As you know, one of the things that I am interested in doing this year is eating in a way that manifests and sustains my energy (because parenting the spirited child that is Happy requires a whole lot of energy) and improves my wellness. I’ve tried to up my fruit and veggie intake and I am doing better with that but I am thinking that I might do even better with it if I spent a concentrated amount of time just eating vegetarian. So I am going to do a vegetarian focus with my diet for two weeks. On the other side of it, I am hoping that I’ll have learned more ways to eat a balanced diet and that I’ll also be inclined to go vegetarian more often than I do now just because I’ll be out of the mindset of thinking “meat and two sides” with my meals. We do a fair amount of vegetarian now– I rarely eat meat for breakfast or lunch and we have at least 2 vegetarian dinners a week but this will just push the envelope a bit further. This week, I’m doing lots of reading (although some of the books I wanted from the library are on a wait list) and planning to figure out the two week span (I am thinking about starting as early as this coming Monday) and the meals that I’ll make during that two week span. BF and Happy can still have their normal diet (although Happy isn’t really all that interested in meat but he can still have what he wants which will likely include some egg and dairy like yogurt), but I’ll be making vegetarian dinners for myself and whoever wants to share them.
Got any great vegetarian recipes to share? Advice to give? Books to suggest? Bring it on (especially recipes). I’m filling up my head.
Beans, beans, beans! There are so many varieties of dried beans and taking the time to make a big pot can really help with meals for the week (especially since you might be making two different dinners instead of the usual one). Plus they are very filling and a great source of protein. Combine with rice and you’ll have all the proteins you need to stay healthy. Bon Appetit had a great piece on white beans (cannellini) back in October. Here are links to a couple of the recipes from it (note that the first recipe is just a basic recipe that gets the beans ready for use elsewhere: salads, soups, sides, etc):
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Cannellini-Beans-with-Garlic-and-Sage-355216
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/White-Bean-and-Pasta-Soup-355200
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Slow-Cooked-Tomato-and-Herb-White-Beans-355555
YAY! I love this post! Right now I am working on limiting my consumption of animal products to twice a week (my beloved cheese is the only stumbling block to becoming fully vegan!)
I really like Isa Chandra Moskowitz’s newish cookbook “Veganomicon”, and her cookie book makes my life a happy place. She also has recipes on her blog http://www.theppk.com/blog/. I also hear good things about “Viva Vegan” by Terry Hope Romero.
For me, the most important thing is mindful eating. “Diet for a New America” by John Robbins set me on the path back in college. Jonathon Safran Foer’s book “Eating Animals” also looks like a good read.
Happy eating!!
I’m a huge fan of Heidi Swanson’s blog 101cookbooks.com and her cookbook Super Natural Cooking. All the recipes are vegetarian, and the flavors are phenomenal. Plus, she explores lots of different grains, veggies, etc. so the meals are never boring and always super nutritious. Can’t say enough good things about Heidi…she completely altered the way I think about cooking!
So happy to have found your blog and look forward to reading more!
You ladies are incredible. I have printed the recipes and asked the library for the books you suggested (and they don’t have holds so I should get them in the next day or two). Hooray!
Also, my friend Isha is a great foodie and cook and she suggested these recipes, too, for others who are looking for vegetarian fare:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/mediterranean-farro-salad-recipe/index.html
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Poblano-Potato-and-Corn-Gratin-357891
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/zucchini-and-goat-cheese-crustless-quiche-recipe/index.html
Keep the ideas, input coming! I’ll do regular food updates during this span with recipes, things that worked and didn’t, etc. I’m already feeling more energetic!
I really enjoy the Sundays at Moosewood cookbook, which has a variety of vegetarian recipes (some more authentic than others, as the authors would tell you 🙂 from various places and cultures around the world: Finland, Chile, Japan, India, New England, Armenia, the Caribbean, North Africa, Southern U.S., and so on. Lots of soup recipes, which might not be so helpful in the summer, but are good for the winter! I found it particularly useful as I was trying to use up CSA vegetables this summer, since they incorporate a wide variety of vegetables in their recipes: Some of their recipes can be found here: http://www.moosewoodrestaurant.com/recipes_archive.html
I also know of several people who really enjoy the Simply in Season cookbook (though I’m not sure if it’s fully vegetarian). That might be another one to check out, especially with summer approaching. Good luck!
OMG – while I could never give up meat altogether, I do love a good veggie meal every once in a while.
I love this site:
http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/
I’ve made about 3 or 4 of her eggplant and/or tofu dishes and they’re easy and delicious. Due to limited grocery options and because I’m not vegan, I don’t quite go as vegan as she does, but the recipes are great starting points!
Check it out! The food is delish!