When I say I'm trying to add more whole food plant based foods to my diet, people sarcastically say "You mean like bark and pine cones?". NOooooo. People often reply this way because they can't imagine that a meat-free meal will be filling and taste good! But y'all!!! I love to cook and smoky bacon rocks, but I'm here to tell you you can do this!
OK...but Why?
It can help manage weight, studies show that people who eat a primarily plant based diet have lower BMI
The phytonutrients and antioxidants in plant based foods can help boost your immune system
Plant based foods are anti-inflammatory, can help reduce inflammation in your body. Let's bust some free radicals!
Increases your fiber intake which can help keep you regular, help control blood sugar, lower cholesterol and a host of other benefits
Can help reduce heart disease risks
Can help reduce cancer risks
Can help lower blood pressure
Promotes longevity
OK..That's pretty good, but bacon rocks!
You don't have to give up meat, just reduce the amounts.
People who live the longest in the world use meat more as a side item and not the main portion of the meal. Try eating more sides, and less meat.
You can start with 1 dinner a week, try Meatless Monday
Start with adding fruits, vegetables, whole grains, etc. to each meal.
Make your plate colorful.
If you're not a salad person, redefine "salad". I have a friend who fills his plate with peas, broccoli, beets, carrots, celery, chickpeas, onions.... and then tops it with a little lettuce. He says why wast the space with lettuce!
Try fruit for dessert. The more we reduce added sugars the sweeter natural sugars taste.
OK...but it just has no flavor!!
Nope, uh-huh, we can fix that!
Eating Whole Food, Plant Based foods just means that you have a more varied palate to begin with. Cooking with any food means using great sauces, spices of all kinds, and various methods of cooking.
Many of the recipes we use could easily be made with meat, we just choose to omit it and my carnivore husband loves them.
It has not flavor because 1. You didn't give it flavor and 2. your taste buds haven't adjusted to begin to relish the yummy flavors of natural foods in their natural states, this happens over time.
OK...like what?
Roasted Curried Carrots with Carrot Top Gremota then add a nice rice with sautéed mushrooms, green onions, and spices.
We use Purple Carrot a lot! We do the delivery service, but also use the recipes online. Some of my favs.
Beet and Coconut Flatbread - Not gonna lie, I thought this would be gross, I am not a beet fan, but OMG it is soooo good!!
Vegan Chickn and Dumplings, Yeah...I'm with you it bugs me when vegan/vegetarian recipes try to call it "Chicken","beef" etc. when it isn't, but it's still yummy. Just let it go and eat it.
Other places to find great recipes. And y'all!!! You are the chef, it you want to add a little cheese or something no WFPB (whole food plant based) police is going to come arrest you and you are still adding more fruits and veggies to your diet - good for you.
https://www.hairybikers.com They have meat meals too, but have some great vegetarian and vegan options.
Eatingwell.com Eating well magazine has some sections for vegan and vegetarian meals
Once you begin to enjoy the yummy flavors of a well prepared meal, the less you will be hung up on the fact that it may not have meat in it. Give it a try!
See!! There was a single recipe with bark or pine cones, but hey...if that's your thing then crunch away.
Enjoy.
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