Curious about a vegetarian or vegan diet, but still like eating meat? Going meat-less, (as opposed to giving it up entirely) can still help you reap the environmental and nutritional benefits that come with a more plant-forward way of eating.
Research has shown many benefits to adopting a “flexitarian” way of eating, or as I like to call it – going meat-less.
Flexitarian diet patterns are linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. Studies of populations known for longevity tend to eat a diet that includes animal foods but in moderate amounts. Additionally, reducing meat consumption helps preserve natural resources by using fewer fossil fuels, farmland, and water.
Tips on Moderating Your Meat Consumption
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Blend in mushrooms
Mix chopped mushrooms with ground meat in your favorite meatloaf, burger, or meatball recipes. It adds moisture, umami flavor, and tons of B vitamins. For added flavor, roast the mushrooms first. Start by swapping ¼ of the meat for mushrooms, then increase to half.
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Put an egg on it
Top an easy meatless meal with a fried or poached egg for some extra protein. Eggs are a great source of protein, plus they contain choline and lutein, two nutrients that are important for cognitive function. Try an egg over roasted vegetables tossed with pasta, sautéed beans, and spinach; or a simple hash of sweet potato and zucchini.
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Try tofu – it’s not as scary as you think
Tofu can be polarizing, but it’s really delicious when it’s prepared right! Tofu is essentially mozzarella cheese, but made with soymilk instead of cow’s milk – it’s actually made using the same process. What’s great about tofu is that it soaks up the flavors it’s cooked in, so even though it’s bland without seasoning, with a tasty sauce it can be really delicious.
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Master an easy vegetarian meal for weeknights
We all have those favorite weeknight meals that the whole family loves–the ones we can practically cook blindfolded! Master a vegetarian version of your go-to meal so you can whip up an easy and tasty dish when you're short on time instead of ordering takeout or cooking your usual meat-centric dish.
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Pack a Performance Kitchen meal for lunch
Performance Kitchen have several vegetarian/vegan meals.