As I’ve noted before, I’m big on protein and low on carbs when it comes to what I eat. That said, I like to have options for protein beyond just eating more meat. Like anything, you can get burned out on something and finding new ways to work in the protein only helps you stick to your healthy eating plan more readily and easily.
What I’m saying is that choosing meat to pack in your protein isn’t your only option. Sometimes, it’s not even the best option. Research shows that eating a few meatless meals each week can lower risk of heart disease. It’s an easy switch, if you’ve got a few tools to do it.
- Understand what your options are. Beans, egg whites, tofu, nuts and sesame seeds, to name a few.
- Understand why you’re eating them. They are rich in complex carbohydrates, vegetables and fiber. They are low in saturated fats and cholesterol.
- Understand your substitutes. Beans are an easy add to most any dish and you can easily swap them for your meat in soups, chili or casseroles. Scramble up egg white omelets or tofu instead of whole eggs or a heavy carb meal.
- Understand your resources. Almost all online recipe sites have a vegetarian section now, but www.vegcooking.com is one of my frequently visited. Check it out when you want to put a twist on your meals a few days out of the week.