20 Easy And Hearty Meatless Recipes You'll Actually Want To Eat (2024)

FAQs

What is the best food for non meat eaters? ›

To get the most out of a vegetarian diet, choose a variety of healthy plant-based foods. These include whole fruits and vegetables and whole grains. Nuts and legumes, such as lentils, beans and peanuts, also are considered healthy plant-based foods. At the same time, cut back on less healthy choices.

And people who don't eat meat, called vegetarians, generally eat fewer calories and less fat. They also tend to weigh less. And they have a lower risk of heart disease than nonvegetarians do. Research shows that people who eat red meat are at a higher risk of death from heart disease, stroke or diabetes.

Protein rich plant foods

Some whole foods, such as beans, lentils, chickpeas, and mushrooms, contain protein or have a meaty texture and can work well as meat substitutes. Food manufacturers often include these types of food in their vegetarian and vegan products.

Energy Loss. You may feel tired and weak if you cut meat out of your diet. That's because you're missing an important source of protein and iron, both of which give you energy. The body absorbs more iron from meat than other foods, but it's not your only choice.

While a plant-based diet can definitely be nutritionally complete, transitioning from eating meat may require some added effort to avoid a shortage of calories, protein, and micronutrients. If you go meat free, Levy-Wollins recommends regular doctor visits and lab work to monitor nutritional needs and any deficiencies.

Eat beans, pulses, eggs and other sources of protein

Pulses are particularly important for people who don't get protein by eating meat, fish or dairy products. Other non-dairy sources of protein include eggs and meat alternatives, such as tofu, mycoprotein (such as Quorn), textured vegetable protein and tempeh.

Cereals and grains

Wholegrain breads, rice and pasta have more protein, fibre and iron than white versions. Brown rice with beans, or bread with hummus or nut butter, can give you as much protein as a piece of meat.

If your child is vegetarian or does not like to eat meat (e.g., beef, pork, goat), chicken, turkey or fish, offer alternatives such as eggs, peanut butter, tofu, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds and soy-based meat substitutes. These foods have similar nutrients and will help your child meet their nutritional needs.

Beans and Legumes

Plant-based burgers (think Beyond Meat and Impossible) are trendy, but you don't have to go that route to get the same amount of protein in your next meatless meal. Cooked legumes such as beans, chickpeas, and lentils can be swapped for a lot of ground beef recipes.

Meatless Monday is a movement that encourages eliminating meat one day a week and eventually shifting towards more plant-based foods. The campaign was started in 2003 by Sid Lerner, who found that Monday is the day people are most open to making positive changes.

Are eggs ok on meatless Monday? ›

To stick to that, you wouldn't want red meat, pork, chicken, turkey and any high-fat dairy (whole milk or cheese) on your Monday menu. Limit eggs to 1 per day. This isn't a no-protein initiative though; fish and seafood high in omega-3 fats -- such as tuna and salmon -- are encouraged since they help lower cholesterol.

Eat beans, pulses, eggs and other sources of protein

Pulses are particularly important for people who don't get protein by eating meat, fish or dairy products. Other non-dairy sources of protein include eggs and meat alternatives, such as tofu, mycoprotein (such as Quorn), textured vegetable protein and tempeh.

Intake and status of vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, zinc, iodine, calcium and bone turnover markers were generally lower in plant-based dietary patterns compared to meat-eaters. Vegans had the lowest vitamin B12, calcium and iodine intake, and also lower iodine status and lower bone mineral density.

A vegetarian diet focuses on getting nutrients from plants, rather than from meat, poultry, or fish. There are many plant-based sources of protein to choose from, including legumes, grains, nuts, seeds, tofu, and nutritional yeast.

High-protein vegetarian foods include beans, nuts, seeds, lentils, eggs, dairy products, and soy foods (such as tempeh, tofu, and edamame). Opting for complex carbs. These fullness-boosting foods include whole grains, starchy vegetables, fruits, and legumes. Watching your portions of high-calorie foods.