Last week the headline news on the beef recall prompted a lot of people to question me about my preferred dietary choice of vegetarianism. As a matter of fact, it has stirred up a great deal of interest in the option of avoiding beef, at least for a while. If you think you have to become a tie-dyed, Birkenstock wearing hippie Vegan, don’t despair–you may not have to make such a radical change in your life.
Many people are learning to eat less meat, and more grains, legumes and vegetables, and profiting from the improved nutrition. Eating less meat is good for your health. You will reduce the risk of heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes and some forms of cancer if you follow a vegetarian-eating plan. It is also a tried-and-true form of weight loss. As you cut back on meat, you will be substituting more beans, grains, vegetables and fruits. This means your diet contains fewer calories, less fat and more health promoting fiber, vitamins and minerals.
If you want to explore some beef-less possibilities, start slowly, making substitutions where they seem reasonable to you and your loved ones. Take a look at the meals you already prepare meatless: most breakfasts are fine without a slab of steak. Pasta offers a possibility for vegetable and bean accompaniments. Stir-fry is a good place to get a wide variety of healthy veggies, and who needs the meat? Take your favorite recipes and substitute beans, or mushrooms for the ground beef. Vegetarian chili or burritos are every bit as good without the cows.
Open your horizons by exploring new recipes and new foods. Most of the world has a wealth of meatless favorites. The foods based on beans, grains and vegetables are well worth exploring. Check out Mexican, Indian, or Thai foods for ideas that appeal.
Don’t be extreme. Look for ways to improve your eating, to explore new options, but don’t feel guilty if you fall off the wagon and head for the Sizzler on your birthday.
ELLYN BAERGEN
IF EVERYONE READ A FEW BOOKS ABOUT FACTORY FARMING, I THINK MOST PEOPLE WOULD TURN VEGETARIAN….BUT, TO EACH HIS OWN. I NEVER GET IN A DISCUSSION ABOUT MY VEGETARIANISM, BUT HEY, A LITTLE EDUCATION ON A SUBJECT IS GOOD FOR YOU!
Rick Jensen
Sorry, I love my grilled sirloin cooked medium rare. I grew up the son of a Dairy Man and love my fresh North Dakota beef. To each their own. JMO
Raymond Laubert
I enjoyed you article on eating less meat. Could you send me some other thoughts that I can post on http://www.thevegetarianweekendchef.com ?
Darby Hartman
Way back in the 70’s a neighbor turned me on to “Diet For A Small Planet”. We cut way back on our meat intake and felt no loss. The only oil I use in cooking is Olive Oil. In the 80’s I had an angiogram and the doctor said I had the arteries of a woman half my age. And my last cholesterol screening was normal. I feel that years of healthy eating is paying off.