I find the Vegetarian/Vegan/No Meat movements and arguments very interesting. I often prefer to cook without meat, primarily because I feel more confident and creative with what I can make with veggies. I see everyone’s point of view, but find the view points are often so polarized and impassioned that, as a less-informed reader, I’m not sure where to begin. Then, in educating myself on the topic, there are innumerable articles, studies, and research proving every different view point imaginable. What to do?
Ultimately, I am just going with what works for me. In doing so I seem to be trending toward minimal meat consumption. In my quest to eat healthy, I’ve also found that I enjoy cooking with vegetables and developing new and creative ways to eat, without relying on pasta or bread. Some recent examples:
- Spaghetti Squash with spicy tomato sauce and sauteed vegetables
- Baked stuffed mushroom caps made with laughing cow cheese
- Black beans, sauteed mushrooms and Gorgonzola cheese with green onions
- Acorn squash with couscous
I know these are not too creative for the normal person, but I have so much fun making them! I’ve also found that at the end of my meal I feel totally satisfied, and have a moment of panic that I cheated, before I have to remind myself that everything was veggie based. Over all, I’m just excited to be cooking and trying new foods.
-e
