore.
Worried about protein as a vegetarian? Relax, protein powerhouses are hiding in plain sight! Beans, lentils, and chickpeas are protein champions, packing a punch in soups, stews, and veggie burgers. Don’t forget tofu, tempeh, and seitan – versatile plant-based proteins that can mimic your favorite meaty textures. Nuts and seeds are protein pockets you can sprinkle on anything or blend into creamy nut butters. Even dairy and eggs (if you choose to include them) are protein sources. Remember, variety is key! Mix and match these plant-powered options throughout your day, and you’ll be fueling your body like a pro, no meat required.
Maybe you are finding that all hard to believe, I did, also, when I first started. But here is a tidbit for you. My boyfriend makes muffins that have more protein in them than many hamburgers. With the simple addition of things like pea or whey protein, you can bulk up any recipe that is lacking in protein.
Recipe Time! Let’s Get Cooking!
Now for the best part: delicious, easy recipes to jumpstart your veggie journey!
1. Rainbow Veggie Quesadillas:
Ingredients:
- tortillas
- black beans
- salsa
- bell peppers (different colors!),
- spinach
- cheese (optional)
- avocado slices
Instructions: - Mash the black beans with some salsa.
- Sauté the bell peppers and spinach.
- Warm tortillas
- Spread on bean mixture, add veggies and cheese (if using).
- Fold and cook until golden and melty.
- Top with avocado slices. Yum!
2. Power-Packed Pasta Primavera:
Ingredients:
- pasta
- broccoli florets
- cherry tomatoes
- peas
- garlic
- olive oil
- parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper.
Instructions: - Cook pasta according to package directions.
- Steam broccoli and peas.
- Sauté garlic in olive oil,
- add tomatoes and cook until softened.
- Combine pasta, veggies, and sauce.
- Top with parmesan, salt, and pepper. Veggie magic!
3. Cheesy Bean and Corn Dip Fiesta:
Ingredients:
- black beans
- corn (canned or frozen)
- salsa
- chopped red onion
- cilantro
- lime juice
- shredded cheese
- tortilla chips.
Instructions: - Mash black beans with some salsa.
- Combine with corn, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice.
- Top with cheese and serve with tortilla chips.
- Dive in and celebrate your veggie win!
4. Super Smoothie Blast-Off!:
Ingredients:
- frozen banana
- frozen berries
- spinach (hidden superpower!)
- plant-based milk
- yogurt (optional)
- honey (optional)
- For extra protein you can add Spiru-tein or your favorite protein powder
Instructions: - Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust sweetness with honey if needed.
- Enjoy your vitamin-packed blast-off!
Remember, You got this!
Going veggie is an awesome adventure, and you’re the hero of this story! With these tips and recipes, you’re all set to embark on a delicious and rewarding journey. So grab your veggie cape, put on a smile, and get ready to explore the amazing world of plant-powered eating! Remember, every bite counts, and you’re making a difference with every delicious decision. Now go forth and conquer those taste buds!
Have you considered becoming vegetarian? What was your driving force behind it? Have you started the journey or are you still a little nervous over the change? Did this article help you with any of your fears or has it made you want to become vegetarian more? Drop me a line in the comments below and share your journey of becoming a vegetarian or why you wont become one.
Hey! Thank you all again for making GayintheCLE what it is. Each of you who visits the site and takes a few moments to read an article is why I do this. To share information and fun that can, hopefully, take you out of your day, even for just a little bit. You all are the reason I do this. Thank you!!
Gay in the CLE 