Key Takeaways
- Diets high in fiber and vegetables reduce the risk of many chronic diseases.
- Meatless meals can be tasty and satisfying, plus you get the added benefit of increased fiber and antioxidants.
听调调尘颈诲-肠迟补皑皑
According to the CDC, only 10% of Americans meet the recommended intake for vegetables.1 To make matters worse, only 7% of US adults are consuming enough fiber. Diets low in fiber and vegetables are associated with higher rates of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes.2听
Vegetables provide an array of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber necessary for optimal health. It鈥檚 safe to say we could all benefit from eating more veggie-forward meals.听
If you think of a tasteless salad when you hear 鈥減lant-based鈥 - think again. Meatless meals are far from bland and boring. We鈥檝e compiled a list of our favorite colorful and creative vegetarian meals that will impress even the most devout meat-eater.听
Benefits of Incorporating Meatless Meals into Your Diet
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Below are the science-backed benefits of eating more veggie-focused meals:
Brain Health听
Increased intake of vegetables is associated with lower rates of anxiety and depression, as well as higher overall cognitive function.3
Anti-Cancer
Research indicates that vegetables offer a protective effect against certain types of cancer.4
Cardio Protective
Studies have shown that people who consume higher amounts of veggies have a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.5
Weight Loss Support
Eating more non-starchy vegetables has been shown to support weight loss and prevent obesity.6
Quality of Life
Increased vegetable consumption may not only improve your quality of life, but it can also reduce your risk of overall mortality.3
Quick and Easy Meatless Dinner Ideas
These easy recipes are ready in less than 30 minutes, and are the perfect main dish for weeknight dinners:
High-Protein Meatless Meals
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Skipping meat doesn鈥檛 mean you have to miss out on protein! These delicious recipes are packed with protein and will keep you full for hours:
- (swap regular pasta for chickpea or lentil pasta for an even bigger protein boost!)
Tips for Transitioning to a Meatless Diet
Trying to focus on more meatless meals? Here are our top tips and tricks:
Plan ahead
When you鈥檙e short on time, you鈥檙e more likely to skip a healthy meal and pull into the nearest drive-through. Set yourself up for success by planning what you鈥檒l eat and when.听
Experiment with new flavors
Many traditional Asian and Indian dishes are meatless. Don鈥檛 be shy about trying new recipes with bold spices and exotic flavors.听
Increase fiber slowly
Doing a total 180 with your diet may cause gastrointestinal distress, so it鈥檚 best to make changes more gradually. Slowly incorporating meatless meals into your routine will give your body time to adjust and prevent gas and bloating.听
Stock up
If you鈥檙e new to meatless meals, having some staples on hand can be helpful. Next time you鈥檙e at the grocery store, pick up these vegetarian essentials:
Pantry staples
- Brown rice
- Quinoa
- Protein pasta
- Tortillas
- Black beans
- Chickpeas
- Lentils
- Canned veggies (artichokes, hearts of palm, etc.)
- Canned coconut milk
- Vegetable broth
Produce
- Tomatoes
- Bell peppers
- Leafy greens
- Cauliflower
- Red onion
- Broccoli
- Sweet potatoes
- Zucchini
- Butternut squash
Dairy
- Cottage cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Sour cream
- Mozzarella听
- Feta cheese
Condiments
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Soy sauce
- Mustard
- Hot sauce
The Bottom Line
Meat-free meals are flavorful and packed with nutrients like fiber and antioxidants. Increasing your intake of colorful veggies can reduce your risk of chronic diseases and support weight management. You don鈥檛 have to be fully vegan to reap the benefits of eating less meat. Incorporating just a few vegetarian recipes each week may improve your health.听
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References
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