WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A VEGETARIAN
Simply put, a vegetarian is a person who excludes meat and other animal products from their diet. There are many reasons for wanting to embrace a vegetarian diet. Often this choice relates to environmental issues, personal beliefs, ethics, health, or religion.
HEALTHY FOOD OPTIONS TO EAT ON A VEGETARIAN DIET
A vegetarian diet should include various types of fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, grains and proteins as they provide a range of important vitamins and minerals.
- Proteins – Seitan (a product made from wheat gluten), Edamame beans, tofu, nutritional yeast
- Healthy Fats – Avocados, olive oil and coconut oil
- Vegetables – Carrots, asparagus, broccoli, green leafy vegetables
- Seeds – Hempseed, chia seeds and flaxseeds
- Whole Grains – Buckwheat, oats, rice, barley, quinoa, whole-wheat pasta
- Nuts – Cashew nuts, chestnuts, walnuts, and almonds
- Legumes - Lentils, beans, chickpeas, peas
These options are not only healthy and delicious, but they also help to ensure variety in a diet which is another important factor in ensuring good nutrition.
VEGETARIAN- FRIENDLY MEAT ALTERNATIVES TO INCLUDE IN YOUR DIET
- Tofu - a classic meat alternative; enjoy this low-calorie source of protein in countless variations, including smoked and flavourful marinated varieties bursting with a mix of herbs and spices!
- Soya Protein - Soya chunks and soya mince are inexpensive and easy to prepare. Ideal for vegetarian burgers, meatballs, and cutlets, to name a few.
- Tempeh - This traditional Indonesian food has a high content of protein and fibre, making it ideal for a balanced diet.
- Black Beans - are rich in fibre, protein and have fantastic antioxidant properties. They are perfect for a healthy yet delicious meal!
- Chickpeas - These should be an integral part of any diet due to their beneficial nutrient content. They are a good source of protein, are rich in fibre and are also extremely versatile – who doesn’t love a good hummus or chickpea curry with rice?
IDEAS TO LEAD AN EASY VEGETARIAN LIFESTYLE
There are so many plant-based recipes out there, why not try one of these delicious vegetarian recipes which are sure to inspire you!
Better still, why not take the pressure off in the kitchen and order some of our handmade vegetarian meals. Or even better, get your hands on our versatile vegetarian meal box which is delicious, nutritious and offers lots of choices!
The Bottom Line
Looking for delicious and healthy vegetarian meals on your plate? Check out our vegetarian collection for some tasty inspirations here