It seems like everyone is on a health kick these days. It has been shown that meatless living can be good for you. Here is an easy way for even the diehard meat eater to try a meatless meal and give their digestive system a break once a week.
Why go meatless?
Here in the western world we have been raised on meat. We love meat. But, meat is not what it used to be and has over time become harder and harder for our bodies to digest. In my opinion, the best you can do is to eat the free range beef and chicken but that is expensive and is hard to fit into the American budget. Below are a few reasons why you should give a meatless meal a try from time to time.
- It will give your digestive system a break
- It is less expensive
- It will give your body healthy nutrients some of which help decrease heart disease
- It's just plain good for you!
What is a meatless meal?
This seems to be the million dollar question. A lot of people look at vegetarians and vegans as strange and therefore don't realize that a lot of the foods they eat are already meatless. For the purpose of the following list of examples the vegetarian model of eating will be used as it allows milk products and eggs.
- Macaroni and cheese
- Beans and Rice
- Cheese enchiladas
- Potato Salad
- Cheesy eggs, hashbrowns and toast
- Bagels and cream cheese
- Green beans and new potatoes
- Grilled cheese on rye
This list is nothing compared to the possibilities. Most people probably have a meatless meal a day and don't even realize it. But one may say, “ What about tacos, meatloaf, spaghetti with meat balls?” As luck would have it, these very dishes can also be made meatless without a difference in taste. I have made each of the above mentioned by substituting textured vegetable protein made to simulate ground beef for the beef itself. You can find these products in any grocery store.
The really good thing about using these hamburger substitutes is that, one, there is no extra grease and two, the preparation and cooking of the “meat” takes a lot less time than using real hamburger. As for the taste, I can't tell the difference, just a lot less grease to upset my stomach.
By no means am I trying to convert the world. Do yourself a favor, try a meatless meal a week and see how you feel!
