Going more vegetarian and keeping it interesting

This post was inspired by my friend Trudy who messaged me a few weeks ago (sorry so late Truds) saying that meat is being eliminated from her diet and she wants to know how to keep it interesting. I applaud her for taking this initiative for her and her family. So I have given it some thought and here is what I put together.

*Don't be afraid to experiment (my friend told me she tried currying chick peas also known as garbanzo beans) and this is exactly what I mean. Like curry+like chick peas experiment! Bring together a medley of vegetables and legumes (beans, beans, lentils) season to taste and dinner is served.
*If you are weaning yourself off of meat then you can always reduce the amount of meat used in the recipe and add some of your favorite legumes. Lentils and peas e.g. gungo are great for this. Lentils will maintain the meatiness and add its own unique depth to the flavors.
*Herbs&Spices are now your best friend thyme, cloves, pimento, scotch bonnet, garlic, allspice, nutmeg, are just a few sure to make any vegetarian or vegan dish leave you wanting more. Back to the experimenting jerk seasoning maybe added to your baked in the oven veggies too.
*Turn some of your fave meat dishes vegetarian some ones that come to mind are stewpeas, brownstew, escovitch and rundown substitute the meat, poultry or fish with broad bean, red peas,gungo are just some ideas. Whatever dishes you enjoy substitute legumes, peas, beans or lentils for the meat and you will be 'good to go'
*Make grocery shopping however often you go an adventure. Pick one new fruit or veggie to add to your menu. A new spice or herb may also be something you want to try.

Websites are also there to help you if you need some inspiration- allrecipes.com, eatingwell.com and foodbuzz.com are some I utilize. The meatless Monday website is also chock full of meatless meal ideas. I hope these tips are helpful and feel free to send your questions and or concerns at anytime! This was a great question. Thank you.

I will do another posts focusing more on fruits and another on combinations of grains and peas and bean that can be used to meet nutrient needs for the the next installment of going vegetarian or vegan.

di june plum