What kind of things should a newbie vegetarian eat?

My mother told me that I never really ate meat as I was growing up. The only meat I would it would be cold meats (ham, balogna), hotdogs and chicken nuggets. So for me to go off of meat is super easy.

I have been vegetarian for 4 years, and before that I only ate chicken and fish. I eat a lot of falafel and tofu, great protein sources. Things like broccoli and spinach are good for iron and protein too. You don’t have to miss out on burgers and hot dogs cause’ they make vegetarian burger patties and vegetarian ‘sausages’. You can make your own patties too, try mixing egg (if you’re not vegan) breadcrumbs, chickpeas, spinach, salt, curry powder, corn, and anything else you want into a thick mixture. Adding flour will make the patties have a bit of a scone effect which is good if you were just having the pattie to eat because it makes it more filling. Just make sure you are eating vegetables everyday, and make sure you don’t start eating lots of junk food. Don’t be lazy- making crackers with avocado and tomato only takes a minute and it better than a packet of chips (AND YUMMIER!!!!!). I’d actually suggest keeping fish in your diet, even just for a while as Colleen suggested to ‘wean’ yourself off meat. Fish is a fantastic source of omega 3, protein and all other kinds of great vitamins for your body. It also really widens the range of what you can eat.

The hardest thing, for me, not eating meat, is that vegetarian meals cost quite a lot. But if you take the time to prepare foods as opposed to buying pre-made food, you’ll save money!

try making some HOMEMADE soup and salads (all homemade) because homemade is healthier and has less calories and sodium?!

I don’t eat fish unless it’s a fish felae and I don’t even eat those anymore (since I don’t go to McDonald’s)

why dont you go to mcdonalds (:???

Tofu, and veggies. It depends how strong willed you are. I’m vegan but to get here I had to be vegetarian for a couple monthS.

I suggest eating all the things you love with meat substitutes or more vegetables, you can also just gradually stop like have it maybe once a day and then once a week or whatever. But like for lasagna and pizza and sandwiches and stuff there are alternatives that if you buy the right brand taste exactly the same or pretty darn close. I don’t really miss anything except for chicken balls and fried chicken every once in a while because there are no alternatives for that.. yet! If you have anymore questions i’d be happy to help you out with them :)

MEAT! lot’s of meat :D

Spinach salad.

Ingredients 1 tablespoon butter 3/4 cup almonds, blanched and slivered 1 pound spinach, rinsed and torn into bite-size pieces 1 cup dried cranberries 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds 1 tablespoon poppy seeds 1/2 cup white sugar 2 teaspoons minced onion 1/4 teaspoon paprika 1/4 cup white wine vinegar 1/4 cup cider vinegar 1/2 cup vegetable oil Directions In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Cook and stir almonds in butter until lightly toasted. Remove from heat, and let cool. In a large bowl, combine the spinach with the toasted almonds and cranberries. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sugar, onion, paprika, white wine vinegar, cider vinegar, and vegetable oil. Toss with spinach just before serving. xxxxxxx French onion soup Ingredients 1 cup butter 6 onions, thinly sliced 1 tablespoon dried thyme ground black pepper to taste 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour 8 cups water 2 cups dry white wine 1/2 cup soy sauce 4 tablespoons honey 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese Directions Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and thyme, season with pepper. Cover and cook until onions are translucent, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes. Cook until they are brown and caramelized, another 10 minutes. Add flour to onions and stir until browned, scraping bottom of pan for about 5 minutes. Mix in water, wine, soy sauce, and honey. Bring to boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until soup is slightly thickened, about 1 1/2 hours. Add shredded Swiss cheese, stir till melted. Serve with French bread. xxxxx Vegetarian Chili Ingredients 1 (12 ounce) package frozen burger-style crumbles 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained 2 (15 ounce) cans dark red kidney beans 1 (15 ounce) can light red kidney beans 1 (29 ounce) can diced tomatoes 1 (12 fluid ounce) can tomato juice 5 onions, chopped 3 tablespoons chili powder 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cumin 1 tablespoon garlic powder 2 bay leaves salt and pepper to taste Directions In a large pot, combine meat substitute, black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato juice, onions, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, bay leaves, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cover. Let the chili simmer for at least 1 hour before serving. Some ideas of what to cook if you want to do without meat.

Im getting 14 in june and i have been a vegeterian for 5 years ! . I just dont eat meat . Thats just all .

I would go with veginurgers, sautéed mushrooms, fruits and vegetables, vitamins are a must, and you should get a vegitariAn cook book! I love mine, even though I’m not a vegetarian :))

vegetables