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If you’re making the switch to a vegetarian (or a more vegetarian diet), you’ll be pleased to find that not only is it healthier and more humane, but it is also a fun & delicious way to explore new meals!  A veggie meal can be as familiar as spaghetti & marinara sauce, as comforting as a bowl of rich potato soup, or as exotic as grilled polenta with portabello mushrooms.

Making the switch to a vegetarian diet is much easier than  you might think.  Most people (whether vegetarians or meat-eaters) typically eat a limited variety of meals over and over.  The average family eats 8 or 9 different dinners repeatedly. 

You can use this 3 Step program to come up with 9 vegetarian meals to become your staples.

1.) Think of 3 vegetarian meals you already enjoy.  Some common ones are:  spaghetti with marinara, pasta primavera (that’s pasta with veggies), vegetable or tofu stir-fry (with veggie egg rolls), veggie or cheese pizza, chalupas, nachos, grilled cheeses (with tomato soup), veggie wraps (with hummus), cheese or spinach lasagna, cheese or veggie ravioli, mac & cheese.

2.) Think of 3 meals you make regularly that can easily be adapted to a vegetarian menu.  For example, chili can be made with all the same ingredients, but replace the meat with beans or meatless crumbles.  Make cheese, spinach, or bean enchiladas instead of beef or chicken.  Enjoy veggie burgers instead of hamburgers, and eggplant parmesan instead of chicken parm.  Try grilling/baking/frying tofu in marinade, instead of chicken.  Replace meat in pasta sauces with meatless crumbles, or meatless meatballs, or zucchini & squash, or just make a plain marinara.  Make sloppy joes with meatless crumbles, make beans & franks with veggie dogs.  In casseroles & soups, remove chicken and replace with more veggies: zucchini, squash, potato, carrots, bell peppers, eggplant, mushrooms, etc.  Try tacos with meatless crumbles (add taco seasoning), or whole black beans, or my personal favorite: soy chorizo (from Trader Joe’s).

3.) Find 3 vegetarian recipes you enjoy, online or in vegetarian cookbooks.  There is a plethora of delicious vegetarian recipes out there - you are sure to find more than just 3 that you like!  Here’s a few to get you started:
http://vegweb.com/index.php?action=recipes;start=0;sort=views;desc
http://vegetarian.betterrecipes.com/vegetariandinnerrecipes-page2.html
http://www.tastebook.com/collections/296284-Hearty-Vegetarian-Dinners

And just like that, you now have 9 vegetarian dinners with minimal changes to your routine!
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Breakfast: A bean & cheese (soy chesse, actually) taco
Lunch: Leftover veggie stir-fry in yellow curry sauce
Dinner: Pasta salad with veggies & dressing, served cold

Related Posts:

• 50 Vegetarian Meals That Take 10 Minutes
• Using Up The CSA Veggies
• The Great Eight: 8 Foods Every Vegetarian Should Eat