How does a raised Carnivore become more Vegetarian?
This morning for breakfast, I had two pieces of toast, farm fresh scrambled eggs from our chickens, and 3 strips of bacon. It’s not my normal breakfast, but my dad likes to fix a traditional country breakfast some mornings, mostly for himself.
I’ve grown up on steak and mashed potato’s, fried chicken, and other such Hillbilly American delicacies. It’s part of my family tradition and way of life. Eating less beef and mostly focusing on chicken is easy enough. But what about eating less meat all together? And what about the fact that I like almost -no- vegetables cooked?
This becomes a problem.
I’ve read several articles lately regarding the harm the environment that is caused from mass-produced meat products. I watched the Diet for a New America video, and even posted about 15 foods you shouldn’t live without.
But I am baffled at how I can incorporate a more vegetarian diet into my lifestyle.
I work a 9-5 job that keeps a constant flow of potato chips and chocolate in the office for its programmers. I sit at a desk all day. I come home, tired, with rarely any desire to cook a meal that takes longer than 15 minutes. Which usually resorts in a pasta packet, frozen pizza, or whatever my dad has prepared for dinner for when I came home (usually buffalo burgers, spaghetti etc). Then I’m either doing chores, or working on personal online projects, which takes up the majority of the rest of the night, till I go to bed. Sometimes I’ll be able to fit some exercising in, though I’m trying to move this to the morning, but this is rare.
I don’t have -time- to prepare fancy vegetarian dishes. I don’t. My father does most of the grocery shopping, and I doubt he could find all of the weird foreign ingredients for these dishes anyway.
It almost feels like a lost cause for me, but I’m determined to figure out -something-. My goal is to find something that is quick to prepare, and not just a bunch of gross cooked veggies. Switching to Soy Milk, some weird vegetarian cheese, more salads, etc, are all fine. But this does not a diet make.
I’m fine with experimentation, but if I have to smell cooked broccoli, I’ll vomit and then go kill a chicken and eat it for dinner.
Entry viewed times. Posted in Environment and Nature, Natural Living
2 Responses to “How does a raised Carnivore become more Vegetarian?”
January 25th, 2007 at 1:37 am
Hmmm, did that article include organic meat and meat products? Those could be a helpful substitute until you find more time and ideas.
I can not live with out dairy. And I love ribeyes too much to give them up. But I do want to eat less red meat. It is very hard to go from four or five times a week to only one! Instead I have reduced my portions of it.
How about vegetarian egg rolls with peanuts and a delicious dipping sauce? Canola oil and olive oil are healthy oils to use (omega 3) and are great for frying. Egg rolls are very easy to make. The possibilities are endless! The wrappers are usually found in the veggie isle, next to the vegetarian products, lol.
Nuts are a good source of protein. You can make a sandwich spread out of any, not just peanut butter! and I hope while you are at it that you are eating 100% whole grain products. I read the labels of bread. If it says enriched or bleached flour, put it back.
I read in my healthy foods book that too much soy can cause depression, so I use it sparingly. I especially stay away from soy oil. I only use canola or extra virgin olive oil. I buy Hellman’s mayonnaise made with canola oil.
You can make vegetarian tacos or burritos. I have seen them at stores so I am sure you can make them. oh, stuffed peppers! Think of all the stuff you can stuff them with! What about loaded baked potatoes? My favorite dish ever is eggplant parmesan. It isn’t too hard to make. Not easy, but worth it. Short cuts like using a jar of pasta sauce helps. some dishes freeze rather well. You could make a huge batch of a couple different dishes, store them in single serving containers, and freeze them. It could be an all day project. Then when you are ready, pull it out and reheat.
Don’t forget about rice, either. Rice is very very healthy and filling. I like to put hot sauce or other funky flavored sauces on my rice. You can add peas and corn to your rice, or any other vegetable, and make a quick meal. Most stores carry minute BROWN rice, a whole grain. It is usually right next to the white minute rice. And don’t forget about sweet potatoes, either. They cook twice as fast as white taters, and taste great with spread and cinnamon (adding sugar is not necessary).
I love to Google stuff. You have no idea! So when any blogger (person, not the site) proposes a question, I head straight to Google to help solve the problem!
http://www.exploreveg.org/resources/recipes/
foodnetwork.com has over 4000 entries for Vegetarian that can be sorted by difficulty.
meatless entrees
freevegrecipes.com
Easy Recipes for New Veggies
Does this help?
:p
A preview button would be helpful. Then I would know if I got the links right, lmao.
January 25th, 2007 at 1:41 am
ahhh, i see, the article is about global warming. i get it. so organic is a no go.
but they better watch out. you don’t want to mess with meat packers. they are up there with the oil tycoons.