Meatless Meals

Health experts have long been advising us to eat less animal protein as a way to lower their intake of saturated fats and avoid environmental toxins. If you need some simple ideas to get your family or yourself started on a lifestyle that reduces or eliminates animal protein, try the following:

1. Use meat as a side, not as the main dish.
2. Prepare meatless meals that you are familiar with, such as bean burritos and pasta salads.
3. Eat meat less frequently. Start with breakfasts that are meatless, then incorporate meatless lunches as well.
4. Substitute fresh vegetables for meat in recipes. Vegetarian chili can be just as delicious as the meat version.
5. Try meat substitutes. Many supermarkets carry a variety of soy and grain alternatives to hamburger, hot dogs and lunch meats.
6. Try new types of cuisine. Many ethnic cuisines offer meat-free dishes; you may not miss the meat when you have new flavors to entice you.

While they advocate less animal protein intake, they also recommend a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which come from sources such as salmon and sardines.

A healthy, varied, balanced diet that works with your lifestyle is what is most important. Remember you are what you eat...