Live a healthy life - the vegetarian way

Vegetarian Recipes: Vegan Alternatives to Gelatin by Nicholas Tan

2008-06-25T04:05:00.001-07:00

Gelatin serves both nutritional and culinary roles in nonvegetarian diets; however, a lot of vegetarians and all vegans do not consume gelatin in its many forms because it is often created out of boiled pig skins and dissolved veal cartilage and bones.

This leaves vegetarians with a gap in cooking functionality when a recipe calls for a gel or thickening agent. It also leaves vegetarians with fewer options if they need a source of gelatin to increase bone and cartilage health.

If you are a vegetarian and you are looking for something to replace gelatin, do not despair. Here are some alternative options for you:

1. Use a rice starch alternative. A&B Ingredients recently developed a rice starch alternative to gelatins that mimicsthe cooking functionality of gelatins closely.

2. Use a soy-based alternative. Soyfoods USA developed NuSoy Gel, a gelatin alternative which was created entirely out of of soy isoflavones and contains 100% of your vitamin c recommended daily allowance.

3. Use seaweed-based alternatives. Agar-agar, for instance, is a seaweed based alternative to gelatin that can simulate the culinary functions of gelatin.

4. Increase your calcium intake. One component of gelatin supplements that allegedly increases joint health is calcium. If you want to increase your calcium intake without eating gelatin, you can simply consume more calcium-fortified foods and even take supplements.

5. Increase your vitamin c intake. Another component of gelatin supplements that allegedly increases joint health is vitamin c. You can increase your vitamin c intake by consuming more citrus fruit.

6. Increase your glucosamine intake. No foods contain glucosamine, but you can increase your intake by purchasing supplements at your local grocery store or pharmacy. This is rumored to improve joint health if taken regularly.

To reiterate - gelatin has two major functions: it works as a thickening agent for foods and is rumored to improve joint health; both of these functions can easily be mimicked by structural and nutritional alternatives.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/recipes-articles/vegetarian-recipes-vegan-alternatives-to-gelatin-339771.html

The Truth and Nothing But the Truth About Vegetarain Foods by fred Huyghue Jr

2008-06-25T03:58:00.000-07:00

There seems to be a misunderstanding in the world of vegetarian foods, most people have a stigma about these types of foods. Unfortunately this stigma is without merit these days, the days of reality TV and all. Today is a new day a new era and people are doing absolutely amazing things with vegetarian foods today, and the food is mouth watering delicious. The stigma or false belief is...

1. Most people believe that vegetarian foods do not have a taste to them or very little taste at all.

2. The food looks dry and visually unappealing.

3. The food does not look fresh.

4. We do not like what does not look nice or that does not have that certain appeal = no thank you I do not want that.

We all grew up around certain types of foods and this helps to feed the stigma. To put it plain and simple, meat is hard to get away from; this is due to being around it so much to where you just adapt and accept; especially as a full dinner course meal.

In life lots of people want to have and maintain a healthy diet but believe the reason it is so hard to stick to maintaining a healthy vegetarian diet is because most people simply do not crave vegetarian food ' probably because most people do not want to eat what they think is dull food, tasteless salads for the rest of their lives.

In this day and age with all the healthy options we have today you can find delicious vegetarian dishes. By coating your vegetables with a peanut oil will get rid of that dry unappealing not fresh look. We have plenty of great vegetarian dishes available today...

1. Fluffy peach pancakes

2. Different types of breakfast smoothies

3. Several delicious types of crepes

4. Mouth watering spring rolls

Always remember you have one life and one body and one mind so why not take care of your body and adapt a healthy life style. In doing so you will find your mind is less stressed and you feel more comfortable and relaxed and in due time you will also look healthier. There are hundreds of reasons why a vegetarian diet is going to make you a healthier person and hundreds of reasons why meat is bad for you I am sure you probably already know all these reasons and know why becoming a vegetarian or just adding a few healthy dishes to your diet would be good for you. Eat well now and you can be well on your way to becoming a more healthy person. We all make decisions for ourselves in life and it is for us to determine what is good for us. I am just sharing with you the 100% truth from which you can make an intelligent decision; one that will suit you and your life style; as every one knows when it is all said and done you must live and do what you think is right for you and I wish you all the best in your new vegetarian life style.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/the-truth-and-nothing-but-the-truth-about-vegetarain-foods-393488.html

Kids Who Won't Eat Vegetables Will Eat This Vegetable-Pasta Salad by Harriet Hodgson

2008-06-25T03:55:00.000-07:00

Kids are noodle nuts. They will eat spaghetti with tomato sauce, yet shy away from vegetables. Say the word "vegetable" and kids start to make faces. Though middle and high school kids will eat vegetables, they are selective about the ones they eat.

My 15-year old grandchildren (they are fraternal twins) pretend to eat vegetables by moving them around on their plates. What could I do? I combined pasta and vegetables, and added a tangy lemon dressing. The ratio of vegetables to pasta is five to one, and I think that's pretty darned good.

The directions say you should marinate the salad for three hours before serving. The longer pasta marinates the more dressing it absorbs. You may need more dressing than the recipe calls for if you marinate the salad all afternoon or overnight. My grandchildren loved the salad so much they went back for seconds, and my grandson went back for thirds.

This is not an exact recipe and you may play around with it. If you have leftover veggies toss them into the salad. Make the vegetarian version or add your protein of choice (see below). Customize the salad to your kids' tastes. Kids who do not like black olives may eat green. If your kids hate onions leave them out. You may leave out the roasted red peppers and substitute Cheddar for feta cheese.

While the salad tastes good year-round, it tastes especially good in the summer, when fresh vegetables are available, and tomatoes taste like they are supposed to. Vegetable-Pasta salad is the perfect picnic dish. Just remember to keep it cold.

INGREDIENTS

2 cups small pasta (shells, rings, tubes, spirals), cooked

1/2 cup celery, chopped

1/2 cup English cucumber, chopped

1 cup frozen petite peas, defrosted

1 cup shredded carrots (from a bag)

3 scallions (white parts and green), thinly sliced

1/2 cup sliced black olives

7-ounce jar roasted red peppers, drained and chopped

2 tablespoons (or more) fresh basil, cut into narrow strips

4 ounces fat-free feta cheese

Dressing

4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

3 tablespoons extra light olive oil

1 teaspoon salt-free lemon and pepper seasoning

1/2 teaspoon low sodium salt

Protein of Choice: 1 small can water-packed tuna, or 1 cup cooked shrimp, or 1 cup chicken cut into

bite-size pieces, or 1 cup ham, cut into bite-size pieces

METHOD

Make salad dressing and set aside. Put ingredients into a large bowl. Add your protein of choice and salad dressing. Marinate for at least three hours. Serve on lettuce leaves and garnish with lemon wedges. Makes 8 servings.

http://www.harriethodgson.com

Harriet Hodgson has been a freelance nonfiction writer for 28 years. She is a member of the Association of Health Care Journalists and the Association for Death Education and Counseling. Before she became a health writer she was a food writer for a local magazine. Her 24th book, "Smiling Through Your Tears: Anticipating Grief," written with Lois Krahn, MD, is available from http://www.amazon.com. Amazon has posted a five-star review of the book. You will find additional reviews on the American Hospice Foundation Web site ("School Corner" heading) and the Health Ministries Association Web site.

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Edible Wild Weeds: Spring Salad Recipe by JJ Murphy

2008-06-25T03:50:00.000-07:00

Sharing wild food recipes gets easier as my favorite organic farmers and local specialty foods markets are now selling these "weeds" in addition to cultivated vegetables.

Most of my early wild edibles discoveries were by trial and error. As I got older, I discovered experts who published their knowledge and gave classes in some cases. My bookshelf contains a growing list of respected wild foods experts. The link to this information is at the end of this article.

The leaves of these early spring arrivals - and in some cases the roots - are all perfect for salad. Pick them now, in a few weeks they'll need to be cooked.

Early Spring Green Salad

1/2 cup tiny plantain leaves*

1/2 cup wild onion grass

1/2 cup tiny dandelion leaves under 2"

1/2 cup trout lily leaves

1/2 cup tiny violet leaves

1 cup lambs quarter leaves

1 cup watercress

1 cup mustard leaves

2 cups wood sorrel

1 cup spring beauty flowers

1/2 cup violet flowers - purple, yellow and/or white

1/2 cup trout lily flowers

1/4 cup spring beauty tubers

1/2 cup trout lily tubers

Rinse leaves, tubers and blossoms in cold water - a light spray is best - and drain.

Tear or coarsely chop leaves and tubers - toss, then sprinkle blossoms on top.

I recommend you taste the salad before adding a dressing - you may find that you won't need a dressing.

* if bigger than 1-2 inches, you may need to remove the stringy central vein to eat raw

Bon Appétit.

Writer and naturalist, JJ Murphy, has been eating wild foods since her farmer parents pulled weeds from the veggie garden and she ate the weeds. She now lives in Harriman, NY. For information on how to identify wild edibles and for more wild edible recipes, visit: http://www.writerbynature.com/index.php?topic=Recipes

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3 Simple Steps to maintain a Vegan or Vegetarian Diet whilst Pregnant by Tom Parker

2008-06-24T01:43:00.000-07:00

An increasing number of people are now choosing to consume a vegetarian or vegan diet. Whilst vegan and vegetarian diets do have a number of health advantages they often lack nutritional value in a number of key areas. Whilst this may not be a problem for you personally, the reduced nutritional value can have a significant impact on your unborn baby. In this article I discuss how you can adapt your vegan or vegetarian diet and ensure your baby is getting adequate nutrition in just three simple steps.

1) Consult your Doctor:- The very first thing you need to do is tell your doctor that you are a vegan or vegetarian. This needs to be done as soon as possible with your first pre-natal checkup being an ideal time to mention it. Your doctor will then be able to assess your current diet and then give you advice on the additional foods you should be consuming. In certain cases they may also recommend you take supplements to compensate for a vitamin or mineral deficiency. You should only take supplements when your doctor advises because overdosing can cause significant damage to your baby. I would recommend you get your doctor to write this information down so you can always have a list of the foods and/or supplement you need available.

2) Look at some Recipes:- Once you have the list of recommended foods from your doctor I would then advise you to do a little research. Go to the library or look on the Internet for some vegetarian or vegan recipes and then choose a selection that you like and that also include the foods on the list given to you by your doctor. If you spend an hour or two looking at recipes with your list, you should soon be able to come up with a long and varied selection of tasty meals that provide all your nutritional requirements.

3) Exeriment, Experiment, Experiment:- Just because you have an initial selection of suitable recipes that doesn't mean you have to stop there. This is the perfect time to try new foods. Why not try some mediterranean cooking? Perhaps try some Italian cuisine? This is a really great opportunity to to improve your culinary skills and sample a range of new and exciting foods.

Being pregnant does not mean you have to give up on your vegan or vegetarian diet. With a little thought and preparation you can stick to this type of diet and even make it more varied and interesting. Just remember to follow the advice of your doctor and build on this to create an exciting, nutritional vegan or vegetarian diet.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/3-simple-steps-to-maintain-a-vegan-or-vegetarian-diet-whilst-pregnant-358719.html

Vegetarian Fried Crunchy Okra by M.Jeya

2008-06-24T01:40:00.000-07:00

This is a vegetarian dish. Okra is slimy. Some folks don't object to this characteristic and stewed okra with tomatoes and squash is popular with some Southerners. And as Lady goat noted in her missive to okra, it's a frequent addition to gumbo where the negative becomes a positive by adding body to the stock. Okra is also a popular pickle and, as such, is not in the least bit slimy. But okra's best incarnation is fried. Combine cracker crumbs, flour, and salt. Dip okra pieces in buttermilk mixture; dredge in cracker crumb mixture.

The Crunchy okra is a vegetarian food. In a food processor finely grind crackers. In a shallow bowl whisk together cracker crumbs, flour, and salt to taste. Here you could buy a rod and reel, shotgun shells, live bait, gas from the pumps out front, and sacks of White Lily flour for making biscuits. And you could also have a great meat-and-three lunch. Ruth & Jimmie's is long-gone now, but we recall the old wood-frame shop every time we make the crunchy fried okra for which they supplied the recipe.

Preparation of crunchy okra:
1. Spread the okra on a flat dish and sprinkle salt, red chilli powder, garam masala, mango powder, and chaat masala. Mix gently.

2. Now, add gram flour and mix gently to coat evenly, preferably without adding any water. Divide the okra into 2 portions.

3. Heat the oil in a pan to smoking point. Fry 1 portion of the okra mixture, separating each lightly with a fork. Do not allow the slices to stick to each other. Remove with a slotted spoon when both the sides are crisp and brown. Similarly, fry the other portion.

4. Serve hot garnished with ginger and green chillies.

Crunchy okra variety of luffa gourd is cultivated for the tender and sweet flavor of its immature fruits. Stir together buttermilk and egg. Please purchase online www.indomunch.com in NewYork city.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/food-and-beverage-articles/vegetarian-fried-crunchy-okra-400939.html

Go Vegetarian - It's Not As Hard As You Think by Barry Lovelace

2008-06-24T01:38:00.000-07:00

Have you ever considered making the switch to a vegetarian diet? It's undeniable that eating a diet rich in vegetables, grains, fruits and legumes is healthy. It's also undeniable that the fat and cholesterol that comes from animal products is just not good for you. I think it is because of these facts that more and more people are switching or at least considering switching to a vegetarian diet.

It can seem daunting to give up meat since it is such a staple in the typical American diet but it really is not so tough. These days the grocery stores are full of vegetarian foods. The meat substitutes that are available are much improved so if you haven't tried them lately, than you haven't tried them. They can make the transition quite painless and take away the feeling like you are missing something.

Of course many of the daily foods that you already eat are vegetarian anyway, the problem is that we were raised to stick a piece of meat on the plate along with them and that piece of meat has taken up more and more space on our plates for too long. The result is the rampant heart disease, high cholesterol and high blood pressure that we see. It doesn't have to be that way.

Vegetarians love their food as much as anyone, they are not upset about it or feel like they are sacrificing or doing without. Quite the opposite in fact, when you eat a vegetarian diet you really appreciate food and the powerful role it can play in your life, it is delicious and it is nutritious; it makes you feel good and it gives you energy.

It is also a big misconception that a vegetarian diet is restrictive. When you really think about it there is only a few kinds of meat; that from cows, pigs, chickens and lamb. On the other hand there are countless grains, vegetables, fruits and beans that can be combined in numerous ways to create fabulous and healthy meals. Many recipes can be converted simply by removing the meat or by removing the meat and adding a meat substitute or beans. Happily, most restaurants offer many vegetarian options on their menus these days so going out to dinner will not be a problem that you have to face either.

Remember also that switching to a vegetarian diet does not have to be accomplished over night. One way to start is to plan a few vegetarian days per week and than you can slowly add another day per week until you get to your goal. This way you can ease yourself into your new way of eating.

So much of what and why we eat is habit and conditioning. The way you eat as you are growing up plays a huge role in the way you eat as an adult. This is why making a change like this can seem overwhelming. It is changing everything you know; it is reprogramming your preconceived notions about food. You may have even been raised to think that you need meat in order to be healthy. We know better now, but that doesn't erase everything that was instilled in us as we were growing up. That is why I think that educating yourself throughout the process is a key to success. Get some vegetarian cookbooks or check out a vegetarian recipe website. Look over some books that discuss factory farming or the health benefits of vegetarian eating. The more you know the more you will be inspired to change the way you eat.

Barry Lovelace is an internationally recognized personal trainer and fitness professional. He is passionate about helping people live their best life and about being a vegan.

Visit his website for FREE health and fitness tips and a FREE EBook titled 'How To Juggle Your Health and Fitness'!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Barry_Lovelace

Great Vegetable Juice Recipe Ideas by Shannon Medley

2008-06-24T01:35:00.000-07:00

You can really put your juicer to great use if you have some delicious recipes to follow, so if you love juicing and want to get some fantastic ideas, here are a few of the top juicer recipes.

Carrot Juice

One of the favorite juicer recipes is carrot juice. This is the most commonly made juice, because it is so easy and also because of the multitudinous health benefits it offers. All you need is a couple of carrots, and you juice them one at a time, until you have the amount of juice you need.

You should not peel the carrots first because then you will be taking away most of their nutritional value, and some juicers will even clean the food for you so you may not have to worry about that part either. Just make sure that you feed the carrots into the juicer at a steady pace, and never push them through too hard.

Celery Juice

Another of the most favored juicer recipes is celery juice. For this recipe you just need a couple of celery stalks, and you want to cut each stalk into a few different pieces, otherwise they will be too large to fit through the juicer and may end up breaking it.

Feed the stalks in at a steady speed, holding down the tamper for a few seconds each time, and if you are juicing larger amounts of celery, you may want to stop and rinse the machine after each bunch to keep it from getting clogged up.

Carrot Anise Drink

This is one of the funkier juicer recipes, but one that is still very quick and easy to make. You just need 8 carrots, 2 anise stalks, 3-4 celery stalks, and 2 apples, and you want to juice everything in the order given.

These are just a few of the many juicer recipes that you can choose from, and remember that any juice you could find in a store you can make on your own with your juicer, only you will be getting much more nutritional value and without all the sugars and added preservatives that commercial companies put into their drinks.

A juicer will no doubt be one of the most versatile and useful kitchen appliances you will ever own, and if you do not already have one this is definitely an investment that you should make in the near future. You can juice all the fresh fruits and vegetables you want and make them into drinks to serve to yourself, friends and family.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shannon_Medley

Learning How To Cook Tofu by Michelle Bery

2008-06-24T01:34:00.000-07:00

When it comes to preparing healthy and delicious meals that will satisfy, it’s difficult to know where to begin. The truth is – we all lead busy lives that can frequently teeter on chaotic. Between a busy career, non-stop schedules, and ever-increasing activities, we often don’t know where to fit the making of meals. It often seems so much easier to just grab something on the run – even if that something is far from healthy. And for those who are vegetarians, finding healthy meal alternatives can be even more difficult. Luckily, learning how to cook tofu will put your meals back in your control.

Tofu is a spongy cake made from bean curd and is traditionally cubed to be used in a variety of dishes. Tofu is extremely nutritious as it is rich in many essential vitamins. Also, because tofu is a protein dense food, it is often used as a meat substitute in a variety of vegetarian cuisines. Discovering how to cook tofu will open up a whole new world of different foods.

Tofu tends to be quite bland on its own; but because of its porous consistency, it absorbs the flavors of the food around it. Subsequently, tofu can be delicious in a variety of sauces and marinades. Many people, when first learning how to cook tofu simply substitute it for meat in any recipe that would traditionally call for chicken, red meat, or fish. But there are also recipes specifically geared towards the use of tofu as the main ingredient. As a matter of fact, there are cookbooks and online search engines dedicated exclusively to how to cook tofu.

Because of tofu’s versatility, it is commonly used in a variety of cultural cuisines. The Japanese in particular, frequently include tofu as a part of their diet.

Low-fat, low-calorie, and nutritious, tofu can change the face of any recipe, allowing you to enjoy a satisfying, delicious meal without sacrificing good health. Learn how to cook tofu in a way that works for you and your family; you will be more than pleasantly surprised.

For easy to understand, in depth information about tofu visit our ezGuide 2 Tofu.

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Vegetarian Diet Tips: Make Your Vegetarian Diet A Balanced Diet! by Ashley Green

2008-06-23T06:08:00.000-07:00

The world has opened eyes to the harmful side-effects of non-veg food like red meat and is now opening arms to Vegetarian Food. A very common myth found among common man is that vegetarian food doesnt provide you with necessary nutrients but a Vegetarian Diet, in no ways, is deprived of necessary nutrients, only if you have a balanced Vegetarian Diet. Make sure you eat a lot of fruits and dont follow particular monotonous meals.

Some Nutrients you dont come across normally in Vegetarian Diets are:-

a) Iron

b) Calcium

c) Zinc

d) Protein

e) Vitamin D

f) Vitamin B12

But you can always have vegetarian source for these nutrients. On a other side of the coin, there are a lots of benefits of Vegetarian Food (incomplete). They are rich in:

. You can Find Iron in the following Vegetarian Food items:-
Cashews, tomato juice, rice, garbanzo beans (chick peas) and tofu.

. You can Find Calcium in the following Vegetarian Food items:-
Dairy products, fortified soymilk, fortified orange juice, tofu and broccoli.

. You can find Zinc in the following Vegetarian Food items:-
Whole grains (especially the germ and bran of the grain), nuts, tofu, leafy vegetables (lettuce, spinach, cabbage), root vegetables (onions, potatoes, carrots, celery, radishes), eggs and dairy products.

. You can find Protein in the following Vegetarian Food items:-
Vegetarians must eat a variety of plant foods over the course of a day to get enough protein. Eg: Tempeh, miso lentils, tofu, nuts, seeds, and peas.

. You can find Vitamin D in the following Vegetarian Food items:-
fortified cereals (or a small amount of sunlight) and Fortified milk and soymilk

. You can Vitamin B12 in the following Vegetarian Food items:-
Tempeh, miso, eggs, dairy products, fortified soymilk and cereals.. Tempeh and miso are foods made from soybeans.

They are low in calories and fat and high in protein.

Know more about Balanced Diet at http://www.weightloss-health.com/balanced_diet.htm

About the Author: Ashley Green

For Healthy Diet Related Free Articles Directory your complete and most comprehensive family guide on Health.

Also get free sample low carb recipes, low fat recipes, low calorie recipes, low sodium recipes, low sugar recipes at Low Carb Recipes and Diet

If you wish to reproduce the above article you are welcome to do so, provided the article is reproduced in its entirety, including this resource box and LIVE link to our website.

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Wild Edible Recipe: Sauteed Puffball Mushrooms by JJ Murphy

2008-06-23T06:05:00.000-07:00

Yes! I did it! I love the confident feeling of learning something new.

Until yesterday I was sure of two edible mushrooms. Today I am sure of four. My two new delicacies are the Gem-studded puffball and the Pear-shaped puffball. I have a fifth under study.

Before I share this recipe, it's time for my disclaimer: ALWAYS test for edibility.

When I gather mushrooms, I put each species in a separate paper bag. When I get home, I take them out of the paper bag and begin my visual study.

The mushroom under study right now is the fawn mushroom. I found one on a hike with "Wildman" Steve Brill last month. I have found it twice since, but did not eat it. I just studied the shape, how the gills were attached and the stem. "Wildman" has made replicas out of Sculpey - which is an excellent way to improve observation skills. It's also fun.

I am cautious enough to consult other mushroom identification guides, but "Wildman" has the best photos and his sculptures are accurate. I am now making a spore print and when I do sample this mushroom, it will be a piece the size of a green pea.

THE RECIPE:

Sautéed Gem-studded (Lycoperdon perlatum) or Pear-shaped (Lycoperdon pyriforme) mushrooms:

1. Remove mushrooms from paper bag, trim dirt and wipe with a cloth or paper towel 2. Do not wash or immerse in water. Do not salt. That makes the mushrooms tough 3. Cut the larger mushrooms into bite-size pieces 4. Coat with olive oil and one-half teaspoon of lemon or lime juice 5. Set pan over low heat, then add coated puffball mushrooms 6. Cook until tender

Puffballs are fragrant when picked and they do have a distinct flavor, but it is delicate. I enjoyed it as a simple side dish.

Writer and naturalist JJ Murphy has been eating wild foods since her farmer parents pulled weeds from the veggie garden and she ate the weeds. JJ continues to forage and write in Harriman, NY, posting recipes and resource information at http://www.WriterByNature.com

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Ratatouille Recipe by Kim Steele

2008-06-23T06:04:00.000-07:00

Ratatouille is a wonderfully versatile dish that you can easily fix in under 20 minutes if you follow my method.

I was cooking ratatouille long before I moved to the south of France and discovered that it had a name. I always called it vegetarian spaghetti sauce. I'd go to the grocery store and find the freshest, tastiest looking vegetables available. When I got home I'd put two big solid pots on the stove, one filled with hot water for the pasta, and the other to cook the sauce in. I always started with onions, put them in the pot with a generous amount of olive oil (vegetarians get to do things like that - use lots of olive oil), and than kept chopping vegetables and adding them to the pot as I went. I soon learned the best order to add vegetables to the sauce.

Fussy French Ratatouille

When I got to France I ran out and bought a fancy French cookbook - Larousse de la Cuisine. It is a wonderful book and is now falling to pieces after years of use. Some of the recipes though I find a bit humorous in their complexity and their ratatouille recipe is one of them. It has all of the classic ingredients of ratatouille (onions, bell peppers, eggplant, zucchini and tomatoes), but it requires you to cook each of these ingredients separately before assembling them into another pot. For me, that destroys the charm of ratatouille.

Ratatouille the Easy Way

I always imagine someone stepping from their kitchen out into their vegetable garden on a hot summer afternoon. They pick whatever is ready to be eaten that evening, and that is what goes into the ratatouille. As for cooking it, you really should try my method of chopping as you cook. Ratatouille goes together perfectly like this.

What to serve it with

Ratatouille goes with so many things and you can vary the ingredients (both the vegetables and the herbs) depending on what you have available. Do you remember how in the movie of the same name the rat fancied up ratatouille? You can do the same if you wish. Serve it hot or cold. With an omelette or a vegetable terrine. Serve it on pasta or simply with bread. Sprinkle it with cheese if you wish. The French like it with different meats, poultry and fish. I add hot pepper sometimes. Now that is definitely not French, but it is very good.

Here's my recipe, and please change it as you see fit and don't forget to enjoy all of those lovely vegetables as you are chopping them up. They are gorgeous you know! Bon appetit.

Ratatouille

1/4 cup olive oil

2 onions, slivered

3 bell peppers, cut into one inch squares(try different colors)

2 eggplants, cut into 1/2 inch cubes

2 zucchini, cut into 1/2 inch cubes

4 cloves garlic, minced or crushed

2 pounds tomatoes, chopped

1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme

salt and pepper

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Heat olive oil in a heavy soup pot on medium heat. Sliver onions and add to oil.

While the onions cook, chop the bell peppers and add them to the pot, stirring well.

Chop the eggplants and add to the pot, stirring well to coat the eggplant with oil. At this point all the olive oil will have soaked into the eggplant, so you need to stir often to keep things from burning until they soften some.

Chop the zucchini and stir it in once the eggplant has softened a bit.

Chop the garlic and add to the vegetables, stirring well.

Chop the tomatoes and add them.

Chop the thyme and add it along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and cook two minutes.

Turn down heat and cover the pot. Simmer until everything is soft and well blended - about 40 minutes.

Stir in basil and remove from heat.

Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Are you interested in learning more about French food and culture? You'll find lots of easy French recipes and fun food facts at http://www.easy-french-food.com I've been living and cooking in France for the past 17 years and would love to share with you my love of simple good food. Don't forget to enjoy your food today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kim_Steele

Taco Salad Recipe by John T Pratt

2008-06-23T06:02:00.000-07:00

Everyone loves my Taco Salad and they always want my recipe! I think this is one of the best around - whether you choose the meat or vegetarian version!

We've eaten taco salad since we were kids, and there's just so many good ways to modify this recipe. How I make Taco Salad now is basic and simple and "it works". It's tasty, quick, and fast! Is there room for improvement? I don't think so - I think if you make this recipe "as-is" without modification you'll just love it! The only thing you should have a choice over is what kind of meat to use. The choices for meat are ground chuck, chicken, or fake meat (Morningstar ground meat crumbles substitute).

Taco Salad Recipe Ingredients You'll Need:

1 lb meat (boneless chicken, ground chuck, or Morningstar Vegetarian ground meat crumbles)
Salt, Pepper, Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Cumin - to season meat
1tbsp minced garlic (preferred from a jar)
1 head of lettuce chopped
3 large or 5 medium tomatoes diced
1 medium sweet or red onion (or one bunch diced green onion)
1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix (not dip mix)
1 cup milk
1 cup mayonnaise
1 bag Doritos or Restaurant style tortilla chips (crushed)
1 packet shredded colby jack or taco cheese (8 oz)

This is so easy to make, just start your meat cooking on the stove, and cook on med-high for 5 minutes. If using chicken or morningstar you may need some oil in the pan first - just a few table spoons. Once it's cooked 5 minutes add the seasonings which are about 1tbsp chili powder, 2 tbsp Cumin, 1 tbsp garlic powder and salt and pepper to taste, cook another 8-10 minutes or until meat is thoroughly cooked.

The trick to making this Taco Salad Recipe quickly is to get as much done while the meat is cooking as possible. I usually start the meat, and immediately get an extra large mixing bowl (4-6qt) out and all the veggies. While the meat cooks I dice the tomato and lettuce and onion. I toss it all in the bowl with the tbsp of minced garlic and thoroughly mix it up. In a medium bowl mix the cup of milk, cup of mayonnaise and packet of Hidden Valley Ranch - then set aside. Open one end of the tortilla chip bag, and crush the chips up finely (without destroying the bag).

Add the chips and shredded cheese to the bowl with the veggies and mix well again. Add your meat and mix well again. Last add the Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing and mix well again and you have some easy to make and very tasty Taco Salad!!

I hope you liked this recipe, and I think your family will love it too!

John Pratt usually writes on his blog at JTPratt's Blogging Mistakes, but his love of cooking always seems to have him writing his best recipes on his daughter's web site Kieil's Handpicked Recipes! If you want to learn how to cook some of the tastiest dishes from scratch, including pizza and bread - be sure to stop by and visit!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_T_Pratt

Vegetarian South Beach Diet by Tim Grimsley

2008-06-23T06:01:00.000-07:00

The South beach diet has been one of the most popular ways to lose weight for several years. Now there is a new surge in popularity among Vegetarians. The South beach diet is based on the intake of more Protein and less Carbohydrates, because of this, the diet has not been appealing to vegetarians.

Vegetarians are now modifying the popular diet to fit there lifestyle. There are lots of great vegetarian recipes available that work perfectly with the South beach diet plan. During the first phase of this diet many dieter's experience weight loss of 8 to 12 pounds.

A great recipe to start with is the Chili recipe below.

Ingredients

3/4 cup dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight

2 teaspoons olive oil

1/2 teaspoon whole cumin seeds

1/2 tablespoon chopped garlic

3/4 cup coarsely chopped onions

1/2 large sweet red pepper, seeded and diced

1/2 large green pepper, seeded and diced

3/4 tablespoons mild chili powder

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1 1/2 cups water

1 tablespoons tomato paste

1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

Drain and rinse the beans. Set aside. In a large saucepan, warm the oil over medium-high heat. Add the cumin seeds and sizzle for 5 seconds. Add the garlic, onions, red peppers, green peppers, chili powder and oregano. Sauté over medium-high heat for 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the beans and water.

Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Uncover and simmer for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the beans are tender. (Add more water if the mixture becomes too dry during cooking.)

Stir in the tomato paste and salt. Cook for 2 minutes. Just before serving, stir in the cilantro.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_Grimsley

Decadent and Delicious Vegan Cheesecakes by Carine Nadel

2008-06-22T00:33:00.000-07:00

The season of "packing on the pounds" is upon us. Now, we know that desserts are supposed to be decadent-deliciously so. But decadent does NOT necessarily mean that it can't be healthy. Too often when we think of indulging we imagine globules of fat being pasted onto our hips and it makes all of us-40 and over (or not)-cringe.

This simply doe not have to be the case! Due to a dairy allergy and a lifelong commitment to eating healthy, I have found ways to make even cheesecake good for the body, not just the soul. Here are 3 easy, healthy versions that would even make "The Golden Girls" happy:

Start by using your favorite basic pie crust. Since making pie crust has never been "my thing" I usually keep the refrigerated type on hand, but a good graham cracker one will do as well. If you have a talent for it-make it yourself.

Pre-heat your oven to 350. Get your blender out! All versions will call for 12 oz of firm tofu. Like regular cheesecake, the ingredients do matter-so buy premium tofu, not the boxed type on the shelves or the ones heavily packaged in water. And drain for about 20 with a bit of weight on the top to remove the excess liquid

Remember, this is not so much a recipe as a "method", so get creative if you aren't thrilled with some of these flavorings!

Lemon Tofu "Cheesecake" (Orange is also quite lovely)

Put the tofu into the blender with:

1/3 C sugar

1/3 C water

¼ C fresh lemon juice and the zest of that lemon

1 tsp lemon extract

½ tsp kosher salt

1 tbsp. canola or vegetable oil

2 tbsp corn starch dissolved in 3 tbsp cold water

Blend until smooth and pour into prepared crust. Bake 45 minutes. Chill thoroughly.

Mocha Tofu "Cheesecake" (my personal favorite)

Put the tofu into the blender with:

1 C water

1/3 C cocoa powder (do not use dutch, and the darker you can use, the better)

2 tbsp instant espresso (or instant coffee)

1/3 C sugar

2 tbsp nut butter (I love almond butter, but peanut is also good)

1 tbsp canola/vegetable oil

2 tsp pure vanilla

½ tsp kosher salt

2 tbsp cornstarch dissolved in 3 tbsp cold water

Same cooking directions as above.

And last, Berry Tofu "Cheesecake" (use your favorite fresh/frozen one)

Put the tofu into the blender with:

1 C berries

½ C sugar (taste the berries first and adjust sugar depending on tartness)

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and the zest from it

1 tbsp canola/vegetable oil

½ tsp kosher salt

2 tbsp cornstarch dissolved in 3 tbsp cold water

1 tsp rum extract

Same cooking directions as the rest!

Toppings are up to you. If you are particularly traditional you might want to try this:

Tofu cream: (no matter how you flavor it, it's great on just about anything-trust me, I even topped my all-bran more than a few times!)

Drain and cube 8 ounces of firm tofu. Cook in boiling water for about 5 minutes. Drain and cool. Blend thoroughly with 1/4 C of sugar, 1 tbsp of canola/veggie oil, 2 tsp of your desired extract and 1/2 tsp salt.

Put the pureed mixture back into the saucepan you cooked the tofu in. Dissolve 2 tbsp of cornstarch in 2tbsp of cold water and stir into the "cream", cook over low heat at a simmer until it is thick enough for your purpose. Either serve on the side, or top as you would use a sour cream mixture on a "real" cheesecake.

Because all are very low in fat and high in protein-I personally told myself a number of times that leftovers are great for breakfast!

Carine Nadel is on The Reader's Advisory Panel of Woman's Day magazine and has had numerous articles and recipes published both on various websites and print publications. To read more of her work, log onto: http://www.Carine-whatscooking.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carine_Nadel

Vegetarian Potato Soup by Rachel Williamson

2008-06-22T00:31:00.000-07:00

Traditional potato soup recipes often include bacon, sour cream, and other animal products. For vegetarians and vegans who want a hearty potato soup, this recipe is the answer. Kids and adults alike love this nutritious, satisfying soup.

3 med potatoes, skinned and cubed

1/2 lb. tofu

4 cups water (you can substitute one cup of water with vegetable broth)

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

1 teaspoon salt

1 T. olive oil

1/4 c. chopped parsley

black pepper to taste

Directions:

Fill a large pot with the water and vegetable broth. Bring the water to a simmer and lower the potatoes and onions into the pot. Add sea salt. Simmer for about 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

While the potatoes and onions are cooking, blend the tofu and olive oil in a food processor. When the potatoes and onions are done, add half of the batch to the food processor with the tofu and olive oil mix and process.

Return the contents of the food processor to the pot containing the water and the other half of the potato/onion mix. Add parsley and black pepper to taste. You might also want to add bacon bits or vegetarian bacon bits to the mix.

Simmer for a few minutes until warm enough to serve.

Rachel Williamson shares healthy recipes and nutrition information in Eat This!, a healthy food blog.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rachel_Williamson

Lazy Cook Meatball and Veggie Soup by April Lorier

2008-06-22T00:30:00.001-07:00

What encourages and inspires us more than a tasty, nutritious meal at the end of the day? I am not known for my cooking ability! But recently, a neighbor brought me a pot of "Sopa de Albondigas" (aka Mexican Meatball Soup) and I fell passionately in love with it! I had to have that recipe, especially since it is something that can go into the freezer for those "rainy days"! She told me to make it my own, put in what I like, and leave out what I didn't like. So I spent half a day - including the shopping - making my version of what I call "Lazy Cook Meatball Veggie Soup". After all, nothing encourages me more than having something delicious before I settle down for a night of writing!

Prep and cook time (if you have all the ingredients at home) is about 35 minutes. The flavor of this soup is fresh and simple, and the meatballs are exceptionally moist and tender because they are poached in the soup, not pan-browned first. If making ahead, cool, cover, and then chill up to 3 days. Just re-heat to simmering to serve. Makes 12-16 cups, depending on how many veggies you add. (It is a great way to get your veggies!)

Chop up the following veggies:

4 stalks of celery

2 Anaheim peppers (long, green, not hot) or 1 bell pepper chopped

1 large white onion, diced

4 large red potatoes (white potatoes with red skins) in large pieces: about 6 per potato (no mushy potatoes!)

6 carrots, diced thin (or, if you are a lazy cook, like me, one small bag of the fresh baby carrots)

½ bag of cole slaw, or you can slice ½ green cabbage if you are not lazy like me

½ bunch of cilantro (aka Italian Parsley) Makes 1-1½ cups total

2 Italian Squash sliced thick

Fill a big pot with 12 cups of water, then add beef bouillon to taste (about 5 tablespoons or 6 cubes)

Add a large can of either diced tomatoes or stewed tomatoes, including juice

Add 3-5 cloves of smashed garlic

Add 1 large onion, chopped, to the pot.

Add chopped pepper to pot.

Add 1 cup of your already-chopped cilantro

Salt and pepper to taste

Turn heat on under pot (high) and bring to a boil.

While you are waiting for the boil, prepare the meatballs.

1-1½ lbs of ground sirloin, or hamburger, or turkey, or combination

2 eggs, beaten

½ white uncooked rice

½ cup of remaining cilantro

Worcestershire Sauce

Salt and pepper

Make 2" meatballs with your hands (meatballs will expand)

When liquid is boiling, drop in the meatballs, one by one, and do not stir. Cook med heat for 20 minutes, covered.

Add veggies and let them cook 10-15 minutes (I like crunchy veggies!) Make sure everything is covered with liquid.

Get a big ladle and scoop into large soup bowls. Yum, yum, yum!

Reheat for 3 days, or freeze for months. Great tasting and good for lazy cooks like me!

April Lorier is an award-winning poet, writer, Author, Christian Speaker, Columnist, and Encourager of Christians worldwide.

As a pastor's daughter and a survivor of severe child abuse, April Lorier has an intimate knowledge of child abuse in and out of the church. She founded COPE, Inc, for the retraining of abusive parents. She successfully fought for the passage of The Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), signed by Ronald Reagan.

Her autobiography, "GOD'S BATTERED CHILD: Journey from Abuse to Leader" (2007) is available at Amazon, B & Nobles, Target and at http://aprillorier.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=April_Lorier

Easy To Cook Delicious Indian Food Recipes - Cauliflower Curry Recipe by M Muhammad

2008-06-22T00:28:00.001-07:00

Indian food recipes are occupying a special place in the lives of Indians. Even though, the Indian culture is highly influenced by the British and American cultures, Indian foods still occupy the primary place in Indian society particularly in all occasions and festivals.

Indian food recipes are the by product of rich Indian heritage may be 5000 years old. Indian food recipes may be broadly classified into Indian vegetarian recipes, Indian chicken recipes, Indian curry recipes, Indian fish recipes, Indian briyani recipes and Indian mutton recipes.

Here we are giving an example Indian vegetarian recipe - Cauliflower curry recipe.

Ingredients:

Cauliflower - 1 small size

Fennel seeds - 1 tsp

Curry leaves - 1 tbsp

Dry Red Chilli - 3

Big Onion - 1 medium size finely chopped

Tomato - 1 medium size finely chopped

Turmeric Powder - 2 pinches

Red Chilli Powder - 2 tsp

Coriander Powder - 2 tbsp

Water

Oil

Salt to taste

tsp - teaspoonful

tbsp - tablespoonful

Method:

1. Heat oil in a saute pan.

2. Add fennel seeds and allow it to turn light brown.

3. Add Dry Red Chilli and fry for few seconds.

4. Add big onion, curry leaves and fry till onion turns golden brown.

5. Add Tomato and fry till it gets cooked.

6. Add all the powders and fry till its raw smell goes.

7. Add cauliflower florets, water (enough to cook the vegetables - and salt.

8. Allow it to boil for few minutes.

9. Lower the flame, close the sauce pan and let the cauliflower get cooked.

10. After it gets cooked fry till the gravy thickens.

Delicious Indian vegetarian recipe is ready to serve. Enjoy the tasty cauliflower curry with white rice.

If you are an Indian or an Indian descendent, try to consume Indian foods at least one time a day. Indian foods will rejuvenate and revitalize your body and soul.

To see much more Indian food recipes, please visit http://www.indianfoodrecipes.co.in where you will find this recipe and other Indian vegetarian recipes

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=M_Muhammad

Easy Vegetarian Spaghetti by Donna Rivera

2008-06-22T00:26:00.000-07:00

This is an easy recipe for those of us who don't eat meat. I love spaghetti and created this recipe playing around in the kitchen one day. My family really likes it and I make it often. Since the rest of my family does eat meat, I can make a separate pot for them with hamburger meat. I know they are still getting their vegetables because I have added the peas and corn. You can try it with other vegetables too, although I never have. Hope you like my families favorites spaghetti recipe.
1 lb Morning Star Vegetarian Meat Crumblies or something similar

1 can spaghetti sauce mix - (26.5 oz)

1 can whole corn - (15 oz)

1 can peas - (15 oz)

Your favorite seasoning

1/4 lb Uncooked spaghetti (1/2 - 8 oz. pkg.)

1 1/2 tsp Salt, if desired

Pepper to taste

Grated parmesan Cheese

Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions. Using a microwave safe container, heat the vegetarian crumblies/meat for 6 minutes or according to the instructions on the package.

Using a medium sized saucepan, place the heated vegetarian crumblies/meat, the spaghetti sauce, the canned vegetables, and your favorites seasonings. Remember, not too much seasoning is required because your canned spaghetti sauce already has seasonings in it. Add salt and pepper if desired. Mix all the ingredients well. Bring to boil and then simmer for 20 minutes. Serve sauce over cooked spaghetti noodles. This recipe will serve about four people.

Donna Rivera-Loudon
Quick and Easy RecipesDonna has an MBA in Information Ttechnology and is currently a Tupperware Director and CEO of her own company. She also teaches online Management and Business classes for a local community college as well as computer classes for a four-year university.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Donna_Rivera

Vegetarian Food is a Complete Food by m.jeya

2008-06-20T20:29:00.000-07:00

Nowadays everybody wants to save time and keep a healthy lifestyle. We are all aware of the importance of healthy cooking and healthy eating. The good health is a goal that many of us strive to achieve. Among the many ideas that we have about getting a good healthy body is that of eating the right foods.

According to the specialists, half liter of milk provides the required quantity of this vitamin. The best sources of B-12 are curds, Idli, Dosa, Dokhla, and Jalebi etc. To gain the most out of a vegetarian health conscious diet there are numerous vegetarian diets that you can look at. These diets will have the food prepared according to the views of the authors.

Once you have decided to have a full vegetarian style meal you will need to choose the foods for this meal. Since each person has different tastes in foods you will need to take these into account when you are looking at the different foods that you can make. Once you list down the vegetables which are not eaten at any meals you can start looking at some tempting recipes.

The vegetable food products main dishes are ones that you can use in smaller quantities as side dishes as well if you so desire. To help you plan the complete vegetarian meal you can find recipes that will show you some of the dishes. The internet will also have a wide selection of main vegetarian foods that serves to you.

While there are some people who may feel that vegetarian meals are bland and pale into comparison when compared to other foods, you will find this is only true based on the foods that you choose. Vegetarian meals which are prepared in a tasty manner will help you to choose a better lifestyle. For more information http://www.indomunch.com

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/vegetarian-food-is-a-complete-food-238225.html

Is Vegetarianism Right For You by Owen Walcher

2008-06-20T20:28:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel like you know just enough about Vegetarianism to be dangerous? Let's see if we can fill in some of the gaps with the latest info from Vegetarian experts.

Vegetarian diets are lower in fats, cholesterol, and animal protein and higher in fiber than diets containing animal protein. Because of this vegetarians have a reduced risk of obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, to name just a few.

However it is not just the way vegetarians eat that impacts their health so positively it is also their lifestyle. Most vegetarians don't smoke for example.

Just because someone is vegetarian does not mean they are healthy. This is because some vegetarians cut out eating animal meat and continue eating a lot of junk food. Because they don't satisfy their hunger with plenty of protein and fiber they often have cravings and overindulgences with high-sugar, high-fat, and empty calories.

To be sure you are keeping yourself healthy as you change over to being a vegetarian you should read articles like this on a regular basis.

For protein use soya beans because they are an exceptionally good source of protein. For instance in the dried form they contain about 40% protein, which is about double the amount of protein in other types of beans.

Take some of the mystery out of becoming a vegetarian by changing the ingredients in some of your favorite recipes. For instance you can leave out the meatballs from your spaghetti recipe. This will enable you to begin being a vegetarian without a lot of research and shopping in the beginning.

After you have found the time, look inside the supermarket for vegetarian products, ingredients, and meals. In this step it is important to stay flexible. Try different vegetarian items twice if you don't like them the first time. For example: if you have tried a veggie burger and you did not like it, try it again only this time prepare it differently. So if you microwaved your veggie burger and did not like it then the next time grill it.

Another tip is to be patient with yourself. If you discover you are having cravings for say that big juicy hamburger, then give yourself more time to let go. The longer you had eaten animal meat the more used to it you are, and the more it may bother you to give it up. Well don't despair! Just keep going and be patient and before you know it all your cravings will be gone. Go now and enjoy!

If you base what you do on inaccurate information, you might be unpleasantly surprised by the consequences. Make sure you get the whole Vegetarian story from informed sources.

The day will come when you can use something you read about here to have a beneficial impact. Then you'll be glad you took the time to learn more about Vegetarian.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/is-vegetarianism-right-for-you-60636.html

Italian Vegetarian Dishes you Can Enjoy by Dave Owen

2008-06-20T20:25:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for the perfect combination of great food and the vegetarian principals, you need to experience Italian vegetarian cooking. You can have your favorite foods and still not violate your basic vegetarian guidlines. If you are new to the vegetarian lifestyle or have been practicing the discipline for years, you will enjoy some treate Individuals can enjoy some great recipes that embrace Italian vegetarian cooking.

To get started, you can enjoy some of several appetizers like Panzanella Salad, Rotini Salad with Feta Cheese and Black Olives, Italian Potato Salad with Sun Dried Tomatoes, Pecorino and Basil Crostini, Rocket (Arugula) or Baby Corn Panzerotti, and Tomato Bruschetta.

Moving on you can add one of many pasta dishes to your vegetarian cooking regime. Some of these dishes are old favorites and some are brand new. These include Eliche Arrabbiata, Linguine with Spinach Pesto, Rigatoni with Gorgonzola, Fusilli with Sun dried Tomato Pesto, Courgette, Spinach and Wild Mushroom Lasagne, Cannelloni with Ricotta Cheese in Red Wine Sauce, Manicotti with Artichokes in Green Tomato Sauce, Capellini in Tomato and Basil Sauce, Conchiglie Genovese with Coriander Pesto, Spicy Vermicelli with Oyster Mushrooms, Macaroni with Cheese, Fettuccine In Creamy White Sauce, Tagliatelle with Tomato Sauce, Penne Pesto, Spaghetti with Olive Oil and Garlic, Farfelle Marinara, and Pasta Primavera. There are also several gnocchi dishes that you can enjoy. They are Gnocchetti in Pomodoro Sauce, Potato Mushroom and Chives Gnocchi, Spinach and Ricotta Cheese Gnocchi, and Pumpkin and Semolina Gnocchi.

Something else that you may enjoy is risottos. If you have not tried them, here are some choices that will provide a nice introduction. Some of these dishes include Risotto Alla Pomodoro, Risotto Alla Milanese, Risotto with Porcini Mushrooms, and Baked Brown Rice with Roasted Vegetables. You may also also enjoy trying the different sauces that are available. These include Almond Butter Sauce, Basil Garlic Sauce, and Herbed Mushroom Sauce.

The use of vegetables in Italian cooking is very pleasant. Some of the more suculant are Eggplant Parmigiana, Zucchini Corn and Tomato Au Gratin, and Vegetables and Beans Alla Veneziana.

Another way to enjoy your vegetables is on a vegetarian pizza. You can start with a Fresh Dough Pizza Base. To this, add one of these toppings such as Thin Crust Gourmet Vegetarian Pizza, Deep Pan Pizza Margherita, Cheese and Mushroom Calzone, or Spinach and Feta Cheese Stromboli.

To finish off your meal, you can add a vegetarian dessert. Some of these are Risotto and Rocket Pie, Vegetable and Rice Timbale, Red Pepper and Spaghettini Flan, Tiramisu, Lemon Vanilla Panna Cotta with Wine and Fresh Cherry Sauce, and Strawberry Cheesecake.

Whether you are new to vegetarian dinning or have been enjoying this type of food for some time, you can enhance your experience by adding Italian vegetarian dishes to your cuisine.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/italian-vegetarian-dishes-you-can-enjoy-181155.html

Vegetarian and Vegan Meal Planning Ideas PLUS ... Dairy Free Muffin Recipe by Rebecca Bennett

2008-06-20T20:24:00.001-07:00

In a vegan or vegetarian diet, it may take time to explore new foods and develop some form of routine to it. There are many different products on the market today for vegans and vegetarians to choose from - keep experimenting to find your or your families personal preferences and tastes.

You should be-able to find quite a good amount of vegetarian and vegan products at supermarkets, natural health food stores and co-ops.

When baking, you can use substitutes like egg replacers, cornstarch or bananas to replace eggs.

Soy, rice and nut milks are great replacements for cow's milk. Plus there are many other dairy alternatives around like: vegan cheese, yoghurts, frozen non-dairy ice creams, and cream cheeses. These are all easily sourced through health stores or supermarkets worldwide.

If you are stuck for ideas on some quick easy menu ideas, here are some sample meal menu items for you to consider:

** Breakfast

- Pancakes

- Soy Yoghurts

- Fruit Smoothies

- Wholemeal Toast or Cereals

** Lunch/Dinner

- Veggie Mock Meat and salad sandwich

- Veggie Sausages or hot dogs

- Veggie or Soy Burger

- Simple Prepared Salads

- Tofu Kebabs or Wraps

- Veggie Fried Rice

- Tomato & Pasta Bake

- Soup or Curry Vegetables

- Veggie Stir fry with Tofu, tempeh, or seitan

- Baked Vegetables with Rosemary & Garlic Herbs

** Snacks /Dessert

- Cookies

- Cake

- Non-Dairy Ice Cream

- Dried Fruits & Nuts

- Fresh Fruits

- Chickpeas

- Popcorn

- Pretzels

- Soy or Veggie Crisps or Chips

- Vegan Pies

So as you can see there are an abundance of tasty foods on offer for vegetarians of all kinds, the tastes and wonders of one's food choices is only limited by one's own imagination.

If have you ever wondered how vegetarians, vegans or people just wishing to avoid dairy products make delicious tasting and looking cakes and sweets without much effort at all?

Unless you are a vegetarian or 100% animal free cooker, chances are that you have never cooked without animal ingredients like eggs and dairy. In fact, if you don't know any vegetarians personally you might not even be aware that you can cook without any animal by-products like, eggs and dairy.

Vegetarians are able to maintain a very healthy diet eating any number of traditional meals or sweets minus animal by-products.

And you don't have to be a vegetarian to benefit from such things, even if you'd just like to cut down on animal by-products for the many health benefits involved or if you are lactose intolerant, have vegetarian friends you'd like to cook for or are trying to avoid cholesterol . . . you don't have to feel you will miss out on all those wonderful sweets and treats you feel you can't live without. Because cooking minus animal by-products is so simple and easy you won't believe it until you experience it for yourself.

So I urge you to try the below recipe for yourself and then decide if vegetarians just eat rabbit food or not. You might be surprised. And you might even be shocked that you won't even notice these muffins are not cooked using any eggs or diary.

** Dairy Free Choc Muffins

Ingredients:

1 cup water

1 tsp vanilla

1 Tbsp vinegar

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 cup sugar

1 tsp baking soda

1/3 cup coconut

1 and 1/2 cups flour

3 Tbsp cocoa or carob powder

Method:

1. Pre-heat oven to 190C.

2. Mix first 6 ingredients in a bowl until blended through.

3. Sift the remaining ingredients and blend in bowl until just combined.

4. Bake for 15-20 minutes.

Servings: 6 large muffins or 12 smaller muffins

If you are not a vegetarian but are considering becoming one don't let the fear of eating egg or diary free stop you. If you already are a vegetarian or don't eat dairy or eggs for other reasons, and have not tried cooking sweets, you might want to try it. It's so simple and easy if you know how and have access to proven recipes.

Rebecca has worked in the vegetarian and vegan industry for years. She is the founder of http://www.VeganSecrets.com a portal with many interesting vegan and vegetarian books, articles, veg living tips and information on everything vegan, vegetarian and cruelty-free.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rebecca_Bennett

Good Vegetarian Recipe Books Are Hard To Find But Worth Their Weight In Gold by Sunny James

2008-06-20T20:23:00.000-07:00

Good Vegetarian recipe cook books are hard to find, but worth their weight in gold! Once you find one consider it a treasure. More and more folks are turning to become a vegetarian. Some because of the on going findings in the amount of chemicals and additives to meat product. People just aren't feeling safe about what they are eating. And for good reason many times these chemicals and additives are linked to cancer and other health related problems that are on the rise. We hear about it all the time in the news papers and on the new on television. So since there doesn't seem to be any thing being done to change the amount of chemicals and additives, some people just feel safer eating fruits and vegetables and other sources of protein like beans. Thus creating the need for more and more good vegetarian cook books to help keep the meals from being repetitive and boring. Following a vegetarian diet can be challenging since most folks eat the traditional meal that do include meat or fish. and when put in these environments there isn't always the right choices for vegetarians to eat.

Sometimes leaving them to carry with them the foods of their choice. It is important however to make sure and consult with your doctor when considering to become a vegetarian. They can help better direct you to the proper diet that you would need to fulfill in order to make sure you are getting the proper protein and calcium into you diet, as well as other nutrients.

For more on vegetarian diets and cookinghttp://www.sunnyjames.com/vegetarian.html

visit us at http://www.sunnyjames.com/vegetarian.htmlemail us at beths2222@comcast.net

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White Sun on Health - Vegetarian Fast Food by Teow Aun Chew

2008-06-19T22:10:00.000-07:00

The first commercial canning factory was established in England in 1813. It was pioneered by a French man by the name of Nicholas Appert in the 18th century. The raw food is packed into a can which is then cooked at high temperature and pressure to get rid of all bacterial spores and fungi so that the food is commercially sterilized. This enables canned food to be shelf stable over a long period. The high temperature kills all bacterial spores but unfortunately it also destroys the texture, natural taste, color and the nutritional values of the food.

Canned food has always been meant for emergencies and convenience and is always perceived as low quality. In the early 1960s, an improvement called the “retort pouches” was introduced in the market. Instead of metallic cans, special plastic laminates are used to hold food products. However, the cooking process for retort pouches is still the same as for cans which results in the same over-processed food products.

Recently there was an invention where there is a modified retort process where the food is not subject to the same high temperature and pressure as in canning process. They are able to cook and preserve almost all types of food products in retort pouches and retort trays without sacrificing quality. Food that is processed according to this technique keep its organoleptic qualities and it tastes close to freshly cooked meals. This modified process won three major awards in Australia in year 2002 and 2003. Today United Kingdom imports 40,000 bags of lamb shank per week from Australia.

In 2003, the largest rice cooperative in Australia, took up a processing license for the technology to produce pre-cooked rice of different flavors for the Australian market. Having ready-meals in the house which are good in quality in terms of nutrition, taste and value for money would be a trend to come and will catch on in the 21st century. When the kids moved out, many elderly people would probably live in apartments with a small kitchen. They will eat out more often and would probably have lost the desire to cook meals. Many live alone and may not find it easy to go out for their daily meals. By just pressing the button on the microwave, food can be served like freshly cooked.

The young generation and those in their mid-20’s to mid-40’s are occupying middle to senior level management positions and spend more time in office than in the kitchen. Many apartments are designed without a kitchen but are replaced by just a microwave oven for reheating. The women of this generation are more assertive and ambitious than their mothers and demand equal rights with men. Many do not know how to cook a good meal. Divorce rates soar and marriage is delayed or even put off altogether and there are many single mothers. Living together without marriage is a norm and same sex couples are rife. This generation would have forgotten how to cook or had not been taught how to cook.

Those born in the late 20th century can be classified the internet generation and is one of the most medicated generations in history with many prescribed anti-depressants and other behavior-altering drugs. Childhood obesity is another health problem due to the proliferation of “junk food” and reduced physical activities except for their movements of their fingers due to computer games, iPod, text messages etc. This generation does not eat proper meals but grew up snacking and this is especially so in the newly developed and developing Asian countries. Fast food outlets are packed with children taking along their parents to have meals there. Just look at the intense advertisements capturing the hearts of the children unlike in the past, the meals were very natural, home-cooked.

With the invention where ready meal products can still maintain its highly nutritious low fat, low sugar, low salt, no artificial additives and yet taste good, they are bound to capture the market and give convenience to millions of people in the modern world. Wide range of varieties can be found even in the frozen food under the vegetarian section. If vegetarian food is processed in the same manner, then it will give convenience to millions of vegetarians worldwide as well as those health conscious people who seldom take meat. White Sun is studying this possibility to provide nutritious vegetarian food using the modified retort process without sacrificing quality.

Man by nature is composed of physical body and mind. The organic body which is of material form needs to rely on material things such as food to nourish its growth whereas the mind requires a serene order in order to live. Confucius said, “The object of the superior man is Truth. Food is not his object.” After the three inches down the throat, there is no more taste but man by nature craves for good taste. In order to encourage vegetarianism, we still have to ensure good taste and nutrition intact without preservative as in the modified retort process to serve as vegetarian fast food.

A vegetarian diet, with its emphasis on pulses, legs of mushrooms and grains to provide essential vitamins, is regarded by many medical experts as much healthier. Medical evidence from around the world suggests that diets rich in animal fats lead to heart disease and cancer. It is also encouraging to note that vegetarians have significantly lower incidences of cancers of the lung, breast, rectum and colon because the diet of a vegetarian is usually higher in fiber.

Dr William Bruce, a researcher at the Ontario Cancer Institute at Toronto’s Princess Margaret Hospital found that people who cut their animal fat intake from 150 mg a day to 50 mg a day (in essence, decreasing their meat consumption) could reduce the presence of detectable cancer-causing (N-nitroso) compounds by 50%. In addition, the addition of bran to the diet and a daily intake of 2 gm of vitamin C per day were also found to reduce the presence of cancer-causing compounds. Vegetarian fast food definitely will help the same at the same time cutting off the bad karma between human and animal.

Author: T.A Chew

T.A Chew has the opportunity to team up with the awards winning inventor of the modified retort process to produce shelf stable vegetarian food products without the need of refrigeration but yet able to retain its freshness without preservatives. It is with great hope that the venture will take off to a good start to give convenience to vegetarians worldwide soon. Website: http://www.white-sun.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Teow_Aun_Chew

Vegetarian Cooking - The Whole World Is Turning Vegetarian by Abishek Agarwal

2008-06-19T22:08:00.000-07:00

Simple vegetarian cooking is the new catchphrase of companies, keen on discovering innovative and superior ways to provide people appetizing food with a wonderful aroma and minus any health risks involved. The following are a few tips for simple vegetarian cooking.

Now, individuals can relish biting into hamburgers once they adopt the simple vegetarian cooking way of life. It is suggested that when making such a move, individuals need to select whole grain buns required for the rolls, besides picking one from a wide assortment of meatless burgers. Vegetarian burger makers, who currently rule the roost, are Morningstar Farms, Garden burgers, and Boca Burger. Individuals can either put in their chosen vegetables to this burger or add vegan mayonnaise. This makes up a delicious supper that is balanced and healthy.

With the simple vegetarian cooking way of life, individuals can just drool over and sink their teeth into burritos, potpies, and enchiladas. A great vegetarian product is created by the Amy's brand. In addition, keep an eye peeled for the latest products to hit the market. Many food majors have acquired health food businesses, and therefore locating vegetarian substitutes is not that difficult anymore. Besides, if consumers showed an interest in them, retail stores would willingly stock up on these vegetarian food products.

Pepperoni, lunch meat, and Canadian bacon, can still be had under the simple vegetarian cooking way of life. Yves veggie cuisine is a great substitute for these kinds of foods. Since they are prepared from soy products and wheat gluten, they have the flavor and hold all the health benefits, but not any of the associated health worries. Individuals can opt to put in these products into their favored sauces or casseroles and sandwiches.

Sausages, hot dogs, and Italian links, can even now be consumed under a simple vegetarian cooking way of life. Light life and Yves veggie cuisine, make available superb alternative for these foods. These too, are prepared from soy products and wheat gluten. Morningstar has on sale veggie dogs featured on its menu of vegetarian fare. In case an individual is fond of chili, he can surely pick cha cha chili, which creates amazing instant food in a cup. A further excellent alternative is chili ole.

Today, individuals have at their disposal a multitude of choices with regard to their simple vegetarian cooking practices without having the need to sacrifice a few of their preferred food choices. Besides, they can ferret out recipes in order to create their fancy food dishes.

Go in for food recipes, which require the use of varied ingredients and produce different flavors so that you can concoct a diverse range of vegetarian dishes that tickle the taste buds of individuals.

There are plenty of options for a person to experiment with. Simple vegetarian cooking recipes, without a doubt are an enjoyable and a terrific means of relishing food. Preparing vegetarian dishes not only have a positive effect on your body but also undoubtedly, are delicious to consume.

Vegetables, in fact are an indispensable part of a person's nutritional regimen. They are a vital source of essential nutrients and vitamins. Putting together vegetarian dishes for supper helps in reducing the calorie intake as well as the fat consumption levels of an individual by means of restricting meat intake. Preparing vegetarian meals also gives individuals a chance to reduce the incidence of disease by eating right and staying fit.

Abhishek is a cooking enthusiast! Visit his website http://www.Cooking-Guru.com and download his FREE Cooking Report "Master Chef Secrets" and learn some amazing Cooking tips and tricks for FREE! Learn how to create the perfect meal on a shoe-string budget. And yes, you get to keep all the accolades! But hurry, only limited Free copies available.

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Beware of Fast Food Veggie Burgers by Djehuty Ma'at-Ra

2008-06-19T22:07:00.000-07:00

While I applaud the efforts of the fast food industry in attempting to provide vegetarian and more healthful alternatives to the crap they already sell on a daily basis, I have to point out shortcomings and defects in their attempts to provide vegetarian and healthy alternatives that sabotage or defeat the whole purpose of attempting to provide healthier and meat-less (vegetarian) products.

Is health or the wellbeing of the American people the main objective in selling vegetarian products or is it financial gain? Unfortunately for all the people who want to believe the fast food industry is coming around and becoming more health conscious, the fast food industry’s objective in selling vegetarian items such as the veggie burger is strictly commercial, at least right now or presently.

Why? Because until the vegetarian items are completely lacking animal byproducts, the promoting and selling of vegetarian items is to deceive fast food consumers into believing that they have a choice in eating meatless or healthier items and products, which just isn’t true

.
Take McDonald’s, Burger King, and the Habit for example. They all sell a veggie burger. But that veggie burger patty (if the patty itself is not entirely vegetable based) is cooked in ANIMAL LARD number one, and number two, cooked on the same grill that meat (DEAD ANIMAL FLESH) is cooked on.

All meat contains parasites and worms, and the ugliest ones that you could ever see with the human eyes. I know this personally as I have done the personal research (and have been presented research from Doctah B, Bro. Tarik, and others in the Los Angeles area) and have the nauseating photographs to show you. TOTALLY GROSS!

Some people thought they were avoiding animal byproducts by only eating French fries from the fast food restaurant, not knowing that most fast food restaurants such as McDonald’s were cooking their fries in vegetable oil mixed with beef juice. That’s right! McDonald’s add beef juice to its cooking oil for flavor, in addition to spraying the fires with a sugar solution, freezing them and shipping them off to McDonald’s franchises, and after cooking the sugar sprayed fries in beef juice (oil), sodium chloride (salt) is added and you have one of the most addictive products in America – McDonald’s French fries!

Take Subway for example, a place I used to eat at often in my early vegan days and while I was in the Corporate world. I had my places to eat at and menus to choose from. However, eating out was the exception to the rule and not the rule, as I normally prepared my own lunch. But Subway was right across the street from my place of employment and the food was much lighter than the stuff sold at the more general fast food establishments.

However, as I became more spiritual and health conscious, it started to bother me eating at establishments that served vegetarian products alongside with meat or flesh products. I used to order the Veggie Max sub sandwich from Subway. But the soy based Veggie Max patty was in a container or bin next to bacon (pig’s back end). This was not a far distance for the microscopic parasites and worms to crawl from the bacon bin to the veggie patty bin. Also, the veggie patty was cut in two with the same knife used to cut meat with. You see, it really doesn’t matter if you’re health conscious or vegan or vegetarian and the person preparing your food (or product) is not. To the fast food employee, they’re just preparing another product totally oblivious to strict food sanitary preparation ethics and principles.

Another thing to point out about the Subway Veggie Max sub or sandwich is that it was (1) cooked (actually, RADIATED) in a microwave oven, (2) cooked or radiated in the same microwave oven as meat or flesh products (pork worms can’t be killed in heat because of a heat-resistant shell that forms around the worm in very high temperatures, and the only substance that can penetrate or break open that shell is the hydrochloric acid of the human body).

One day while out on the town with my children here in Glendale, California, my daughter wanted some noodles or Chow Mein and I think some vegetable-fried rice or egg rolls from Panda Express, I really can’t remember exactly the items, but I do remember asking the Panda Express employee to prepare an exclusively vegetarian plate – NO MEAT OR MEAT-BYPRODUCTS WHATSOEVER, i.e. vegetable-fried rice, Chow Mein, steamed vegetables, and to my utter shock, the employee honestly told me that NOTHING at Panda Express was vegetarian. Absolutely nothing! I said, “Even the vegetable-fried rice, noodles, and steamed vegetables?” He said “That’s right, Sir!” With a discombobulated look on my face, the employee then told me that Panda Express pours chicken juice on all of its items. So now I’m thinking about the time when time compelled me to get something on the go and I got what I thought was completely vegetarian from Panda Express.

And of course, I’ve heard similar accounts from my good Vegan comrades as well. So if you want to know a thing, ask. And by all means, don’t presume.

If you think those vegetarian corn dogs at Hot Dog On-A-Stick are vegetarian, think again! They contain egg whites (in the bread batter).

I also used to eat the vegetarian burritos at Baha Fresh Mexican Grill. I started getting headaches. Why? White flour tortillas cooked on the same grill as the slaughtered flesh (meat). So what did I do to cure the problem? I Left those burritos alone and I have been fine ever since.

I remember my early vegan days of 1997 and 1998 and thinking I was not eating any animal parts or byproducts whatsoever only to discover that those black beans I was eating from El Pollo Loco contained chunks of chicken. One day while eating these black beans, I noticed a strange substance in them. When I picked the substance up and closely analyzed it, I was disgusted to be holding a piece of chicken in my hand. Boy did I feel nauseated at this revelation and discovery. I had to let those beans go no matter how good they tasted. I refuse to let taste disillusion me into a state of poor health and into an early grave.

Vegetarian does not mean vegan! Vegan means “completely animal free, including dairy products and eggs,” whereas vegetarian means “meat-free but not dairy/eggs-free.” A vegetarian burrito at a fast food restaurant may contain cheese and sour cream (congealed cow snot or mucus). Some veggie burger patties may also contain cheese. Cheese is from an animal so how can it be animal free? While many health conscious folks and would be vegans enjoy Boca Burgers, some brands contain egg whites and cheese, so start reading the ingredient list on the box.

So although McDonald’s now has a veggie burger, just know that its veggie burger is cooked in beef oil, in addition to the fact that the veggie burger is centered between two white, refined grain buns, conventionally grown iceberg lettuce (the worst lettuce to eat and the most nutritionally deficient plant to eat) and genetically engineered tomatoes (if you want lettuce and tomatoes on your veggie burger). The same thing can be said of Burger King and the Habit’s veggie burgers.

However, if you’re on the road or out and about in society and must make a choice to eat something that is not so insalubrious, it would be a good idea to experience around with a major fast food chain’s veggie burger rather than give in to the traditional crap that has been served over the years and that you always bought and ate. However, it is better (and wiser) to seek out vegan restaurants before you actually hit the town (if you’re a health conscious individual or vegan).

I know how difficult it is to be vegan (at first) and to not have vegan eateries so easily and readily accessible, especially if you live in a small town. I’m thankful that the Greater Los Angeles area and Southern California in general is loaded with vegan spots around town to get something wholesome and nutritious to eat. The same is true for other big cities around the nation such as New York City, Atlanta, San Diego, San Francisco-Oakland Bay area, etc.

If you’re having trouble locating vegan eateries around the nation, contact Friends of Animals at bill@friendsofanimals.org or (203)656-1522 for a possible listing of vegan restaurants.

If you’re in the Greater Los Angeles area, you may contact us at www.DHERBS.com for a listing of vegan (and vegetarian) restaurants.

Eating healthy is a journey, discipline, and lifestyle and does not come without challenges in the early stages. However, as you become more health conscious, you’ll discover more healthy places to eat at while out on the town.

Thank you for reading! PEACE, LOVE and LIGHT!

This article was compliments of www.dherbs.com and Djehuty Ma’at-Ra, The People’s Herbalist

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Djehuty_Ma'at-Ra

Cooking Tasty BBQ Food for Vegetarians by Alastair Taylor

2008-06-19T21:22:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's true, vegetarians can enjoy barbecues too! If you are a meat-eater with some vegetarian guests coming round for a barbecue, it is very easy to rustle up some tasty vegetarian food. There are also some more challenging options for the vegetarian host or the brave carnivore!Option number one for vegetarians is to cook some shop-bought veggie burgers or sausages. If it's a ‘bring your own meat' barbecue this is probably what vegetarians will bring. Now, some people hate meat substitutes, but most vegetarians quite like them, and will be quite happy with a veggie sausage, particularly with some good relish and salad in a bun.

However, there are lots of other things you can cook for vegetarians which will be a little more impressive - and more than likely the meat-eaters will like them too. Halloumi cheese is always popular, and very easy to cook. This is a firm cheese that doesn't melt when cooked, so you can slice it, or cube it and stick it on skewers, and cook over the barbecue until browned on the outside, and soft on the inside. If cooking on skewers, you could alternate cubes of halloumi with cooked new potatoes.

Grilled vegetables are another good option, as they really taste of ‘barbecue'. For something slightly unusual, try brushing thick asparagus spears with olive oil and grilling for about 5 minutes, until browned in places. You can also easily grill aubergine or sweet potato slices (1-2 cm) or courgettes (halved lengthways), having coated them in olive oil and seasoning. You can also grill whole aubergines on the barbecue, having pierced them in several places with a fork. When they are soft you can scoop out the inside and spread it on some bread, or use it to make an aubergine dip.

Wrapping vegetables in foil prevents charring, so is useful if your vegetables tend to burn on the outside but are raw inside. For an authentic barbecue taste though, it is a good idea to cook for a few minutes without foil at the end, until it looks char-grilled. This is one way of cooking corn on the cob, an essential part of any barbecue for meat-eaters and vegetarians.

Lots of other vegetables, such as mushrooms, peppers and onions, work well on a barbecue, but can be quite fiddly to work with. The classic option is to thread vegetable pieces on to skewers to make vegetable kebabs. A quicker way is to use a barbecue ‘wok' or grill pan (try Lakeland), which you can place on top of the barbecue and keep all your vegetable pieces together. Then you can easily cook smaller vegetables without them falling through onto the barbecue, while retaining that barbecue flavour. This is also a simple way of keeping vegetarian food separate from meat.

A good accompaniment for all your guests is to brush some slices of baguette or ciabatta with olive oil and seasoning, and grill on each side until golden brown. If you wrap a whole garlic bulb in foil and barbecue until the cloves are soft, you can squeeze the roasted garlic out of the cloves and spread it on the bread. Garlic roasted like this becomes much milder and sweeter.

For the really ambitious, why not try making your own veggie burgers? Then you can have complete control over the ingredients and will feel very satisfied with your creativity. There are loads of recipes for different kinds of veggie burgers, but typically you could use mashed beans or lentils as a base, and add any kind of cheese, chopped onions, nuts, herbs or spices for flavouring, breadcrumbs to help make it a bit more solid, and beaten egg to help bind it. Then simply grill it! You may have to experiment to get a burger that doesn't fall apart too easily - if you are worried, start by cooking it on foil or a baking sheet, and finish up with a few minutes directly on the barbecue.

For more consumer advice visit http://www.whatprice.co.uk Whatprice contains useful household information from cooking techniques through to how to fix the kitchen sink.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alastair_Taylor

Tips for Teens on Becoming Vegetarian by Michael Russell

2008-06-19T21:20:00.000-07:00

Teens around the world are increasingly making the transition to a vegetarian lifestyle. But like any diet, vegetarianism requires that teens develop good eating habits. With the right knowledge, teens can become vegetarians without relying on a diet of soda and potato chips.

Being a teen vegetarian can be healthy and rewarding. The American Dietetic Association says, "Well-planned vegan and other types of vegetarian diets are appropriate for all stages of the life cycle, including during pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood and adolescence".

Here are some tips for embarking on a well-planned vegetarian diet.

There are several different degrees of vegetarianism. Lacto-ovo vegetarians eat dairy and egg products along with plant-based foods. Lacto vegetarians eat dairy products but pass on egg products. Conversely, ovo vegetarians eat egg products but not dairy. Finally, there are vegans, or pure vegetarians, who abstain from eating any type of animal product.

Teens who plan on going vegetarian may go "cold turkey" (don't mind the pun), but it is recommended that teens ease the transition by slowly phasing out animal products. For example, limit meat consumption to three times a week for the first couple weeks, then two times a week and so on. Teens who choose to go vegan may do the same with dairy and egg products.

Since becoming a vegetarian entails a significant lifestyle change, teens' nutritional intake will change upon making the transition to a vegetarian diet. For example, since vegetables are typically high in nutrients like vitamin C and fiber, teen vegetarians will usually get more than enough of these nutrients. Also, a vegetarian diet may reduce a teens' intake of saturated fats and cholesterol, since few plant foods contain saturated fats and no plant foods contain cholesterol.

However, teen vegetarians should be aware of their intake of nutrients such as calcium, iron, zinc and vitamin B-12, since these nutrients are not always present in all vegetables.

Calcium is important for healthy bones. For vegetarians who include dairy in their diets, calcium will be easy to come by. For those teens who forgo dairy, calcium can be found in fortified soy milk, tofu and green leafy vegetables such as spinach.

Iron is also an important nutrient. Girls in particular should be conscious of their iron consumption since loss of iron occurs during the menstrual cycle. Iron can be found in fortified cereals, whole grain foods and in beans.

Zinc can be found in whole grain foods, miso, sunflower seeds and nuts and legumes, which are also high in healthy monounsaturated fats.

Since vitamin B-12 occurs naturally in animal products, it is an important nutrient for vegetarians and especially vegans. Luckily, the human body only requires a very minuscule amount of this vitamin to function. B-12 can be found in fortified foods such as soy milk, orange juice and cereal.

A multivitamin, which can be found in virtually any grocery store, is a good option for teen vegetarians. Taking one multivitamin a day will ensure that teens get the recommended daily allowance of most important nutrients.

Another legitimate concern for teen vegetarians is the question of where to eat out. Because of the increasing demand for vegetarian food, many restaurants offer at least one vegetarian entree. To be sure, teens or their parents should call the restaurant they'll be visiting beforehand and ask them if they have vegetarian options. To avoid confusion vegans should specify that they do not eat meat, dairy or eggs.

When a vegetarian option cannot be found on the menu, teens should explain to the server that they do not eat meat (and/or dairy and eggs) and ask if the chef can prepare them something. In most cases, restaurants will be happy to accommodate vegetarians even if there are no vegetarian options on the menu.

Although being a teen vegetarian in a world of meat eaters has its challenges, going vegetarian should be a fun and exciting experience. For many teens, going vegetarian is a decision that opens up the doors to a more healthy and fulfilling life.

Michael RussellYour Independent Vegetarian guide.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

5 Most Commonly Used Ingredient In Chinese Vegetarian Recipes by Janice Hoo

2008-06-19T00:15:00.000-07:00

Are you into vegetarian recipes?

How about trying out vegetarian recipes in Chinese style?

Not sure what to use?

No worries! Here are five most commonly used ingredients you can use to create you own Chinese style vegetarian meal!

1. Mushroom

The mushroom you see here is actually the dried mushroom, which is also known as Black Mushroom, Chinese Black Mushroom or Dried Flower Mushroom.

It is an excellent ingredient to add taste and aroma to your dishes. It is also an excellent absorbent which takes in the taste and flavor of your cooking – thus giving you a pleasurable bite; exploding the splendor in your mouth as you chew!

Because of it's ability to add taste and aroma to the dishes, it is commonly added into vegetarian dishes to add more flavor to the otherwise plain vegetables.

2. Chinese Wolfberry

These tiny red seeds has sweet and plain taste, and has found its way into many Chinese soup and dishes. In fact, it is considered to be one of the medicine used in Traditional Chinese medicine.

It is also used to improve lung functions, strengthen lower limbs, reduce headache and fainting, improve premature ejaculation etc. Current researches have proven that Chinese Wolfberry have anti-oxidant ability, increasing immunity, anti radiation, anti aging and other health effects.

It is commonly known to have helps improve eye-sight.

Because of its benefits, Chinese vegetarian practitioneer use it widely to enhance nutritional value of their meals.

3. Bean Curd (Tofu)

Bean Curd was created by the Chinese, accidentally, in the Eastern Han dynasty. Initially, only monks and priests ate them. However, slowly it was accepted by the masses, and now, it is an indispensible ingredient for most of the Chinese meals, be it vegetarian or not.

Bean Curd is soft, tender, nutritious and affordable. It can be easily digested.

It promotes production of bodily fluid to reduce dryness. It also reduces heat and removes toxins; reduces blood cholesterol and the risk of heart diseases; and reduces respiratory and digestive problems.

You can find Bean Curd in many forms – soft, firm, dried, Bean Curd puff, Bean Curd skin (which we will see next), Jelly form, fermented Bean Curd, smelly Tofu, and many more!

Because of its wide variety, you'll find it almost in every meal, cooked in many different methods.

4. Bean Curd Skin or Sheet

Bean Curd Skin, either in long stick form, or in sheet form, is as popular as Bean Curd.

This is because it can either be soaked and fry together with the vegetables, or cooked in soup, or in sweet soup. And the sheet form can be used for wrapping in many recipes, e.g. Wanton, Chinese vegetarian sausage etc; or even used to create the popular Chinese vegetarian duck!

Another indispensible ingredient for Chinese vegetarian meals!

5. Bean Thread

Bean Thread or Mung Bean Vermicelli which is also known as Glass Noodles, Cellophane Noodles, or Fenzi in Chinese or Fun See in Cantonese.

It is commonly used in many Asian countries, and in particular - Chinese vegetarian dishes.

Althought it is a form of noodle, and may be eaten as noodle, when these slender and gelatinous noodles are soaked, they become soft and slippery, springy and translucent. They’re almost flavorless, but they are a good absorbant which absorb the taste of their accompanying sauce or broth.

Because of that property, it is added into dishes for more bite and flavor, and is commonly found in the famour vegetarian meal - Luohan Zai (The Dish of The Arahant)

So, here you are - the 5 most commonly used ingredients which you can also use to create your own Chinese vegetarian meal today! Enjoy your meal today!

Janice Hoo, the author of "Vegetarian Recipe: The Chinese Way" introduced a revolutionary way of enjoying Chinese vegetarian meals which are healthy and uses natural, gluten-free ingredients. In her book, stories related to the dishes are been shared so that you'll appreciate the dish better, and any health benefits of the ingredients are been highlighted as well! You can get hold of this wonderful book at http://www.ChineseVegetarianRecipe.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Janice_Hoo

Vegetarian Spinach Quiche Recipe with Bean and Corn Salad by Angela Drummond

2008-06-19T00:14:00.000-07:00

Black Bean & Corn Salad

This salad is very colorful and includes a very tasty lime dressing.

Preparation 25 Minutes

Serves 4 - 6

Ingredients:

1/3 cup fresh lime juice

1/2 cup olive oil

1 clove garlic, minced

1 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained

1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels

1 avocado - peeled, pitted and diced

1 red bell pepper, chopped

2 tomatoes, chopped

6 green onions, thinly sliced

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Method:

1. Place lime juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and cayenne pepper in a small jar. Cover with lid, and shake until ingredients are well mixed.

2. In a salad bowl, combine beans, corn, avocado, bell pepper, tomatoes, green onions, and cilantro. Shake lime dressing, and pour it over the salad. Stir salad to coat vegetables and beans with dressing, and serve

Spinach Quiche

This savory deep-dish pie features herbed feta cheese that melts and mingles in every bite. The cheese is sauteed and mixed with spinach, mushrooms, Cheddar cheese and lots of garlic. This mixture is then combined with milk and eggs, and poured into a prepared crust. A bit more Cheddar cheese is sprinkled over the top, and then the quiche is slipped into the oven until it 's set.

Preparation 20 Minutes

Cooking 40 Minutes

Serves 4 -6

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter

3 cloves garlic, chopped

1 small onion, chopped

1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained

1 (4.5 ounce) can mushrooms, drained

1 (6 ounce) package herb and garlic feta, crumbled

1 (8 ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese

salt and pepper to taste

1 (9 inch) unbaked deep dish pie crust

4 eggs, beaten

1 cup milk

salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

2. In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Saute garlic and onion in butter until lightly browned, about 7 minutes. Stir in spinach, mushrooms, feta and 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon mixture into pie crust.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Season with salt and pepper. Pour into the pastry shell, allowing egg mixture to thoroughly combine with spinach mixture.

4. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Sprinkle top with remaining Cheddar cheese, and bake an additional 35 to 40 minutes, until set in center. Allow to stand 10 minutes before serving.

More delicious Vegetarian Recipes at Recipes For Free!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Angela_Drummond

How to Come Up With a Quick Easy Vegetarian Meal by Diana Pells

2008-06-19T00:12:00.000-07:00

Vegetarians live busy lifestyles too and with work and kids, vegetarians need all the help they can get with preparing interesting meals. Contrary to popular belief, preparing a quick easy vegetarian meal may be a convenient task after all. Here are some practical tips for a quick easy vegetarian meal.

Pre Cook Vegetables

You don't need to wash, prepare or cook your veggies on the spot. In fact, expert cooks boil twice or thrice as many vegetables in one sitting and then just freeze the extra for use on the third day.

Find out which vegetables can be prepared before meals so that you won't have to prepare them at several different times. Vegetable soup can also be prepared in this way. Just make sure that you add a little more water when you take it out of the fridge on the second or third day. As an added note, be sure to label your pre cooked veggies and food with the date so that you know which ones should be taken out first and eaten and which ones are nearing expiration.

Alternate Breakfast Cooking

Mornings usually require a truly quick easy vegetarian meal because everyone is in a hurry for school and office. You can simply alternate cooking breakfast with quick meals so that you don't have to be haggard every morning. Cook eggs, waffles and the like every other day. On your non-cook days, simply add a generous amount of nuts, berries, fruits and a little honey on cereal mixes or ready to eat oatmeal for a truly healthy and hearty quick easy vegetarian meal in the morning.

Prepare Snacks

Snacks can be healthy too especially if you serve nutritious ones. Snacks help control and delay family member's appetites for main meals. This means that you'll have more time to prepare your quick easy vegetarian meal.

To keep your family interested in healthy snacks, you can introduce new items everyday instead of the usual cheese and crackers. You can try some mixed nuts, yogurt with diced fruits or simply mixed fruits in their own juice. One other delicious option would be to mash and mix some fruits like melon or avocado with a little milk.

Follow the Plan

If you had a plan and followed it, quick and easy vegetarian meals would be smoother. This will not only assist you in coming up with a quick easy vegetarian meal but will also help you generate more ideas.

On busy days, however, it is advisable if you prepare only the tried and tested quick easy recipes. It is not a good idea to experiment on new dishes and recipes when you are pressed for time. Prepare Veggies Ahead

It is best to do your vegetarian grocery shopping on weekends when you don't have work. Make sure that you set aside some time after shopping to immediately wash, chop, peel and store some of your vegetables. You can even have some of them packed in mixed bunches already so all you have to do for your quick easy vegetarian meal is to open a packet and cook. This strategy though works best for salads because some recipes will taste bad if you cook all the ingredients together. The idea though is to prepare packets that go together whether you have to cook them or eat them as a salad.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/recipes-articles/how-to-come-up-with-a-quick-easy-vegetarian-meal-286383.html

Vegan Diet Secrets: Becoming a Vegetarian by Maria Markella

2008-06-19T00:11:00.000-07:00

A lot of vegans do not even know why they wanted to become vegans in the first place. Why are you a vegan? If you cannot answer this question in depth, then there's really no reason to become a vegan diet fan.
You have to do some soul searching and find some answers from deep inside you. Find out exactly why you want to become a vegan. If you don't find any reasons behind your decision then it's just a phase you're going through.

So first of all, you have to educate yourself about being a vegan.

1. Know the facts of the vegan diet.
2. Know exactly what you're getting yourself into.
3. Know exactly why you are doing it.
4. Start reading books, newspapers, magazines about vegan diets.
5. Search the internet for articles or other information concerning vegan diets.

To sum up you have to know the pros and cons of becoming a vegan.

Here are some secret tips to get you started if you're really desperate about becoming e vegetarian.

1. Start the easy way.
Did you have any favorite dish before becoming a vegetarian? Maybe that dish was a vegetarian dish or could become one easily. So start with that favorite dish. You may not even know that some dishes are vegetarian.
For example you can start with vegetable pasta or lasagne or pasta primavera. There are thousands of choices.

2. Buy a Vegan Recipe CookBook
Being a vegetarian means that you have to learn to prepare your food sometimes. So why not follow some proven tips and recipes from a good vegetarian cookbook?

3. Don't Push Yourself
So you decide to switch to a vegan diet but you find yourself so tired and really hungry. Well, you may not be eating enough!
Don't pressure your body. Try to stay balanced and get enough calories and nutrients to keep you going. Don't just stick to only a few different types of food.

4. Get support from your friends
Make your friends understand the fact that you're vegetarian. Make them respect your choices. A good example would be to get them to try some of your food and taste what you eat.

5. Do not compare yourself with other vegetarians.
If you're reading vegan magazines or articles or talking to longtime vegetarians then you will notice that everyone has something to say. And they claim they have the best solution for you. Well, ignore them. Do not compare yourself and your body with anyone else's! You want to be a vegetarian for your own reasons. So find out what's right for you and be comfortable with your decisions.

6. Timing matters
Feel free to start on a vegan diet at any time of the year. But be wise. Remember that if you start during the summer you'll have the chance to try a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables. Moreover, people have the tendency to eat lighter during summer months. During the winter there's the advantage of eating soups or baked food.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/weight-loss-articles/vegan-diet-secrets-becoming-a-vegetarian-68215.html

How To Make Your Vegetarian Menu Irresistible by Hetaher Colman

2008-06-18T23:58:00.000-07:00

When you first think about changing your diet from a traditional diet to a vegetarian diet, it may be confusing. You are changing the dietary habits that have been with you your entire life.

When you start your research, you will find the fundamentals of being a vegetarian and the foods may not seem all that appealing. But as you research further, you will find that a vegetarian menu can be filled with delicious, colorful foods that are rich in nutrients.

Planning your vegetarian menus is probably the most challenging part of your change. When you cut meat out of your diet, it is not only the taste, but also the texture that you may have a hard time adjusting to. To assist yourself in adapting to a vegetarian diet, there are substitutions that you can use.

Substituting beans for meat is an excellent source of nutrition for a vegetarian menu and there are such a variety of beans that you can make virtually a different meal everyday and not duplicate it for months.

If you want to keep the texture that meat offers, you can use a soybean based Tempeh, it offers the texture of meat without any of the animal byproducts. Tofu is also another option you can use in place of meat. Health food stores sell these products in abundance.

If you are also cutting dairy products out of your diet, there are soy-based products that are pleasing to the palate. Milk, margarine and yogurt are now available in soy. They have the same nutritional value as dairy products.

When you have made the decision to switch to a vegetarian menu, you are committing yourself to healthier eating habits. This goes for snacks too.

Virtually all nuts are excellent snacks for a vegetarian menu. They can add tremendous flavor to any dish as well. Cashews, almonds, peanuts and sunflower seeds can accentuate any dish.

A vegetarian menu does not mean that you have to give up the foods you love. It is merely modifying the menu. There are so any variations to the vegetarian menu. By visiting your local health food store, you will find thousands of menu items. You will find yourself creating your vegetarian menu as you walk through the store.

You will be amazed at how many different products there are on the market today for a vegetarian menu.

When you decide to adapt a vegetarian menu, you are taking steps to improve your lifestyle. With the choices that are available today in vegetarian menus, you are limited only by your imagination.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/how-to-make-your-vegetarian-menu-irresistible-69443.html

A Star Is Born: Vegetarian Meets Low Carb by Silvie Charrier

2008-06-17T23:55:00.000-07:00

I grew up in a vegetarian family. As a child, I had more grains, vegetables, and soy products than most people will eat in a lifetime. When I was about 16 years old, I had had enough--I wanted to eat meat! At first, it was strange cooking with real meat. After all, I had never touched meat before, so I was a little repulsed by it at the beginning. But over time, I learned how to cook meat and found that I really loved cooking. But, I never really felt quite right about eating meat. Since my formative years were spent living a healthy vegetarian lifestyle, the new meat-eating me felt sluggish and unhealthy. Sluggish or not, I continued to eat meat into my adult years. I knew I needed to make a change in my diet, but I wasn't sure exactly how to go about it. How could I have ever guessed that my daughter would be that catalyst for a change that I'd needed since I was a teen myself?

One of the unique joys of motherhood has been nurturing a mutual relationship with my children: I inspire them, and they inspire me. As they grow into their own personalities and pursuits, I am constantly amazed--and sometimes caught entirely off guard--by their independence and self-declarations. For example, a short while ago, my eldest daughter stood up at the dinner table, after stirring her food around on her plate for a while, and announced that she wanted to be a vegetarian. I was surprised at her announcement. I was not surprised at all, however, when--without any arguments--the rest of the kids and I decided that we would all "go vegetarian" together as a family. I'd been considering it for quite some time, but wanted the kids to decide for themselves.

The impact of that decision was bigger and better than I could have ever imagined. I quickly realized that, not only was I reducing injury to the health of our planetary body and our animal friends, I was also starting to see an amazing difference in my own body. Within weeks, my digestion improved; I had more energy; and, the insomnia I had suffered from for so many years was suddenly gone! But, with all this positive affirmation, I was quite surprised to find that I wasn't experiencing the kind of weight loss I had anticipated when I returned to my vegetarian ways. Frankly, I was disappointed because--health aside--I wanted to lose weight.

I began my search for the perfect, veggie-friendly weight loss solution. As have so many others, I read extensively on the most popular low carb diets on the marketplace today, including the Atkins Nutritional Approach™, the South Beach Diet, The Zone, and other low-carb diet plans. Although I could readily see the benefits of living the low carb lifestyle, I found no low carb diet plans available in the marketplace that would be acceptable to vegetarians. Meat is at the center of each and every low carb plan.

If I wanted to lose weight by using a low carb diet, I would have to either be A) willing to eat meat, or B) put my research, cooking, and vegetarian skills to good use and develop a plan that allows vegetarians to successfully lose weight without compromising their food and lifestyle ideals. Since eating meat was not an option for me or my family, I chose Plan B!

To those ends, I was particularly interested in the G.I. Diet, a book by Rick Gallop, which emphasizes a healthy, low carb diet plan that doesn't completely exclude carbohydrates from the daily meals. The diet is more focused on the process of reducing and/or eliminating foods in the diet that increase blood sugar while increasing foods that are low on the Glycemic Index scale. This combination leads to effective and healthy weight loss.

The G.I. Diet asks people to consider changing the way they think about themselves, the foods they eat, and dieting in general. As such, if the commitment is made, the diet is sustainable and nutritionally-viable so one could reasonably maintain it long after the weight has come off. However, the G.I. Diet is not vegetarian.

So, with research in hand, I began thinking about how I could merge the valuable contributions of Gallop and a low carb diet together with a vegetarian lifestyle. After extensive trial and error in the kitchen--some things just don't taste right no matter how good they are for you--I created a series of fun, easy, and amazing ways to re-design some of the most delicious recipes to make them both low carb and vegetarian. I'd finally found a way that I could lose weight, be healthy, and live well as a vegetarian.

When my family and friends saw me lose over 20 pounds in less than 3 months, the questions started pouring in:

How did you do that?

What are you eating?

How do you make vegetarian chicken parmesan and vegetarian beef stroganoff?

Where's the meat?

Where do you get your protein?

How can you eat low carb when you aren't eating meat?

My answers to those questions and the countless recipes that I scribbled down for my friends and families became the backbone of this FREE book, Living La Vida Low Carb: The Vegetarian Way, which can be found for free at http://www.VegetarianLowCarb.com,that I share with you now. I can't tell you that you'll experience the same results as I did. I can tell you--with pride and honesty--that these recipes can help you achieve a healthier, more balanced diet. And, thankfully, the book demonstrates that losing weight as a low carb vegetarian no longer means peanut butter and tofu at every meal! Good luck and good health!

Ready to learn more about this revolutionary way to eat healthy, without sacrificing taste? Visit http://www.VegetarianLowCarb.com/Article_Vegetarian-Meets-Low-Car b.html

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Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/weight-loss-articles/a-star-is-born-vegetarian-meets-low-carb-3300.html

Switching to a Vegetarian Diet for a More Quality Conscious Lifestyle by Muna Wa Wanjiru

2008-06-17T23:52:00.000-07:00

Being in good health is vital if you want to live well. The different foods that you can eat will help you to attain this goal. When you look at the different types of foods that you can eat, you will notice that vegetables and fruits are ones that seem to offer you a better way of living. This route to vegetarian health is one that anyone can adopt.

You will find there are various types of vegetables and fruits that can be placed on a vegetarian health conscious diet. These different vegetables all contribute to the way that your health and metabolism can change for the better.

By looking at the various ideas about what is considered as the right quantities of vegetables you can control the way that these foods interact. This is one of the main aspects that you should look into with a vegetarian health plan.

Among the many things that you will need to look into when you are thinking about cooking and preparing a full vegetarian meal is the items that you will be using to make these meals. The cooking time for various vegetables needs to considered when you are thinking of a meal that is conscious about your future and immediate health.

To gain the most out of a vegetarian health conscious diet there are numerous vegetarian diets that you can look at. These diets will have the food prepared according to the views of the authors. As a result you may not agree with these views. They do however allow you to see the different methods that can be used with regards to preparing and cooking these vegetables.

You should also consider looking at how you can turn vegetables and fruits into delicious tasting smoothies, desserts and snacks. All of this is possible when you look at the different vegetarian recipes that you can find.

The different vegetarian recipes will provide you with all of the nutrients that you need for any meal plan. You should however make sure that you have included a variety of different vegetables. In this way you can ensure that all of the food groups and vitamins that your body needs are fully supplied.

This is a necessity when you are planning to get the full benefits of a vegetarian health diet plan. You should make sure that you start this new diet out slowly so that your body has time to make adjustments to the way that you are going to be eating.

After a certain time limit you will notice the changes that your health is having due to the benefits of eating good food that is green. The most important aspect that you will find due to a vegetarian health conscious diet is that your health is better than ever before.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/the-main-aspects-that-you-should-look-into-with-a-vegetarian-health-plan-309108.html

Vegetarian Cuisine by Dolly Kapil

2008-06-17T23:47:00.000-07:00

Rabbit food. That’s what my dad calls vegetarian cooking and cuisine. Salads and vegetables – can’t be anything more to it, can there? Oh, but there is. Vegetarian cooking is at least as varied as ‘regular’ cooking – and in some cases, far more imaginative.

Nearly thirty years ago, Diet for a Small Planet, and the follow-up cookbook, Recipes for a Small Planet hit the bookstore shelves with a resounding thud that still echoes. While many of the theories of protein complementarily that Frances Moore Lappe presented have been proven to be naïve by further research, the basic theories of eating and the wonderful meatless – and truly vegetarian - recipes endure. The Moosewood Cookbook and The Enchanted Broccoli Forest followed, and then an avalanche of cookbooks devoted to the vegetarian gourmet.

Vegetarian cooking is more than just ‘meatless’. There’s an art to mixing flavors and textures in just the right combinations to create masterpieces that are as appealing to carnivores as to those who’ve eschewed meat. For Hindi chefs who practice Ayurvedic cooking, food is more than nutrition – it is a meditation, a gateway to the higher consciousness. There are three major components and six tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, pungent and astringent) to be considered in the preparation of every dish, and a meal prepared according to the Ayurveda is a feast for the eyes, the nose, the mouth and the mind.

The very best vegetarian meals are not ‘meatless’ versions of dish that usually has meat in it. ‘Meatless’ lasagna suggests that something is missing from the recipe. Anyone who has dined on spinach lasagna knows that there’s nothing missing – the blend of creamy cheese and spinach and spices is perfect in and of itself. Polenta with spicy black bean sauce has no need of meat to make it more complete – made right it melts on the tongue AND sticks to the ribs at the same time.

Even within the overall umbrella of ‘vegetarian cuisine’ there are variations. Outside Western culture, most meals have little or not meat at all – so it is not surprising to find vegetarian main dishes in Indian and Chinese cuisine, nor in Russian cooking and African regional cuisines. Many base main dish meals on legumes and nuts. Peanut and cashew soups, humus with spices and lemon, fermented black bean sauces ladled over bread and pasta and rice and couscous – Middle Eastern and African cooking offers all of those and more.

If one approaches vegetarian cuisine as a ‘substitute’ for cooking with meat, one is sure to be disappointed. It is a way of eating and cooking, of spices and combinations that can be as light and fluffy as a meringue or as dense and chewy as the best seven grain bread. If you’ve never tried a real vegetarian meal – as opposed to a ‘meatless’ or ‘meat substitute’ – the very best place to start is at your nearest Indian or Middle Eastern restaurant. You’ll be amazed at the flavors and textures – and you won’t even notice that there’s no meat.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cooking-tips-articles/vegetarian-cuisine-357440.html

Vegetarian Recipes - How to Make Raw Cashew Cheese by Matty Byloos

2008-06-17T23:46:00.000-07:00

Raw Cashew Cheese

As discussed in an earlier article, soaking and re-hydrating nuts makes them easier on your digestive process. When you are making a raw food product like cashew cheese, pre-soaking the nuts also makes them softer, allowing for easier blending in the food processor or Cuisinart. There is a bit of planning involved with this recipe, as the cheese must set up for a period of around 24 hours before it is ready for eating. Prior to that, the nuts themselves must be allowed to soak for a period of time in purified or distilled water. Make this cheese as a perfect snack or hors d'œuvre for a party, just make sure to plan a couple of days in advance. This shouldn't be considered the "make it an hour before the guests arrive" kind of dish.

For a recipe yield of about 1 ¼ cups of Raw Cashew Cheese, follow these instructions. Consider doubling the recipe for a small party of ten or less guests; for a snack item for the week, make this amount and keep the cheese stored in the refrigerator.

Ingredients for Making Raw Cashew Cheese

1 ½ cups raw cashews

1/3 cup water

2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 cloves garlic

½ teaspoon sea salt

Put the cashews in a bowl and add enough cold, distilled water to cover the nuts by about two inches. Soak the cashews for around 2 hours, and then drain them.

Combine the cashews, 1/3 cup water, lemon juice, garlic cloves and sea salt in a food processor and blend them together. Be careful to scrape down the sides of the blender. Continue to blend the mixture for about 5 minutes, or until all of it is very smooth.

Place the cheese in a small bowl or Tupperware, and cover it, allowing it to stand at room temperature for between 24 and 48 hours, but not longer. After the 24 hours, refrigerate the cashew cheese until you are ready to eat it. The cheese will keep for not more than 5 days, if kept covered and refrigerated.

Matty Byloos writes and manages the Green Blog known as: Easy Ways to Go Green, as well as the Organic Food Blog: Organic Eating Daily

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matty_Byloos

Vegetarian Recipes - Vietnamese Pho For Two by Matty Byloos

2008-06-17T23:35:00.000-07:00

Perfect as any hearty soup in cold weather, this Vietnamese-style Pho soup is also light enough to stand in for a perfect warm weather meal. Made with fresh organic vegetables and vegetable broth, it's simple to put together, and can work in a pinch when you are entertaining guests or after work when you want to throw together a quick, complete meal in less than a half hour.

For a recipe yield of about 2-3 complete servings of Vietnamese Pho (fairly large bowls), follow these instructions.

Ingredients for Making Vietnamese Pho Broth

1 (32-ounce) box of organic vegetable broth

2-3 Whole organic garlic cloves

3 Tbsp of organic Shoyu (Japanese soy sauce)

3 Organic Ginger coins

1/2 Tsp ground black pepper

1 Tbsp organic rice wine vinegar

1 Cinnamon stick

2 Tbsp Sriracha Brand Hot chili sauce

1 Half of an organic yellow onion

Other Ingredients for Making Vietnamese Pho

2 Organic green onions, chopped

1/2 Pack of rice noodles (Soba will also substitute fine)

1 Square of Thai flavor baked tofu (sliced)

1/2 Cup of mushrooms (Shiitake are nice)

1 Head of organic bok choy

1 Cup of organic red cabbage, cut into small, salad-sized pieces

Ingredients for Making Vietnamese Pho Garnish

4-6 Fresh organic basil leaves

4-6 Fresh organic cilantro stems & leaves

1 Organic lime cut in 1/2

1/2 Cup of organic soybean sprouts

Directions for Making Vietnamese Pho for Two

1. First make the broth: Place all broth ingredients listed above in a large pot; cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Let simmer for about 20 minutes.

2. In the meantime, cut up your vegetables. Bring water to boil in a separate pot and cook your noodles during this time, as well.

3. Next, drain the broth of its contents, removing the whole garlic cloves, ginger coins, cinnamon stick and chunk of onion. Return the broth to its original pot and add all vegetables. Cook on low heat for about 5 minutes or until vegetables are at their desired tenderness.

4. Add noodles to the soup, serve with garnish on top (to be stirred into the soup) and enjoy.

Matty Byloos and Brooklin Rogers

Matty Byloos writes and manages the Green Blog known as: Easy Ways to Go Green, as well as the Organic Food Blog: Organic Eating Daily

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matty_Byloos

Vegetarian Recipes: Important Non-meat Sources of Protein for Vegetarians by Nicholas Tan

2008-06-17T00:02:00.003-07:00

Although most vegetarians consume a considerable amount of protein, they often do not absorb as much as they would on a nonvegetarian diet. This is because plant proteins are considerably less digestible than animal proteins, which contain amino acid chains that are closer or identical to human amino acid chains.

Consuming animal proteins might yield close to a 1:1 absorption ratio, while consuming plant proteins, such as wheat, might only yield 50% of the amino acids needed to build a "complete protein" or a protein that can readily be assimilated into the human body.

In order for vegetarians to absorb a healthy amount of protein, they must consume a variety of plant proteins to form complete amino chains. By eating vegetables, legumes, seeds, nuts, fruits, and whole grains, vegetarians can increase the amount of complete proteins they create by combining a number of varieties of amino acid chains.

Vegetarians must also consume more foods that contain proteins because plant proteins are generally harder to digest. While a nutritional label may suggest that pasta has 5 grams of protein per serving; you may only be able to digest 2-3 grams of that protein, which means you must complement the pasta with other sources of protein.

In addition to natural sources of protein, vegetarians should also seek foods that are "protein-fortified"-- or artificially-infused with protein.

For example, many supermarkets offer a variety "protein-fortified" pasta and bread. I have seen pasta that contains as much as 12 grams of protein per serving.

Soy milk is also a good source of protein for vegetarians. Studies on isolated soy protein show that it can be absorbed nearly as well as animal proteins, yielding close to a 1:1 protein absorption ratio.

For non-vegan vegetarians, yogurt, milk, and eggs (which contain complete proteins) are all excellent sources of protein.

As a vegetarian you have a number of options to boost your protein intake - and you should consider taking advantage of all of them. You should diversify your food selections, drink more soy products, and eat "protein-fortified" breads and pasta.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/recipes-articles/vegetarian-recipes-important-nonmeat-sources-of-protein-for-vegetarians-339783.html

2 Delicious Low Calorie and Vegetarian Recipes For Artichoke and Haricot Soup by Molly Bickford

2008-06-17T00:02:00.001-07:00

So try the following low calorie and vegetarian recipes and enjoy the day!

Artichoke Soup

1 lb. each of artichokes and potatoes,
1 Spanish onion, 1 oz. of butter,
1 pint of milk,
Pepper and salt to taste.

Peel, wash, and cut into dice the artichokes, potatoes, and onion. Cook them until tender in 1 quart of water with the butter and seasoning. When the vegetables are tender rub them through a sieve.

Return the liquid to the saucepan, add the milk, and boil the soup up again. Add water if the soup is too thick. Serve with Allinson plain rusks, or small dice of bread fried crisp in butter or vege-butter.

Haricot Soup

1 lb. of haricot beans
½ lb. of onions
1 lb. of turnips
2 carrots
2 sticks of celery,
1 teaspoonful of mixed herbs
½ oz. of parsley
1 oz. of butter
2 quarts of water
Pepper and salt to taste

Cut up the vegetables and set them to boil in the water with the haricot beans (which should have been steeped over night in cold water), adding the butter, herbs, and seasoning.

Cook all very gently for 3-1/2 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally. When the beans are quite tender, rub the soup through a sieve, adding more water if needed; return it to the saucepan, add the parsley chopped up finely, boil it up and serve.

Barley Soup

8 oz. of pearl barley
2 onions
4 potatoes
½ a teaspoonful of thyme
1 dessert spoonful of finely chopped parsley
3-1/2 pints of water
½ pint of milk
1 oz. of butter

Pick and wash the barley, chop up the onions, slice the potatoes. Boil the whole gently for 4 hours with the water, adding the butter, thyme, pepper and salt to taste. When the barley is quite soft, add the milk and parsley, boil the soup up, and serve.

Discover all the other great low calorie and vegetarian recipes just waiting for you at my low calorie and vegetarian recipes website or at http://www.low-calorie-and-vegetarian-recipes.org

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Molly_Bickford

Low Calorie And Vegetarian Recipes - 3 Fun Brownie Recipes by Molly Bickford

2008-06-17T00:01:00.001-07:00

Vegetarians, even those who follow the stricter "vegan" regimen often find ways to adapt recipes to account for their meatless diets. What follow are three brownie recipes suitable for those following the vegetarian regimen (those allowing the use of eggs and dairy products, unlike the stricter "vegan" diets which do not).

Wherever possible, it is recommended that organic products (those containing no additives) be used where ever possible.

Saucepan Brownies

These are called saucepan brownies because the original recipe called for a stick of butter which was melted in a saucepan. The texture of these brownies is more cake-like than fudge-like.

Mix in one bowl:

1/2 cup organic flour
1/3 cup cocoa
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

In separate bowl mix:

1/2 cup pureed prunes (a 4 oz. jar of baby food prunes is perfect)
2/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 organic or free range eggs (or equivalent amount of egg substitute like Egg Beaters)

Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Put in 8 x 8 inch square pan. Bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes or until edges look dry and start to pull away from the pan.

Fat-Free Fudge Brownies

1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup unbleached flour
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons cocoa
1 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
3 egg whites or equivalent egg substitutes *like Egg Beaters
1 teaspoon vanilla

In a mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients. In another bowl, combine wet ingredients. Combine wet and dry ingredients and mix until thoroughly moistened.

Pour batter into an 8x8 inch pan which has been sprayed lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Bake at 325 F. for 23-25 minutes, or just until the edges are firm and the center is set.

COOL TO ROOM TEMPERATURE and cut into squares.

The following recipe was originally taken from the L.A. Daily News.

CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY BROWNIES

By Charlotte Balcomb Lane

1 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup fat-free egg substitutes
1 jar (10 oz.) sugar-free raspberry preserves (or apricot, or cherry)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup flour

Thoroughly coat a 9x13 inch pan with nonstick cooking spray. (cook's note: seems to me that a thorough dusting with flour will work instead.)

Set aside.

With an electric mixer, combine sugar and cocoa. Gradually pour in egg substitutes and raspberry jam, beating on low-speed until sugar is no longer grainy.

Add vanilla, salt, and almond extract and beat briefly to mix. Combine flour and baking soda and stir in with a flexible rubber spatula. Do not over mix. Turn into prepared pan.

Bake in preheated 325-degree oven for a 30-35 minutes. Brownies should be slightly underbaked but not runny in the center. Allow to cool and cut into 2x2"squares. Makes 24.

TEST KITCHEN NOTES:

Because of jam, these brownies are sticky to cut.

To reduce sticking, wet the knife between each cut or partially freeze the brownies before cutting. (Side note: this is assuming you've been able to wait till they were cool to cut them, rather than scooping some out with a spatula!)

Discover all the other great low calorie and vegetarian recipes just waiting for you at my low calorie and vegetarian recipes website or at http://www.low-calorie-and-vegetarian-recipes.org

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Molly_Bickford

Vegetarian Recipes: Cooking With Tofu by Nicholas Tan

2008-06-16T23:58:00.000-07:00

If you aren’t a vegetarian now and haven’t been one in the past, you probably also haven’t eaten tofu many times. In fact, the only time most people hear about tofu it is in jokes aimed at vegetarians.

So why is it that vegetarians eat this stuff all the time? Is is it simply because they have no other choice?

The answer is both yes and no.

Being a vegetarian doesn’t mean you have to eat tofu. In fact, there are many vegetarians who never eat tofu or any popular meat-replacement dishes--such as "veggie burgers" or "tofurkey"--for that matter.

As long as they research and create meal plans, vegetarians can maintain a healthy diet eating traditional meals or ethnic dishes.

Tofu is often cited as something exclusively vegetarian because it is a versatile, highly-nutritional, and can be used to replace meat dishes.

Not only can it be created in textures, consistencies, and flavors that simulate a range of meats--from turkey to hamburg--but it can also actually replace and far exceed the nutritional value of similar meat dishes.

While vegetarians do not actually need to consume tofu, doing so is often a wise dietary choice--and also the next best thing to eating similar meat products (for those who enjoyed meat dishes before they became vegetarians).

Tofu is a low-fat, low-cholesterol, low-calorie food made out of steamed and compressed soy beans. Not only is it a great source of protein--which many vegetarians lack--but it is also heart-healthy and has been linked to a decreased
risk in cancer.

In addition to being served as a meat alternative, tofu is also served in a number of spicy and ethnic dishes, which were never intended to contain meat. Many ethnic Indian dishes contain large amounts of tofu cooked and spiced
in different ways.

So here is my suggestion to you: If you aren’t already a vegetarian, but want to become one, don’t let tofu get in your way. You can maintain a healthy vegetarian diet without ever eating it. However, if you already are a vegetarian, but haven’t tried tofu, I highly suggest you do. It is both nutritional and versatile - and it might not taste as bad as you think.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/recipes-articles/vegetarian-recipes-cooking-with-tofu-339775.html

Easy Vegetarian Pasta Sauce Recipe by Jeanette Marcoaldi

2008-06-16T23:56:00.000-07:00

This vegetarian homemade pasta sauce recipe is based on top quality ingredients. It not only helps the dish to taste as well as it does, but also provides the greatest health benefits.

EASY VEGETARIAN PASTA SAUCE

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp cold pressed olive oil

2 crushed cloves organic garlic

2 14.5oz cans fire roasted crushed organic tomatoes

¼ cup white wine (Riesling)

1 tsp honey

½ tsp dried organic sweet basil

Cracked salt and pepper to taste

Method:

In a medium saucepan, gently sauté garlic in the olive oil until softened. Add crushed tomatoes and stir. Then add all the remaining ingredients. Stir well, cover and bring to a boil on med-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Cook the accompanying pasta of choice. Ladle the sauce over the pasta and serve with freshly grated Parmesan.

Serves 4-6

I would like to recommend De Boles Natural Gourmet Pasta Linguine to go with this recipe. The DeBoles brand is the best-packaged pasta I've ever tasted and has been selected by CHEFS IN AMERICA as AMERICA'S BEST. A tip when cooking pasta is to not add salt to it, as it tends to turn a lovely pure product into something that tastes more like seaweed. There is adequate salt in the sauce and the Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavor of the overall dish.

This Easy Vegetarian Pasta Sauce dish tastes like a top chef prepared it, but is easy enough for a novice cook to make. It's also a healthy, vegetarian alternative for an evening meal.

For more of Jeannette's free recipes and cooking tips go to http://www.cookingmajic.blogspot.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeannette_Marcoaldi

Vegetarian Recipes, Meal Plans & Helpful Tips by Monique Sharp

2008-06-15T22:09:00.000-07:00

Is it time to make changes for the betterment of your health, although, you just do not know how? Are you tired of living day by day doing the same thing over and over and getting the same results? Well, it starts with you! In order to make changes in your life right now, you have to be open and non-resistant to change. Transformation is a process which most people are afraid of because it requires them to live outside of their box. We go through our whole lives thinking we are living because we go to work, pay the bills, eat junk food and then expect to have excellent health.

Your body is your temple, your life source, and what we put into it is clearly visible through your measure of health, well being and longevity. We all strive to live a quality life and age gracefully, so why not feed it foods that will aid us on our journey.

The first step to transforming your mind is to be open to eating healthier by preparing these transitional recipes from the e-cook book: Quick & Easy Vegetarian Recipes To Heal Your Body. These recipes will allow you to have familiar tasty healthy food, such as, Buffalo Tofu 'Wangs' and Marinated Collards. You will not only enjoy every recipe, but you will be enticed to try other healthy foods. This e-cook book is the bridge to the other side of EATING HEALTHY & TRANSFORMING YOUR LIFE! Here is a delicious recipe from the e-cook book that is healthy, hearty and satisfying:

Succulent Seductive Salad

1 lb tofu (firm)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 cup spelt flour
Â½ cup pecans
5-8 tomato slices
4-5 avocado slices
1 Â½ cup safflower oil
Â¼ cup shaved carrots
1 Ib mixed field greens
Â½ tsp granulated garlic
1-2 tbsp 100% maple syrup
1 tbsp Earth Balance Butter
1 tbsp. turbinado sugar/ raw sugar
Â¼ cup red onions, sliced thinly
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

Citrus-ginger Dressing
Â½ cup olive oil
2 tbsp. Shoyu sauce
2 tbsp. 100% maple syrup
1 tbsp. fresh ginger, minced
1 fresh tangerine
any citrus fruit, juiced
Â½ tsp. oregano/basil, dried

Cut tofu into cubes. Add oregano and garlic to flour. Coat tofu with seasoned flour. Heat oil in skillet and add coated tofu to hot oil. Cook until all sides are golden brown. Drain. Heat another skillet with butter. Add maple syrup and tofu and stir until tofu becomes a brown caramel color. Repeat #3 process, but add pecans and sugar in place of tofu. Set aside and cool. Layer mixed greens, tofu, pecans, tomatoes, onions, avocados, carrots and cilantro. Stir citrus-ginger dressing and add to salad to serve.

For more recipes please visit www.easyvegetarian.blogspot.com

About the Author
Monique Marion Sharp has been serving vegetarian food to the movers and shakers of Atlanta metropolitan for the past seven years. While serving the community, she has worked at Atlanta's most popular restaurants and hotels observing and learning everything from the kitchen to the front of the restaurant.

More Info on the Vegan Lifestyle by Rex Magnum

2008-06-15T22:06:00.000-07:00

Veganism is a relatively new type of diet. The vegan lifestyle means eating no animal products, using no animal products, and in some cases, not dating or being with those who do. It can be very healthy and satisfying, but also controversial.

What Food Can Vegans Eat?

For many non vegans, what vegans eat is the most perplexing question of the Vegan Lifestyle. They simply do not eat meat or animal products. Some switch to being vegan simply to avoid the growth hormones given to animals, which may cause damage to humans.

Can Children Be Vegan?

There is some controversy about whether it is safe or healthy for children to be raised as vegan. For infants, a vegan lifestyle can be deadly. For older children, caution must be maintained to ensure they have the proper nutrients to grow.

The Vegan Food Pyramid

The vegan food pyramid is a useful guide for those who are trying to be as healthy as possible while maintaining a vegan lifestyle. It gives serving suggestions for several different food groups which make up a vegan diet.

Whether or not the vegan lifestyle is truly healthy is up for some debate. However, for many it is not a conscious decision about health, but is rather a way to be removed from what they view as animal cruelty.

About the Author
Rex Magnum is long time vegetarian aficionado who loves eating healthy-nutritious foods and a committed vegan who promotes and encourage people, live a better healthy lifestyle.

Switching to a Vegan Diet by Rex Magnum

2008-06-15T22:05:00.000-07:00

Deciding to switch to a vegan diet can be a great idea for your health. It can help you to lower cholesterol and fat, and generally be healthier. You must make sure you eat well though, and get enough protein each day.

When you are switching to a Vegan Diet, you are giving up not only meat, but animal products as well. These are foods that are the usual sources of protein, and they must be replaced with nuts and soy.

No More Cheese

As a vegan, you can no longer eat any dairy, since dairy is or contains animal products. However, there are many Vegan substitutions for the place of dairy in your diet. You can find many great products online.

Dietary Fiber is a Must

When switching to a vegan diet, a must is dietary fiber. This will help your digestive system to stay healthy and to help your body deal with your switch in diet. If you donâ€™t get enough from your food, try a supplement.

Tasty Vegan Foods

A mainstay of your new vegan diet will be fruits and vegetables. These are both tasty and good for you. You should also be sure to eat nuts and whole grains, in order to maintain a well balanced diet.

About the Author
Rex Magnum is long time vegetarian aficionado who loves eating healthy-nutritious foods and a committed vegan who promotes and encourage people, live a better healthy lifestyle.

I Can Find Vegan Chocolate? by Rex Magnum

2008-06-15T22:04:00.000-07:00

Pure chocolate has been proven to have health benefits. It can help to lower cholesterol, fight heart disease, and help your immune system. It also is a stimulant which can help to raise your mood easily.

However, chocolate which has dairy has many less of these benefits, and cannot be eaten by vegans. This is because milk is an animal product, and vegans are strictly against the consumption of both meat and products produced by animals.

Many Reasons to Eat Vegan Chocolate

Vegan Chocolate can be a great option for both Vegans and those who are health conscious. They are much lower in fat, because they do not contain milk. And they have a more concentrated chocolate taste.

If you are lactose intolerant, or are allergic to milk, you can enjoy vegan chocolate. It is also a great way to enjoy chocolate if you are trying to reduce dairy fats in your diet, as it contains no animal fats.

Where Can I Buy Vegan Chocolate?

You can find vegan chocolate in many health food stores and co-ops. A great place to buy in larger quantities is online. This will also give you many different choices of sizes and flavors with your vegan chocolate.

A good website for those in the United States is veganstore.com. It has many different varieties of chocolates, including Belgian chocolates, cookies, fondue, chocolate chips, and baking chocolate, sure to meet your needs.

About the Author
Rex Magnum is long time vegetarian aficionado who loves eating healthy-nutritious foods and a committed vegan who promotes and encourage people, live a better healthy lifestyle.

Meet your meat !

2008-06-15T21:52:00.000-07:00

Hi Guys, just found this video from veggieboard forum. It's scary folks !. But i think this video might change the way you think about your food. Please rethink about what you eat after watching this video. Start to do something people!! (most of my people in the veggieboard forum turned to vegetarianism after watching this video). Stop eating meat.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=VIjanhKqVC4

warning !! : this video is not suitable for kids.

Tasty vegetable Chili Panner Gravy in NYC by jeya

2008-06-15T01:25:00.000-07:00

Vegetarian Chili Paneer is a different but tasty paneer dish. This dish certainly does not require a lot of ingredients. Surely all paneer lovers will love the unusual taste of paneer. To prepare koftas, spread ¾ tbsp curd on each slice of bread to wet it. After spreading curd on both sides of bread, keep aside for a minute. Mash the paneer well. Add baking powder, green chillies and coriander. Mash the bread slices well and mix with the paneer. Add salt, pepper & red chilli powder to taste. Add maida in the end. Mix well.

Make balls and stuff a piece of cashew in the centre. Deep fry 4 to5 pieces at a time, in medium hot oil and keep aside. To prepare the gravy, wash palak leaves and chop roughly. Put leaves with a green chilli and ginger in a pan and cook covered for 3-4 minutes after it boils. Remove from fire. Cool. After the spinach cools, blend to a paste and keep aside. Grind onions, tomatoes and 2 laungh (cloves) to a paste.

Heat 4 tbsp oil. Add the onion tomato paste and cook stirring till dry. Add masalas - dhania powder, red chili powder, amchoor and salt to taste. Saute further for 1-2 minutes on low flame, till oil separates. Add the ground spinach and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add ½ cup water to make a thin gravy and sauté for another 5 to 7 minutes.

Chili Paneer vegetable Recipes selected by the collective tastebuds of the masses from Group Recipes. At serving time, heat the spinach gravy and add the kofta. Slir gently on low flame for 1-2 minutes till the koftas are heated through. Remove from fire and transfer to a serving dish. For tempering, heat 1 tbsp ghee and add the ginger. When it turns brownish, shut off the flame. Add green chilies. Add red chili powder and immediately pour the oil on the koltas in the serving dish. Mix and serve.

Vegetarian Chili Panner Gravy is spicy recipe. Learn how to make/prepare Chili Paneer by following this easy recipe. These kofta's are extremely delicious and is very common in my household. The lightly deep fried spinach with stuffed paneer brings out the individual taste. When cut into half and served, it gives a moonlit night feel to the kofta. The makhani gravy has a slight touch of sweetness, which enhances the taste of the makhani gravy. Enjoy this dish with hot phulka's or a bread of choice. Please purchase online www.indomunch.com in NewYork city.

About the Author
Representing the Chili Panner Gravy in the website www.indomunch.com

The Lentil Burger - A Great Low Calorie Vegetarian Recipe For Lovers Of Fast Food by Molly Bickford

2008-06-15T01:24:00.000-07:00

It was not long after I’d made the lifestyle change, when I found myself in the city one day in between appointments. I was hungry and had this idea of sitting somewhere quiet, having a nice meal and doing a bit of nothing before my next appointment.

I noticed a mild anxiety rising within me about where I would find such a place. I seriously did not expect to find a fast food outlet that served low-calorie vegetarian recipes. Then I believed that even if I did find one the prices would not be what I could afford.

I wanted low calorie vegetarian fast food on a budget vegetarian meals and whether it was going to cost me an arm and a leg. Vegetarian meals back then (about ten years ago) were noticeably more expensive then meat-based meals.

Anyway, as I walked along a tree-lined street that autumn day not terribly confident about my chances, I noticed a restaurant that I had passed many times previously. For some reason, I looked in and saw a large menu displayed on a stand by the door. I couldn’t help but peruse the menu not really expecting to find anything that would satisfy my needs, i.e. a low-calorie, low-cost, vegetarian lunch.

Well, blow me down! Was I in for a surprise! On the menu was a lentil burger for $6.99 and for an extra $2.00 you could have potato wedges served with sour cream. Naturally I passed on the wedges, but the burger screamed, “Eat me”.

A smiling waitress greeted me, offered me a selection of tables and proceeded to take my order.

To cut a long story short, it was a meal I thoroughly enjoyed, delighted at my find and especially delighted upon realizing that it was something I could easily make myself. And because good things are meant to be shared, here is the recipe! Enjoy!

Lentil Burger

Low-fat pan bread, toasted
Yellow/red lentils (pre-cooked with garlic, onion, ginger and some coconut milk)
Fresh spinach or lettuce
Tomato slices
Sesame seeds
Olive oil
Eggplant slices (optional) (Precooked in olive oil and some vinegar)
Salt and pepper to taste

Spread some olive oil over the bread. Layer with the greens, followed by the eggplant and tomato slices. Spread the cooked lentils over. (Use as much as you like as long as you can cover and hold your burger!). Sprinkle the sesame seeds over and add salt and pepper as required.

Discover all the other great low calorie and vegetarian recipes just waiting for you at my low calorie and vegetarian recipes website or at http://www.low-calorie-and-vegetarian-recipes.org

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Molly_Bickford

Low Calorie and Vegetarian Recipes For Dessert by Molly Bickford

2008-06-15T01:22:00.001-07:00

Whether you're having a party or you just want something sweet read after dinner there are good vegetarian recipes for low calorie desserts available.

How you create your low calorie desserts is completely up to your preferences. Many dessert recipes can be made low calorie by reducing the amount of sugar.

This can be done a couple of different ways; you can either, reduce the amount of sugar slightly and include a sweet fruit or juice in its place, or you can also substitute Splenda in place of sugar. Another way is to just reduce sugar and not put anything in its place.

Mixed Berry Sorbet

½ cup sugar
½ cup Splenda
1 1/2 tsp cornstarch
2 cups water
1 cup pureed strawberries
½ cup pureed blackberries
½ cup pureed raspberries

In a large saucepan, dissolve sugar and cornstarch in water over low heat. Boil mixture until it becomes thick, like syrup (about 10 minutes).
Remove from the heat and cool.

When the sugar syrup is completely cooled mix together with the pureed fruit.

Place in a plastic container (without a lid) and freeze until it is solid.

Cut the sorbet into chunks and process in a blender or food processor until smooth.

Put the sorbet back into the freezer and freeze for another 4 hours.

Serve frozen.

Variations:

Strawberry sorbet = use 2 cups pureed strawberries and omit the other berries.

Blackberry sorbet = use 2 cups pureed blackberries and omit other berries.

Raspberry sorbet = use 2 cups pureed raspberries and omit other berries.

Mixed fruit sorbet (or any other fruit sorbet) you can change the flavor of sorbet by using a different fruit, or combination of fruits, as long as you keep the portion of fruit puree the same.

Sugar-free Carrot Cake

2 cups whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/4 cups water
1 cup dates, chopped
1 cup raisins
1 tsp cinnamon
¾ tsp ground ginger
½ tsp ground cloves
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¾ cup carrot, grated
½ cup chopped walnuts
1/3 cup frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed

Lightly grease cake pan and set aside.

Pre-heat oven to 350.

In a small bowl mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.

Combine the water, dates, raisins, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and gently simmer for 5 minutes.

Add shredded carrots to the hot water mixture and cool.

Once cooled add walnuts and orange juice to the carrot mixture and mix well.

Add dry ingredients and combine.

Pour the batter into prepared cake pan.

Bake at 350 degrees approximately 45 minutes.

Discover all the other great low calorie and vegetarian recipes just waiting for you at my low calorie and vegetarian recipes website or at http://www.low-calorie-and-vegetarian-recipes.org

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Molly_Bickford

Vegetarian Chili Recipes - Five Bean Vegetarian Chili by Brandy Summers

2008-06-15T01:15:00.000-07:00

This low fat, meatless chili recipe is packed with flavor and healthy beans.

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 (28 oz.) can diced tomatoes with juice, undrained

1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce

1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste

1 (12 oz.) can or bottle beer

4 tablespoons chili powder

1 tablespoon mustard powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Freshly ground black pepper

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 (15 oz.) can garbanzo beans, drained

1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 (15 oz.) can cannellini beans

1 (15 oz.) can whole kernel corn, drained and rinsed

2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions

In a 4-quart sized pot, saute the garlic in the olive oil.

Add in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beer, chili powder, mustard powder, oregano, pepper, cumin and hot pepper sauce.

Stir in the black beans, garbanzo beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, cannellini beans and the corn. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and let chili simmer for 20 minutes.

Sprinkle cheese on top before serving.

=> Vegetarian Chili Recipes: Summer Vegetarian Chili

Here’s a deliciously light and healthy chili recipe that is full of flavor. This recipe features fresh vegetables, beans and seasonings. Serve over rice for a heartier meal.

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 cup red onion, chopped

5 large cloves garlic, crushed or minced

2 tablespoons chili powder

2 teaspoons ground cumin

2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped

1 (15 oz.) can no-salt-added black beans, drained

1 cup water (or red wine)

1 cup bell pepper, chopped

1 cup zucchini, chopped

1 cup corn

1 cup white or Portobello mushrooms, chopped

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Directions

In a pot, heat up the oil and add in the onion, garlic, chili powder and cumin. Saute over medium heat for 5 minutes, until the onion is tender. Add in the tomatoes, beans, water, belll pepper, zucchini, corn, mushrooms, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil; lower heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. You can add in more liquid if needed.

Garnish with fresh cilantro.

=> Vegetarian Chili Recipes: Red and Black Vegetarian Chili

Here’s a great low carb veggie chili recipe that’s not only healthy, but easy to make. This recipe makes a generous amount, so you may want to reduce the ingredients by half to suit your own needs.

1 (12 oz.) package frozen veggie burger crumbles

2 (15 oz.) cans black beans, drained and rinsed

2 (15 oz.) cans dark red kidney beans

1 (15 oz.) can light red kidney beans

1 (29 oz.) can tomatoes, diced

1 (12 oz.) can tomato juice

5 onions, chopped

3 tablespoons chili powder

1 1/2 tablespoons ground cumin

1 tablespoon garlic powder

2 bay leaves

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

In a large pot, combine the veggie burger crumbles, black beans, kidney beans, tomatoes, tomato juice, onions, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, bay leaves, salt and pepper.

Bring to a simmer and cover. Simmer for 1 hour.

Cha…cha…cha…it’s chili time!http://www.best-chili-recipes.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brandy_Summers

Why Vegetarianism Is Good For You And The Planet by sas_leedavid99

2008-06-15T01:13:00.000-07:00

Even the Utah Beef Council admits, "Several epidemiological studies indicate that vegetarians have lower morbidity and mortality from chronic degenerative diseases." Today, vegetarians only make up about two percent of the population, but everyday more and more people give up eating red meat or try their first bite of tofu. Aside from ethics, what are the main reasons people are turning away from meat? Health and the ecology.

Lower rates of disease amongst vegetarians

Hundreds of different studies concur, showing that vegetarians who eat balanced diets have lower rates of coronary artery disease, hypertension, obesity, and certain cancers. Registered Dietician Winston Craig says that meat eating costs Americans somewhere between $30-$60 billion per year in medical expenses for hypertension, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, gallstones, obesity, and food-borne illnesses associated with meat. Craig says that a vegetarian diet is associated with lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and less obesity.

In 1997, the World Cancer Research Fund recommended a vegetarian diet for reducing the risk of cancer. Lifelong vegetarians have 24% less heart disease, while vegans have an astounding 57% less. A comprehensive study of a vegetarian religious group, the Seventh Day Adventists, found that they had half the rate of high blood pressure and diabetes, half the rate of colon cancer, and two-thirds the rate of arthritis and prostate cancer as other groups (2001). Furthermore, Cornell University reported that eating less meat did more to reduce osteoporosis than supplementing your diet with calcium.

Do you have to be completely vegetarian to benefit?

In 1999, a meta-analysis of several vegetarian and vegan mortality studies was conducted. The results of these studies were compared together and re-analyzed. The researchers concluded that even reducing meat in your diet had a significant effect on lowering your rate of disease. People who ate meat just once a week had a 20% lower rate of dying from heart disease, and their over-all mortality rate was reduced by 10%.

Those who ate only fish saw as much as a 34% reduction in heart disease death, while their over-all mortality was lowered by 18%. In the same sense, the more you reduce consumption of animal products, the more you appear to benefit. Only 7% of the vegans studied died of cancer (lung, stomach, and colorectal). Alarmingly, 19% of over-all deaths in the US are from cancer.

Vegetarian diets are good for the planet

Every year, meat eaters contribute to the cattle farming industry. This industry uses farm lands that could be producing human food to make grain for cows. As most people know, cows produce large amounts of environmentally-toxic methane gas. Raising cows also uses precious water resources.

Vegetarianism and the rain forrest

What you may not know though is that eating meat also contributes to the destruction of the rain forests. In an effort to make a cheaper Big Mac and Whopper, companies are growing cattle in Central America, where labor and other costs are lower. Eager Central Americans are slashing and burning their native rain forests to make room for the beef industry.

Vegetarianism and carbon dioxide emission

Estimates show that a vegetarian diet saves 1.5 tons of greenhouse gas per person per year. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reports that producing one calorie of animal protein requires ten times the fossil fuel as producing one calorie of plant protein. Wow! Furthermore, eating a vegan diet reduces more carbon dioxide emissions than driving a hybrid car, according to the New Scientist.

Vegetarianism and water reserves

What's more disturbing is that every hamburger that originated from a rain forest cow required the destruction of roughly 55 square feet of rain forest. Furthermore, studies show that one pound of beef requires 2,500 gallons of water. The water used to produce one hamburger patty is enough for two-week's worth of daily showers.

About the Author
Visit EruptingMind.com for Personal Development Tips and Free Health Radio Shows

Vegan and Vegetarian Gluten-Free Recipes Make for Healthy Meals by Andrew Maule

2008-06-13T23:46:00.000-07:00

With the increase of people practicing gluten-free diets who are either vegan or vegetarian, there is a surplus of delicious and healthy recipes readily available on the internet. There are a gluten-free vegan and vegetarian recipes for such classic gluten-containing dishes as pizzas, eggplant parmesan and a variety of others. If you havenâ€™t already you should go on and explore your meal options and be healthy in the process! Vegans and vegetarians with celiac disease are typically deficient in certain vitamins, making it even more important to eat healthier varieties come meal time. Vegetarians are typically deficient in iron, zinc, omega 3 fatty acids and protein while vegans are typically deficient in calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin b12, vitamin D, omega 3 fatty acids and protein. Thatâ€™s no problem though. As long as youâ€™re eating the right things youâ€™ll be fine. And luckily, thereâ€™s no better way of finding vegan and vegetarian gluten-free recipes than the internet. The only exclusively vegan and vegetarian gluten-free website online right now is Vegiac.com ( http://www.vegiac.com ), an online community that lets users share recipes and other information. One of my favorite recipes Iâ€™ve found on the website is a recipe for a vegan gluten-free pizza crust. This yummy pizza topped with tomato sauce, soy cheese and tons of vitamin rich veggies like green peppers and onions, is a delicious meal option that is also healthy. Not interested in Italian? How about Mexican or Thai? There are literally hundreds of different recipes and meals available to people that are vitamin-packed and delectable dishes to prepare for one, or for the whole family. You can find tons of vegan and vegetarian gluten-free recipes on the internet for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. For people like vegans and vegetarians, who have a higher risk of vitamin deficiencies, itâ€™s even more important to be eating healthy and nutritious meals. Luckily, if you have access to a computer and the internet, there are a lot of options to choose from. So, donâ€™t afraid to explore the internet and look for recipes to try out, you might find some new favorites that are tons of fun to prepare and eat as well as healthy for you!

About the Author
Dedicated vegetarian and father of two.

How to Prepare a Vegetable Pot Roast by Dyfed Lloyd Evans

2008-06-13T23:44:00.000-07:00

Pot roasts have long been the preserve of the carnivore. Basically, a joint of meat stewed with vegetables in a rich sauce. The difficulty with producing a vegetarian version of the pot roast is creating the vegetarian version of a joint of meat. Basically something that will hold together when you stew it along with the companion vegetables. This is because the essence of the dish is a solid lump of the main component with vegetables.

What I'm trying to do here is to create a vegetarian version of a classic meat dish, whilst keeping the essence of the original meat dish. The recipe itself follows:

Ingredients
120g instant gluten 
30g vegetarian nutritional yeast flakes
 1/8 tsp onion granules
 5 Kalamata olives for stuffing (pitted and sliced in quarters) 
4 Shitake mushrooms, sliced and fried until slightly browned 
120ml water
 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce 
100g chopped onions
 2 large carrots, coarsely chopped 
200g sliced mushrooms (a mix of white and Shiitake is good) 
1/8 tsp fresh thyme
 1/2 tsp salt 200ml red wine 
360ml vegetable broth 
Charlotte potatoes, quartered, oiled, seasoned and roasted

Preparation:
Mix the gluten, nutritional yeast flakes, onion granules, olives and Shiitake mushrooms together in a bowl. Separately mix the water and soy sauce then pour into the dry mixture. Stir well and knead to form a spongy glutinous mix. Transfer this to a board and form into a loaf shape. If at all possible push the olives and mushrooms in to the centre of the loaf so that they don't stick out.

Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pan over medium high heat. When the oil is hot add the gluten loaf and brown evenly on all sides until it develops a nice dark crust then set aside. To the same pot add a further 1/2 tbsp oil and use this to fry the onions until they caramelize then add the mushrooms, carrots and all the remaining ingredients (except the potatoes). Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce the temperature to a simmer. Now add the fried gluten loaf. Reduce to the lowest simmer possible, cover the pot and allow to cook for an hour (turn the loaf every 20 minutes or so). Add the roast potatoes 10 minutes before the end of the cooking time.

Remove the roast from the pot and allow to rest, covered for 5 minutes before slicing. Cut into 1cm slices and spoon the vegetable sauce over the top before serving. You can find the original recipe at: Celtnet's Vegetable Pot Roast.

Another twist on this basic recipe can be found at: Vegetarian Pot Roast and if you want to compare these recipes with the original British Beef Pot Roast.

About the Author
Dyfed Lloyd Evans is the originator of the Celtnet Recipes site and you can find more stews (both vegetarian and meat-based) at his Stews Page.

Easy Vegetarian Pasta Sauce Recipe by Jeanette Marcoaldi

2008-06-13T23:42:00.000-07:00

This vegetarian homemade pasta sauce recipe is based on top quality ingredients. It not only helps the dish to taste as well as it does, but also provides the greatest health benefits.

EASY VEGETARIAN PASTA SAUCE

Ingredients:

Method:

Serves 4-6

This Easy Vegetarian Pasta Sauce dish tastes like a top chef prepared it, but is easy enough for a novice cook to make. It's also a healthy, vegetarian alternative for an evening meal.

For more of Jeannette's free recipes and cooking tips go to http://www.cookingmajic.blogspot.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeannette_Marcoaldi

Vegetarian Recipe - Oatmeal Mushroom Steak by Kathy Ostman-Magnusen

2008-06-13T23:41:00.000-07:00

Vegetarian or not, come this way, this is so nummy. This recipe is vegetarian, so you meat eaters might want this with a beef, pork, or whatever meat steak. This is not a recipe for Vegans though, I have not gotten there yet unless I fill up on vegetables and fruit. Hey! what a concept, vegetables and fruit. One should always remember the basics if one wants to stay healthy right?

Years ago for about nine months I was a vegetarian. I bought a lot of veggie stuff.. veggie hot dogs, veggie patties, unknown what they were supposed to be really , anyway you get the picture right? I wanted to be a vegetarian for the animals. I felt to so guilty and I guess I still do, but I eat meat again and I guess close off that part of me that worries about it. Once in awhile I make this dish just because I love it. The consistency is very meaty actually. Try it, I think you will like it Micky!

"Oatmeal Mushroom Steak"

1 TBL. vegex (like a bouillon cube)

1/2 cup hot water

1 tsp. sea salt (yes if you are gonna be healthy make it sea salt, smile)

1/2 sage or poultry seasoning

1 onion chopped

3 TBL. Butter (I always use real butter, the flavor cannot be compared)

3 eggs well beaten

1 can cream of mushroom soup

2 soup cans - hot water

1 can mushrooms (I know, I can 'hear' you, canned stuff isn't all that healthy)

2 1/4 Cup uncooked old fashioned oatmeal

Saute the onions in the butter. Combine all except the mushroom soup, 2 cans of hot water and vegex. Mix well. Cover and let it stand for about 45 minutes. Mold the mixture into small meal size patties and fry in hot oil until golden brown. (Gads another unhealthy thing, stop thinking so loud! I can hear you all the way to Hawaii). Pour a little of the soup mixture (all the stuff you did not use to make the patties) in the bottom of a 9x12 baking dish to cover the bottom. Arrange patties on top of mixture and cover the rest with the soup mixture.
Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Yay, you are almost done. Make a little salad and some fruit for dessert, set a lovely table. Yay!

~~*~~

ABOUT Kathy Ostman-Magnusen

I paint and sculpt female fantasy art and map fairy tale adventures. I dream of beautiful women on canvas and art of exotic women.

I have illustrated for Hay House Inc.,"Women Who Do Too Much" CARDS taken from Anne Wilson Schaef's book. I also illustrated for Neil Davidson, who was considered for the Pulitzer Prize in feature writing, and several other publications. My paintings are collected worldwide.

Giclee canvas art work, greeting cards & posters are available for sale on my website:

http://www.kathysart.com

Sign up for my mailing list FREE ART GIFTS: Drawings of whimsical angel pictures, legends of mermaids & fairies in art. Tiny angels & mermaids for shrink art, or coloring pages. Also a "Letter From the Tooth Fairy". Ya just never know when you might need one!

Check out my Squidoo about creativity: Unlock Creativity|Critical Thinking Creative Writing Active Reading=Great Art
http://www.squidoo.com/createart/

~~*~~

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathy_Ostman-Magnusen

Delightful Low Calorie And Vegetarian Recipes For Dinner by Molly Bickford

2008-06-13T23:38:00.000-07:00

Every meal of the day can be interesting and exciting, but if there is one meal that I tend to be most creative with, it is dinner. I suppose the setting of the sun has an energy about it that encourages one to draw inwards and create from within a space of mystery and wonder. At least, it seems to have that effect on me!

Being a health-conscious vegetarian, I am always on the look-out for low-calorie vegetarian recipes that excite me in the first instance and impress my guests. I get a real buzz out of seeing their faces break out in awe and delight when they sit down to a meal that offers a rich assortment of colors and textures. And I am almost instantly forgiven for counting my calories and refraining from meat!

Besides, have you noticed how satisfying it is when you have a meal that is made up of different textures – smooth and creamy, soft and fluffy and crunchy and crumbly? Well, as you can see, the four, low-calorie, vegetarian recipes below provide all those textures to satisfy all those taste-buds.

For an entrée, you can’t go wrong with the versatile avocado. Prepare this dish ahead of time, leaving it in the fridge to set and cool.

Avocado Tantalizer (Smooth and creamy)

1 avocado
Fresh herb e.g. chocolate mint or mint
½ teaspoon honey
1 cup low-fat yoghurt, ricotta or thickened cream
Salt to taste
Herb and glazed cherries to decorate
Fresh ginger for that extra zing!

Put everything in a blender. Pour into cocktail glasses. Decorate with herb and glazed cherries. Cool in fridge!

Another great favorite entrée of mine is this drop-dead gorgeous, made-in-no-time teaser! I’ve never seen anyone able to resist it!

Pineapple Blush

Fresh or canned pineapple cut into 1-inch squares.

Fresh mint

Glazed cherries

Simply stack each pineapple square with one mint leaf, followed by half a cherry. Spike through with a toothpick. Arrange on a plate and keep cool.

Alright, so that’s the entree taken care of. Now for the main course. You’ll notice that these carefully selected ingredients come together in rather unusual but delightful ways…

Creamy pasta (Soft and fluffy)

Oat-bran pasta (star or small shell-shaped ones are particularly attractive)
½ cup mushrooms, sliced small (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon apple vinegar (or your favorite vinegar)
½ cup low-fat ricotta (strained for a smoother texture)
Garlic, pressed
Fresh (or dried) chopped herbs eg basil, parsley and coriander
Sea salt to taste

Cook the pasta till quite soft. When nearly done add the mushrooms if used. Drain. Add all the other ingredients and toss. Serve warm with the salad below.

Salad delight (Crunchy and crumbly)

150g spinach or lettuce
½ cup pre-cooked chickpeas (or canned if you must)
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ red onion, chopped
3 tablespoons almond flakes or walnuts
Garlic, pressed
1 dried red chilled, roughly chopped (optional but provides a lovely kick)
2 tablespoons apple vinegar or fresh lemon juice
Sea salt to taste
1 teaspoon dry roasted sesame seeds (optional but ever so nice!)
2 tablespoons coconut cream (optional but such a treat)

Mix all the ingredients in a salad bowl and serve with the pasta above!

Now, if you’re wondering about dessert, be sure to keep your eye out for a sweet low calorie and vegetarian recipe to amaze them.

Discover all the other great low calorie and vegetarian recipes just waiting for you at my low calorie and vegetarian recipes website or at http://www.low-calorie-and-vegetarian-recipes.org

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Molly_Bickford

Vegetarian Lasagna by Lois Center-Shabazz

2008-06-13T04:02:00.000-07:00

More and more Americans are choosing to skip the meat at meal time, therefore I felt I should come up with vegetarian dishes from time to time. This lasagna recipe is essentially the same as a previous lasagna recipe at Msfinancialsavvy.com Cheap Recipes, except that the ground turkey is replaced with one of two vegetarian mixes below.

---Ingredients---

1 whole onion, diced

1 bell pepper, diced

4 garlic cloves, diced

1/4 cup chopped scallions

1/4 cup chopped mushrooms

2 Tsp fresh oregano, thyme, rosemary mix (you can use bottled herbs)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 large tomato peeled and diced

2 Tsp tomato paste

1 Pint non-fat cottage cheese 75% fat free cheese (available at most grocery stores), grated (If you are a non-dairy vegetarian you can omit the cheese)

---Instead Of A Meat Mix, Use---

4 cups of store bought soy vegetarian burger mix, smash into small pieces with a fork

---OR---

4 cups of tofu mix, smash in small pieces with a fork

1 box wheat pasta, remove at least 8 strips

Note: Wheat pasta has 3 times the fiber of regular pasta

Warm vegetarian burger mix or tofu mix slightly

---Saucepan Mix---

Saucepan Mix=Vegetarian burger mix or tofu + vegetables + herbs + spices:

Mix onions, bell pepper, garlic, scallions, mushrooms,1 tablespoon of the oregano-thyme-rosemary mix, tomatoes, salt and pepper together in a saucepan and cook with 1 teaspoon of oil. Add vegetarian burger mix or tofu mix (whichever you choose), until the mixture cooks together, stir constantly, about 3-4 minutes on low heat.

---Noodles---

Boil enough lasagna noodles to cover the bottom of the lasagna pan, and the top of the lasagna mixture, add a tincture of salt to boil.

---Now, using an oblong pan---

Place one layer of lasagna noodles on the bottom of a large oblong pan, one at time, laying each noodle lengthwise and side-by-side. Place a layer of Saucepan mix on the bottom of the pan, (save enough for a second layer),

Place a layer of fat-free cottage cheese

Place another layer of Saucepan mix,

Place a layer of 75% low-fat cheese,

Place a layer of noodles

For the last layer, place a layer of 75% low-fat cheese, and spread your second tablespoon of herb mixture on the cheese.

Place completed mix in an oven and cook at 375 degrees (pre-heated) for about 15 minutes.

About the Author
Lois is the founder of Msfinancialsavvy.com and author or the 5-time award-winning personal finance book, Let's Get Financial Savvy! MsFinancialSavvy!

Mistakes Vegetarians Make by sas_leedavid99

2008-06-13T01:56:00.000-07:00

This may seem a bit shocking, but many new vegetarians actually gain weight when they stop eating meat. As a vegetarian, you must adjust to an entirely new vegetarian food pyramid. Years of eating patterns must be re-programmed.

The golden rule of vegetarianism is that you need protein to feel full. If you're still hungry after a meal, then you probably didn't eat enough protein. Many new vegetarians gain weight because they find themselves not getting full after a meal. In turn, they eat more and start snacking.

Vegetarian meat substitutes

As a new vegetarian, you must make an active effort to replace meat, not just remove it, from your diet. If you are unsure how to replace meat in your diet, go to the store and buy a few different meat substitutes to try at home. There is a lot more than tofu on the market, so jump in and start sampling. Meat substitutes can typically be found in the frozen food, produce, or canned food sections.

If you are unhappy with the meat substitutes you've chosen, try cooking them differently or try a different brand. Be patient! You will find some you like and others you don't. While fake meat might smell, look, and taste like the real thing, it will either require significantly more or less cooking time (depending on the product).

Vegetarian protein shakes, bars and powders

To replace meat, consider adding your favorite protein shake, bar, or powder to your daily routine. While meat substitutes are easy to add to your routine, they do not typically contain enough protein to satisfy your total daily requirement. To supplement the fake meat in your diet, you will need to diversify.

Many protein supplements are best consumed for breakfast. With most people skipping breakfast anyway, a quick protein drink or bar is an easy way to get your morning boost and your protein. If you've tried different protein powders and bars and not been pleased, try a Slim Fast or Boost type drink. They taste like chocolate milk (or strawberry, vanilla, etc.), and they don't have the pastiness or heaviness of other protein products. Boost makes a "High Protein" drink that contains 15 grams of protein, which isn't exactly a steak, but makes for a nice and easy vegetarian breakfast.

Don't forget to vary your proteins. Most meat substitutes are made of soy. Try to therefore consume a protein product that includes whey as well. Many new vegetarians add "egg white powder" to protein smoothies they make. Remember, all the protein is in the yolk!

How to order at a restaurant the vegetarian way

Among the new habits you must develop as a vegetarian, you will need to re-learn how to order at a restaurant. Do not ask a wait person, for example, if they can recommend a vegetarian dish. Why?

Because "vegetarian" to some means no red meat, to others it means no chicken broth or lard. Instead, ask the wait person specifically for what you want. There is nothing worse than not asking for specifics and then being served something you're not going to eat. You will soon discover the best restaurants for your new diet in your area. Many restaurants now have vegetarian sections on their menus. Take advantage of these with the same caveats as above.

Always be prepared!

As a new vegetarian, you may find yourself over at a friend's house at meal time with nothing to eat. You don't want your host to have to make you something special, so be prepared. Carry a jar of almonds, cashews, or peanuts in the car. They are high in protein, won't melt (like many protein bars), and don't have expiration dates. Having an alternative snack with you at all times will help you reduce temptations to have meat and fast food and will make eating away from home less stressful.

About the Author
Visit EruptingMind.com for Success Skills Tips and Free ebooks

How much protein should you eat every day? by Ronald Godlewski

2008-06-13T01:55:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows that protein is an essential part of your daily diet, and meeting a minimum protein level throughout the day is vital for having the energy you need as the day rolls on. Some people, however, are unaware of the fact that there is also such thing as having too much protein in your diet, because your body doesn't know what to do with excess protein and this can cause more harm than good. Having excess protein in your diet can cause just as many harmful effects for your health as not getting enough protein can. If you are increasing your protein intake but your calorie intake or exercise habit is not increasing along with it, you can actually put your body through more stress than it needs or than it can handle for that matter.

Your body requires protein on a daily basis in order to repair and build your muscles along with other vital body tissues. Protein allows your body to create the hormones that it needs for optimum health, and to make the enzymes that are needed for metabolic and digestive processes. If you do not consume enough protein on a daily basis, your body may turn to your muscle instead, breaking it down to find the energy it needs.

Proteins are comprised of amino acids, which are essentially building blocks, and there are somewhere around twenty different amino acids, some of which are actually created by your body. There are nine different amino acids, however, that cannot be synthesized by the body, and these are known as essential amino acids. The only way to get these essential amino acids is by eating whole foods that contain them. It is vital that you eat a variety of different protein foods every single day so that your body can get all of the essential amino acids that it needs.

There are a number of excellent whole food sources of protein that offer all nine of the essential amino acids, including meat, turkey, fish, eggs, chicken, cheese, milk, soy and yogurt. You can also find some, but not all, of the nine essential amino acids in plant food sources such as beans and peas and other legumes, nuts, peanut butter and some seeds. If you are a vegetarian, then it is vital that you find the right balance of whole food plant sources including vegetables, legumes, seeds, nuts and grains in order to get all of the essential amino acids that you need.

The amount of protein that you need is dependent upon your age, the size of your body, and how active you tend to be, or how much energy you burn throughout an average day. Most teenagers, for example, need between 40 and 50 grams of protein per day. The best way to get an estimate of how much protein you need is to take your weight and multiply it by about 0.40, and you will have the number of grams of protein that you need for a day. So if you weigh 150lbs for example, and you multiply that by 0.40, you will need 60 grams of protein every day for optimum health. This is just an estimate however, and there are a number of characteristics that will impact this number, such as whether or not you are an athlete or play sports.

Many of the whole food sources of protein are excellent at delivering the protein that you need. For example, fish, beef, chicken and shrimp can provide as many as 21 grams of protein per 3 oz serving. A single cup of yogurt can provide 11 grams of protein, and cooked lentils and tofu can provide 9 grams of protein with only a half cup of food. Other excellent sources for protein include bulgur, kashi, oats, millet, cooked egg, hummus, soy milk, cooked beans, cheese and cow's milk. There are a number of different protein supplements that come in the form of bars, powders and shakes. Usually though, most people get their much needed protein, rendering these supplements unnecessary in most cases. But if you need to put more protein into your diet, make sure your protein supplement contains several forms of protein (not just whey protein) AND the protein includes an enzyme additive for protein digestion. This will ensure your body can digest the protein and you acheive maximum benefits from taking the supplement.

About the Author
Ron Godlewski has written many articles on health, wellness, and maintaining vitality throughout our lifetime. Read more about the importance of nutrition and the many benefits of protein in our daily diets at http://www.pillfreesupplements.com/buildmuscle.php and even receive your own complementary copy of a nationally recognized health and nutrition magazine just for visiting!

Great Vegan Pancake Recipes by Rex Magnum

2008-06-13T01:54:00.000-07:00

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. However, many people either skip it or fill up with unhealthy food that makes them feel sluggish. Try a vegan pancake recipe for a light and healthy morning boost.

How to Make Vegan Pancakes

The following is a great vegan pancake recipe. Your ingredients are simple:

- 4 cups of flour
- ½ cups of fruit of your choice
- 1 tbsp white sugar
- 1 tbsp custard powder
- 2 cups soy milk

How to Make Your Pancakes

Mix all of your dry ingredients into a bowl. Then add your milk until smooth. Finally, mix in the fruit. Place a small amount of batter onto a greased pan and flip it when you see bubbles rise to the surface.

Easy Vegan Pancakes

Here is an even faster vegan pancake recipe. Simple take a cup of flour, a tablespoon of sugar, 2 tablespoons of baking powder, a dash of salt, a cup of soy milk or rice milk and two tablespoons of vegetable oil.

Take these ingredients and mix the dry ones together in a large bowl. When well mixed, add the milk and vegetable oil to make your batter. Make sure this is well blended, and then cook over medium heat.

About the Author
Rex Magnum is long time vegetarian aficionado who loves eating healthy-nutritious foods and a committed vegan who promotes and encourage people, live a better healthy lifestyle.

Check It Out !

2008-06-12T21:22:00.000-07:00

Hi guys, I've added some hot product's link from Amazon.com. Its Vegetarian related books and food products! Most are best selling product. So, don't forget to check it out and try it ok.

Preparing Great Vegetarian Soup Recipe by Diana Pells

2008-06-11T23:00:00.000-07:00

A great vegetarian soup recipe is not just all about preparing your appetite for a healthy vegetarian meal - it should be healthy as well. To help you come up with some of your very own vegetarian soup recipe, here are some tips.

Experiment

When it comes to vegetarian recipes, there is really no hard-and-fast rule. You just have to follow the preliminary basics and then let your imagination rule. This means that you may just have to sauté the usual garlic, onions and your choice of vegetables, add the soup stock or vegetable broth and then add whatever you like including spices. If you are preparing a cold and raw vegetarian soup recipe, then you can experiment by swapping some ingredients like watermelon for tomatoes or vice versa.

The only general rule is to basically respect your taste buds and whoever you are cooking for. It would be better though to reserve experimentation on your free days and simply use tested soup recipes on regular days when you have little time.

Be Generous with Spices

At times, a small portion of green onions, celery or carrots sauted in onions will make a big difference in taste. Other soup recipes however may need a little more than the usual herbs and spices. Try a few mixes like oregano and rosemary; pepper and lemon or pepper and lemon grass. You can also use other spices like cayenne and cumin. One tip with vegetarian soup recipe seasoning is to use an appropriate amount or mix of spices so you can cut back on salt.

Thicken the Soup

To make the soup more savory, make the texture just right - not too thin, and not too thick. Texture may of course be improved by thickening the soup. One secret of oriental cooks is that they use flour or cornstarch to thicken a vegetarian soup recipe instead of using milk. Some would suggest adding a precise number of parts of flour or cornstarch to water but sometimes you just have to make an estimate.

To put more texture or thickness to your soup, simply add a small amount of cornstarch. Simply mix a small amount of cornstarch with some warm water and then slowly pour the mixture while stirring in soup that is just about ready to be taken out of the fire.

Convert

Non-vegetarians usually add meat to make the soup tastier. However, vegetarians can substitute the meat with other ingredients. Aside from spices, pepper and green onions, you can also add a bit of soy sauce to give your soup some flavor. Beans can also add to the flavor of your vegetarian soup recipe and even supply much needed protein which others normally get from meat. Aside from beans, peas, lentils and squash are also tasty additions to vegetarian soup.

Freezing Soup

One great thing about soup is that you can prepare more than enough and freeze the rest for the next day. Just make sure that before you freeze soup, you allow it to cool completely first. Have it chilled so that you can remove excess oil before transferring it to small containers for freezing. Makes sure there is some extra space in your container after the soup has been transferred to allow the liquid to expand.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/recipes-articles/preparing-great-vegetarian-soup-recipe-313422.html

Vegetarian Cook Book Recipes by Dhiraj

2008-06-11T22:56:00.000-07:00

Sometimes being a vegetarian seems no fun at all, especially on the weekend barbeque where everyone else is enjoying grilled sticks and many other grilled delicacies. But no more, before this weekend get yourself a new vegetarian cook book full of vegetarian recipes and enjoy as others are doing. Vegetarian cook books are a great way to enjoy vegetarian dishes which you never know existed.

Vegetarian cook books are in general helpful for beginners who want to experiment with the vegetarian culinary but never know how to start with that. Now get mouth watering vegetarian dishes right out of your kitchen and set the mood of parties and weekends.

Before starting to purchase a vegetarian cook book understand what suits your taste buds as there are lot many vegetarian recipes which you could ever imagine. If beginner it is always better to start with the simple recipes than experimenting much with the culinary. The best way out is to understand your taste first and shortlist a few recipe cook books. It helps a lot to read the reviews and excerpts of such recipe cook books to make a choice.

To start with your vegetarian cook book recipe experience we will share on recipe with the courtesy of cookbookclub.net.

Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe
Lasagna Noodles
10 ounce Pk frozen chopped Broccoli
14 1/2 ounce Can Tomatoes
15 ounce Can Tomato Sauce
1 cup Chopped Celery
1 cup Chopped Onion
1 cup Chopped Grn/Sweet Red Pepper
1 1/2 teaspoon Dried Basil crushed *
Bay leaves
Clove garlic minnced
Beaten Egg
2 cup Lo-fat Ricotta or Cottage Ch
1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

* or substitute 1/2 t dried Oregano for 1/2 t of the dried Basil Cook noodles and broccoli separately according to their package directions; drain well. Set aside.

For sauce, cut up canned tomatoes. In a large saucepan stir together undrained tomatoes, tomato sauce, celery, green or sweet red pepper, basil, bay leaves, and garlic. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncover, 20-25 minutes or till sauce is thick, stirring occasionally.
Remove bay leaves.
Meanwhile, in a bowl stir together egg, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, and 1/4 t pepper. Stir in broccoli. Spread about 1/2 cup of the sauce in a 13x9x2" baking dish. Top with half the noodles, half of the broccoli mixture, and half of the remaining sauce.
Repeat layers, ending with the sauce.
Bake, uncovered, in a 350 deg F oven for 25 minutes; sprinkle with Mozzarella.
Bake 5 minutes more or till heated through. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/vegetarian-cook-book-recipes-127504.html

The Truth About Losing Weight On A Vegetarian Diet by Erik Leipoldt

2008-06-11T22:54:00.000-07:00

“It does not matter what you eat. Just don’t eat a lot, exercise, and your weight will not be a problem.” True? Not quite!

There is scientific evidence that a vegetarian diet keeps that weight down, whereas meat eaters put it on. What you eat does matter.

You know that weight loss is an industry. A money-making industry with many claims to make: Claims of weight loss pills, herbs and juices. Claims of exercise machines and exercise programmes. Claims of high-fat, no fat or lean diets. Which work? Which do not? How to find those things that work? It is bewildering. And expensive!

The US FDA has warned against the effectiveness of a number of products that are being marketed. They include fat or starch blockers, weight loss chewing gum and body wraps.

Even weight loss earrings and spectacles are in this list. Perhaps the last one is effective when your friends wear them to look at you?

By contrast, vegetarians and vegans know what they eat and why they eat it. They save money and lose weight.

Weight loss of both your body and your wallet? Why not.

Vegetarian food production is inherently cheaper than that of meat.

Just like a high fibre vegetarian diet goes through your system faster, the vegetarian food production chain is short compared to that of growing meat. Growing animals for meat is after all energy-intensive, time-consuming and expensive.

For instance, it takes five kilograms of grain to produce one kilogram of beef. It is that concentrated energy that you eat. And it’s not high-fibre.

Short production cycles are better for the planet and shorter digestive processes are better for you.

Perhaps you do not even need special low calorie vegetarian recipes to lose weight. A vegetarian or vegan diet appears to be a recipe for weight loss in itself! At least it represents an excellent start.

Consider the latest research.

Vegetarian and vegan diets work

Recent British scientific research is based on a study of 22,000 people who were followed over five years. All participants put on weight over that time. However, meat eaters who changed to a vegetarian diet gained the least weight.

Prof Tim Keys, who led this study for the University of Oxford and Cancer Research UK, obtained interesting results that are contrary to popular beliefs. His study is published in the Journal of Obesity.

He said: “Contrary to current popular views that a diet low in carbohydrates and high in protein keeps weight down, we found that the lowest weight gain came in people with high intake of carbohydrates and low intake of protein.”

The study involved meat eaters, fish eaters, vegetarians and vegans. On average the entire human sample population gained 2 kilos over the five years and none of them were overweight. The less consumption of animal products, the less weight was gained, leaving the vegans on top, with vegetarians runners-up.

And the bit about exercising then? Well, it’s part of a holistic picture it seems. The study also found that those who became more physically active gained less weight than those who did not. No surprises there.

So, not good news for vegan couch potatoes and a ray of hope for raging carnivores? Well…, the simple message is, whatever you eat, physical activity is part of the weight loss, and health-deal.

Good health

Health too? Yes, this study is part of a larger investigation by EPIC (European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition), comparing half a million people’s diets in 10 countries to learn how diet is linked to cancer. Results from EPIC’s investigation show that diet is a leading cause of some cancers.

A balanced vegetarian or vegan diet is good for your health.

Take diabetes, often a condition associated with inadequate diet and being over-weight. The EPIC study has revealed that diabetics carry three times the normal risk of developing colo-rectal cancer.

And a recent Australian study even suggests that a diet that is rich in vegetables and fruit can reduce the effects of asthma attacks.

The wider benefits of choosing a vegetarian or vegan diet for weight loss are obvious.

But… perhaps you’d still rather take the ‘easy way’ out and continue to eat meat. Meat perhaps that has been engineered for your ‘health’?

Voila! Researchers at Harvard University have now engineered pigs to produce “healthy forms of bacon, ham and pork crackling.”

Three little pigs were genetically modified to carry Omega 3-converting genes of a nematode worm. This gives the meat of these three little research pigs the benefits of fats and oils found in fish and… vegetables!

Talk about a long production process to get the same benefits from plants that take a fraction of the energy and time to produce.

I’m telling no porky: before long pigs will fly… But do you want to eat them?

Motivation

Weight loss may be your focus but you can see that its achievement is connected to a holistic picture, including your health and that of the world we live in. That is why you could say that many vegetarians and vegans are socially responsible eaters.

Perhaps that insight will give you the motivation to become a vegetarian or vegan: to lose weight…and to discover a whole new world!

Of course some people have medical conditions that cause them to be over weight.

It would be foolish to recommend a vegetarian diet as a miracle cure in those instances. But in all other cases of being over weight there is one over-riding thing that you need: motivation.

If you know why you want to lose weight you will do it. Motivation is everything. The evidence is in on effectiveness of vegetarian diets with respect to weight loss.

If you also know that you are doing your body and the planet a favour by losing weight through vegetarian or vegan diets… then what are you waiting for?

It’s over to you!

Dr Erik Leipoldt PhD has been a lacto-ovo vegetarian for 30 years and his children were raised vegetarian. He has been concerned about global warming and what anyone can do about that. Eating the vegetarian way is one. For more information: http://www.alternate-energy-sources.com/vegetarian-nutrition.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Erik_Leipoldt

Make the Most of the Vegetarian Food (Vegetarian Diet - How to Get the Best Nutrition?) by Cassaundra Flores

2008-06-11T22:52:00.000-07:00

There is a lot of attention being given to vegetarian food these days on the grounds that it is healthy heating habit. However, there is no particular study to indicate whether vegetarian diet alone constitutes healthy food. No doubt, the vegetarian food provides the necessary vitamins, carbohydrates and fats, but it is recommended that people enjoy a balanced diet. Opt for vegetarian if you are keen on seeking all the essential building blocks from the vegetarian diet. It is also found that vegetarian food assists easy digestion. If you are planning to go in for full time vegetarian diet, opt out of non vegetarian food. Though both are considered good for health, it is up to the individual to choose between vegetarian and non-vegetarian food.

Start the day with juice. There are a plenty of fresh fruits from which juice can be prepared. Similarly, if you are not interested in fresh fruit juice, opt for juice from vegetables. Juice can be made from greens, spinach and vegetables such as bitter gourd, cucumber, radish and carrot to name a few. The juice made from vegetables is very popular these days considering the fact that they have all the necessary and essential vital ingredients. However, it is recommended that no sugar or artificial flavors are added to the juice. Drink the vegetable juice in its most natural form. Adding sugar will dilute the originality of the vegetable juice. If possible, mix juices of multiple vehicles such as carrot and cucumber. A juice of mixed vegetables will help the overall diet of an individual.

The vegetable juice can also be applied to the skin to improve its condition. Over a long period of time, if vegetable juice is applied to the skin, it will glow. Similarly, potato slices, if placed on the eyes, will provide relaxing effect. Both are tried and tested over a period of time to provide the desired results. It can be tried on a daily basis by individuals willing to switch over to vegetarian diet.

The morning breakfast too could consist of vegetables. Try and practice to vegetables in their raw form. Some of the vegetable that can be eaten in the raw form include radish, cabbage, spinach, broccoli, cucumber, carrot, beans and many categories of pulses. It is recommended that these vegetables are consumed raw since cooking or boiling them in water might result in loss of vitamins and carbohydrates. However, ensure that vegetables consumed raw are grown organically without the use of any kind of fertilizer. Also, wash the vegetables thoroughly before consuming them. If possible, ionize the vegetables to kill the microbes if any before consumption.

While preparing vegetarian food, avoid addition of artificial flavors. Do not use much water since it might wash away the vitamins. Some fruits and vegetables are best consumed without peeling the skin. However, some vegetables have to be peeled before being eaten. Cook and bake the beans optimally before eating them. Eat plenty of fiber containing diet such as beans, pineapple and various gourds for a healthy life.

Article written by Cassaundra Flores, owner of skyfireproducts.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cassaundra_Flores

Vegetarian Food Allergies - When Soy Annoys by Laura Bruno

2008-06-11T22:45:00.000-07:00

Going vegetarian in college did not exactly bring me the surge in health and vitality that I'd expected. Far from it: my sinuses clogged, thoughts grew fuzzy, skin broke out, and periodically I developed the worst stomach pain ever! We're talking writhing on the floor, Sigourney-Weaver-in-Alien style pain. After a few weeks of "trying veg," I would crawl back to my meat-eating ways, ashamed that my body seemed to thrive on chickens, cows and fish. Because I can telepathically communicate with animals, though, the Standard American Diet seemed equally intolerable: I could actually feel the pain, fear and sorrow of each animal I consumed. With the choice to "meet my meat," or suffer the after-effects of another vegetarian stint, I lost all pleasure in food.

Through sheer determination to make a vegetarian diet work for me, I finally isolated the problem: food allergies. By the time I decided to go vegan, I was allergic to soy, nuts, wheat, and some legumes. In fact, a visit to the allergist confirmed that the only foods I was not allergic to were mold and pork. Ewww! OK, most of those I could do without, but soy? How can someone stay vegan without tofu? Especially if they can't fill up on seitan and walnuts!

But a funny thing happened. When I eradicated all hidden sources of dairy for thirty days, many of my reactions lessened. Unfortunately, soy continued to annoy for quite some time, and so I learned to live without it. So many soy-sensitive vegetarians and vegans wonder how, that I decided to write this article.

How can I tell if I'm allergic to soy?

You can visit an allergist to have a skin or blood test, which will determine a true allergy; however, you can experience sensitivities without having a full-blown soy allergy. Symptoms can include stomach pain, breast tenderness, altered menstrual cycle, acne, slow thyroid, mood changes, excess phlegm, brain fog, and/or joint pain.

If you suspect soy plays a role in your health concerns, completely avoid it for two weeks and then reintroduce it. Pay attention to any reactions. If you have a reaction but really, really hope it's just a coincidence, repeat the experiment again-two weeks off, reintroduce, observe. You might also test different types of soy. For example, some people have trouble with isolated soy protein or chocolate soymilk, but they can eat organic tofu just fine.

People do occasionally outgrow soy allergies, but it can take a year or more of complete avoidance to stop triggering a negative response. Once you determine you have a problem with soy, your quickest route to embracing tempeh probably involves a year of soy-abstinence. Then you can try your experiment again, taking some food enzymes to encourage a happier outcome.

Where will I get my protein?

So many other forms of protein exist that you really don't need soy in order to thrive. If you tolerate gluten, you can enjoy seitan in place of tempeh or tofu. Packed with protein, this "wheat meat" absorbs flavors just like its soy cousins. Legumes and nuts contain large amounts of protein, too. Soaking beans, nuts, seeds and grains activates their enzymes, thereby increasing the protein your body can absorb from them.

If you still feel concerned about getting adequate protein, Rainbow Light and Nutribiotic make rice protein powders, and a variety of sources sell hemp protein powder, which does not cause the bloating associated with whey or soy supplements.

Also consider some of the largest and strongest animals on earth-gorillas, elephants, bison-who eat mostly greens. Choosing amino-acid rich grasses and leaves, they grow huge muscles without soy sausages and protein supplements. You can, too. To get more greens into your diet, start your day with a "green smoothie," made popular in Green for Life by raw food educator Victoria Boutenko. Blend a handful or two of greens with two cups of water and some fruit. You might even throw in some superfoods like spirulina, acai berries or hemp nuts. Green smoothies improve your digestion, sometimes eliminating the strain that caused your original sensitivity.

Where can I find a soy-free veggie burger and soy-free, dairy-free milk?

Sunshine Burgers and Ruth's Hemp Burgers both offer gluten-free, soy-free vegan grillers. You can also make your own by mixing a grain, some beans or seeds, something gooey like nut butter or oil, fresh herbs, and other seasonings-mashing them all together into a patty. Rice Dream offers various flavors of rice milk, but if you crave the thicker texture of soymilk, you might enjoy Almond Breeze or Living Harvest's Hemp Milk.

Again, you can make your own alternative milks. To make almond milk, soak 1 cup raw almonds overnight in the refrigerator. Rinse and add three cups of water. Blend thoroughly and then strain through cheesecloth or a special nut/seed milk bag. Save the pulp for something else and then re-blend the liquid, adding in any flavoring you desire. Sound too complicated? Jack La Lanne's Power Juicer Elite lets you make almond or rice milk in a flash.

Why should I cleanse if I have food allergies?

Allergies of any kind indicate that your body has passed its threshold for effective elimination of toxins. When our liver, colon, lungs and kidneys work well, our skin and immune system don't need to overreact. Ongoing stress, physical or emotional trauma, exposure to pesticides or pollution, medication, and diets rich in animal fat increase our toxic load. Eventually, our organs can't keep up with the demand for detoxification, and things go haywire. Some people develop cancer; others get asthma. Sometimes the body instinctively rejects otherwise healthy foods that require extra processing.

A healthy body digests soy or wheat, but in a compromised state, even health foods can trigger an aggressive immune response. Burdock root and milk thistle provide liver support, while red clover helps the kidneys. Nettles support kidneys and open the bronchia. Green smoothies, psyllium husks and raw foods stimulate and cleanse the colon. You can also try fasting one day per week, in order to give your digestive system a much needed break.

Most people with food allergies also suffer from Candida overgrowth. Commonly known as "yeast," Candida naturally lives in our digestive tracts. A "yeast infection" or "thrush" indicates severe overgrowth spreading into other areas of the body. When the ratio of Candida to "good bacteria" grows too high, this fungus latches onto and tears portions of the intestine, creating a "leaky gut" that allows whole protein molecules to enter the bloodstream. These undigested protein molecules seem like foreign invaders to the immune system, which launches an attack. Oil of Oregano, Pau d'Arco tea, and acidophilus are three common supplements that combat Candida. (Note: in order to reap the highest benefits, take probiotics like acidophilus a couple hours after Oil of Oregano, and don't try to kill the yeast too fast! Candida produces a severe die-off reaction, so cleansing requires patience.)

Can mind-body techniques get rid of my soy allergy?

They can certainly help! In my practice, I work with a lot of people who suffer from food allergies, and oftentimes emotions do play a role. Begin by focusing on your breath, inhaling all the way into your belly. Before you eat, consciously relax your mind and body, reminding yourself that you eat for nourishment and healing. If you like meditating, you can invite an allergen into your meditation, imagining the trigger food in front of your heart center. Visualize white, pink, golden or green light emanating from your heart center and surrounding the food with love.

In this quiet space, ask your body why it wants your attention through this food. Notice any thoughts, feelings, memories or images that appear. This takes practice, but it can help a lot! Once you sense the root cause of your resistance, inhale and pull all those feelings up to the top of your head. Then let them go as you exhale. Return to your heart and repeat again, dragging the resistance up to your crown and releasing it with your breath. Continue until you feel lighter and ready to stop.

Sometimes the mental-emotional causes of symptoms lie so deeply buried that you have trouble accessing them consciously. In these cases, you can either request someone else's assistance or ask yourself how badly you want to overcome the allergy. For example, I have resolved all my allergies to vegan foods, but I suspect I'm still allergic to dairy. Since I have no desire to eat dairy again, the possible allergy makes no difference to my quality of life.

Not having access to foods like flaxseed, soy, wheat and nuts did interfere, so for me, it was worth the effort to recover. If you don't care about a particular food allergy, I suggest you let it go for now and focus your attention on the ones you really do wish to heal. Express gratitude for the foods you can eat, and each day, tell yourself, "My tolerance to _____ is actively improving." Imagine yourself enjoying that food with no adverse reactions. If you cannot imagine this scenario, consider ways in which this food allergy might be a sign post to guide you back to health and wholeness. Our bodies always act in the best interest of our souls, so if your body screams for your attention-listen up!

Laura Bruno is a Life Coach, Medical Intuitive and Reiki Master Teacher from Sedona, Arizona. In addition to private coaching and intuitive sessions, she teaches Conscious Eating 101 classes, Intuition workshops and Reiki Certification classes around the country and in beautiful Sedona. For more information on classes, raw food coaching, transitional coaching, animal communication, and letting your gifts shine through your career, please see: http://www.internationalrenaissancecoaching.com or call 928-282-2595.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laura_Bruno

Vegetarian Sports Nutrition - Can You Achieve A High Level Of Fitness Using a Vegetarian Food Base? by Vanessa Youngstorm

2008-06-11T22:35:00.000-07:00

Vegetarian athletes have special needs to be able to perform at a higher level of energy than those who don’t exert themselves athletically each and every day. Vegetarian sports nutrition and calorie intake are very important to consistently help your body to perform at it’s best.

Most nutritional challenges of vegetarian sports nutrition can be met by planning ahead and having a variety of foods available at home. Variety in your vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds will assure the correct vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids in the diet.

Vegetarian sports nutrition must meet the energy needs of the athlete. Energy sources can simply be your favorite fruits, root vegetables, whole grains and green leafy vegetables.

Proteins, needed for repair of tissues, building and repairing muscles, red blood cell production and just running your body, can be received from fruits, green leaves, nuts and root vegetables. Some excellent sources of protein include avocados, dates, bananas, and almonds.

Protein requirements are not different for vegetarian athletes than for athletes who don’t eat vegetarian sports nutrition. Athletes should take 1.2 to 2 grams of protein per kilograms of body weight.

Our bodies also require minerals to repair and replace muscles and hormones. There are several factors that are important to the absorption of minerals and vitamins. How the foods are combined, use of microwaves and incorporating the occasional fast all impact how minerals and vitamins are absorbed into the body.

Individual sources of plant protein do not supply all nine essential amino acids that meats and animal proteins do. However, eating a variety of vegetables during the day will supply all nine amino acids; what one vegetable is missing another will supply.

Calcium is also essential to nutrition. Vegetarian sports nutrition should plan for sources from plants or add supplements since athletes who are low may have increased risk of bone and stress fractures.

Athletes also are at risk for iron deficiency, especially females. Iron loss is increased during heavy training. Vegetarian sports nutrition should incorporate spinach, a good supply of iron, into the diet. Vitamin C also improves iron absorption. The main symptoms of iron deficiency are weakness and rapid fatigue during exercise.

Low zinc levels can also be a problem for vegetarian athletes in heavy training. Zinc sources are pumpkin seeds, pecans, split peas, Brazil nuts, rye, whole wheat, oats, peanuts, walnuts and almonds.

Vegetarian sports nutrition should include appropriate amounts of energy, carbohydrates, protein, vitamins and minerals is critical for optimal performance. Athletes who practice a vegetarian lifestyle must do a little planning to ensure the correct balance of nutrition in their diets.

Vanessa Youngstrom, a nurse practitioner, enjoys writing and educating on health and wellness topics. You’ll find more articles at http://www.YourHealthHere.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vanessa_Youngstrom

Quick and Easy Low Calorie Vegetarian Recipes by Guido Nussbaum

2008-06-11T22:17:00.000-07:00

The shops these days are full of all sorts of goodies suitable for the vegetarian. So longer do you have to satisfy yourself with an omelette or salad. And because there is such choice you can choose low calorie options.

Also there are now a number of meat substitutes if you wan to go that way. Vegetarian bacon - yes really - look in the frozen food cabinet - adds that something to lots of dishes and I frequently use it, even when cooking for omnivores.

Rice Salad

This has quite a long list of ingredients, but is still quick and easy. I haven't given amounts as you can alter them to suit what you have available and how many diners there are.

Cold cooked rice - a large cupful per person Pineapple chunks Vegetarian bacon, 3 rashers per person A deseeded, finely sliced chilli Some coriander or basil A few salted cashews or dry roasted peanuts ( too many puts the calorie count up of course.) Juice of lime or lemon Crisply fried onion

Cooked vegetables such as sweet corn, peas, asparagus pieces and snowpeas. Mix together the rice, chilli and pineapple. Fry the vegetarian bacon rashers in a non stick pan. They take only seconds so keep an eye on them. Either fry your onions, sliced thinly or reheat previously fried ones. Add the cooked vegetables and the nuts to the rice mixture. Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice. Crumble the bacon rashers and mix in. Arrange on a plate. Decorate with the chopped herbs and the crispy onion pieces. Non vegetarians might want some prawns or cooked flaked fish in place of the bacon pieces.

No Oil Lemon and Parsley Salad Dressing

There isn't much point in having a salad if you cover it in high fat dressing, but it does taste good. Well so does this and there is absolutely no guilt attached.

¾ cup water 2 Tablespoons o arrowroot powder Juice of one lemon ¾ cup finely chopped parsley ( You may want to substitute cilantro or add a little tarragon) pinch of salt

Either a deseeded chopped chilli (You could use dried flakes) or two teaspoons of finely chopped sweet/bell pepper. Mix the water and arrowroot well and then cook until thickened. Allow to cool and then place all ingredients in a screw top jar. Replace lid tightly. Shake well. Will keep for a few days in the fridge.

Stuffed Squash

Butternut or acorn squash is what I generally have available, but the recipe can be used to stuff other vegetables such as bell peppers and eggplants ( aubergines). Serves 8 as stuffing.

You need for each person ½ a squash or eggplant or a whole sweet bell pepper. ½ cup raisins , sultanas or chopped dried apricots I cup vegetable stock 2 finely chopped onions

1 Garlic clove, crushed

2 Apples, peeled, cored & diced, about 1 1/2 Cup I stick of celery diced

1 1/2 Cups crumbs from 7-grain bread or other whole grain bread, toasted slightly in ungreased fry pan

2 teaspoons of salt

1 - 2 teaspoon of herbs - a mix of herbes de Provence is good

Grated peel of one lemon

If using squash halve and remove seeds. For peppers cut off and retain a cap and deseed. For egg plants remove stem piece and halve, making a slight hollow. You may need to cut a small piece off the squashes and egg plants so that they will sit level in dish.

Bake the vegetables cut side down in a medium oven for 50 minutes on a lightly oiled baking tray. While this is going on heat up the stock and then use this to soak your dried fruit.

Saute the onion and celery for about 5 minutes and then add the apple pieces and the garlic for a further 3 or 4 minutes. Now place this mixture in a large bowl and combine with all the other stuffing ingredients. It should be quite moist. Use to stuff your vegetables. Return them to the oven and bake fro a further 15 minutes.

About the Author
Fore more tips on cooking please visit our cooking recipes website. For dessert lovers we have easy chocolate dessert recipes

Muscle Building Tips For Vegetarians by Jason Storm

2008-06-11T22:13:00.000-07:00

Today there's an increased number of people that change their diet into one that's vegetarian. A lot of people cut meat from their diets as part of a healthy lifestyle. But can you still gain muscles without the protein that comes from meat?

Protein is essential for muscle building and without it, they won't grow. Luckily, there are many other sources that you can use as a vegetarian.

It's important that the protein you are taking in is of good quality. Protein contains amino acids of which there are many different types, some of them can be produced by the body but still a few are what we call essential and can only be gained from the foods we eat. When you are eating vegetarian it's important to make sure you eat with variation, this ensures that you get all the amino acids that you need.

If you are a lacto-ovo vegetarian, which means you're eating egg and dairy products, you can increase your intake of protein by eating more eggs and adding more milk and cheese to your diet. Eggs have a lot of high quality proteins with many of the essential amino acids, a great source for muscle gain. You can make omelettes and add egg to your salads and other meals.

If you are eating a strict vegan diet, you're main source of protein comes from legumes, beans and grains. Beans in general contain a large amount of high quality protein. The soybean has a lot of the essential amino acids and is being used in many different ways. Made into tofu and tempeh you can use it in a similar way as you are used to making meat.

Black beans are especially good for you as they are a complete protein. They have to soak overnight and it takes a few hours to cook them so i recommend that you do a large amount and put the leftover in the freezer. Having a black bean burrito is an excellent way to get your protein.

Broccoli is also excellent to add, it not only has a very large protein percentage but also a lot of vitamins and minerals that are essential for a healthy body. Variation is the key, eat a variety of vegetables and you'll naturally making sure that you gain all the nutritions that your body needs for bodybuilding.

Grains contains a high amount of protein and they also has a lot of vitamins and minerals. The B-vitamins is a group that vegans have a risk of lacking, and grains are a good source for that. Grains like quinoa, bulghur, hirs and buckwheat all have a good amount of protein and nutrition. By eating those instead of white rice and pasta, your protein intake will naturally rise.

You also want to ensure that the body is getting the energy it needs to be able to worlk out and renew itself. Add extra fat to your diet to gain extra calories and look for food that has a lot of energy. Nuts and seeds contains a high amount of good quality fat and it's a good idea to have some of these each day.

If you're really aiming to gain muscles fast and efficiently, it might also be a good idea to get a soy-based protein powder. This adds the extra proteins you need. It's important that the powder you're getting is of good quality with a high concentration of the essential amino acids.

By following these guidelines you can easily gain muscles even if you want to keep a healthy vegetarian diet.

About the Author
Jason Storm is a writer for the blog Go Muscles. If you would like to learn the natural way to bulk up, visit http://gomuscles.net

Eating A Healthful Vegetarian Diet by simoza01

2008-06-11T05:24:00.001-07:00

Many people start vegetarian and vegan diets without devoting an adequate amount of time to nutritional research and meal planning. As a result, a considerable amount of people who start vegetarian diets do not last for more than 1-2 months.

Many dieters who fail to carefully research and plan complain that they lack energy - and often experience a significant loss in muscle mass. Others observe a number of other more peripheral problems that come with a poorly-planned vegetarian diet.

The first group--the group that most failed dieters fall into--is actually experiencing a form of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM). PEM emerges when a person fails to consume enough protein, leading to muscle loss - and subsequently feelings of weakness that are often accompanied by head and muscle aches.

This problem can be circumvented by dietary alterations. A vegetarian who is experiencing PEM should either a) find out what foods contain what amino chains, so they can combine them to form proteins; or b) start consuming larger amounts and more diversified sources of protein, such as nuts, soy milk, and yogurt.

The first group is often iron-deficient as well. Because vegetarians can only consume nonheme iron, which is more sensitive to iron inhibitors, they often do not consume enough to maintain healthy blood-iron levels. This can cause pervasive weakness and even anemia.

Most nutritionists suggest that vegetarian and vegan dieters consume roughly twice the recommended amount of iron while greatly reducing their consumption of iron inhibitors.

People in the second group--the smaller one--who suffer from a range of other peripheral, diet-related problems are often not consuming enough of the nutrients that they would normally take in unknowingly on a diet that includes meat and dairy products. These nutrients include, for example, zinc, calcium, vitamin b, and riboflavin.

Some recent studies have suggested that vegetarians also process certain types of foods with less efficiency because they consume different amounts and varieties of absorption inhibitors and enhancers.

Recent studies also suggest, however, that a vegetarian or vegan diet, when done right, is not only as healthful as a non-vegetarian diet, but it is also much more heart-healthy - and usually contains higher amounts of antioxidants.

What does this all mean for you as a prospective vegetarian? It means that eating a healthful vegetarian diet is not only a good alternative to your current diet, but it can also lower your chances of getting heart disease and cancer.

However, in order to eat a HEALTHFUL vegetarian diet, you must actually put in the time to research and plan; if you donâ€™t, you most certainly will end up in one of the two groups discussed above.

About the Author
For more articles , go to My Health Blog

The Top Five Nutrients Vegetarians Lack by simoza01

2008-06-11T05:20:00.000-07:00

Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets have advantages. Vegetarian diets tend to be rich in antioxidants, certain vitamins, and healthy fats. Non-vegetarian diets, by contrast, tend to contain more protein, iron, zinc, calcium, and vitamin B-12.

If you already decided to adopt a vegetarian diet, it is essential you learn how to increase your intake and absorption of these nutrients to avoid short-term and long-term health complications.

In the next few paragraphs, I will explain how you can regularly assimilate larger portions of these nutrients into your regular diet:

1. Protein. Different types of protein are made up of different permutations of amino acid chains. In order to create a "complete protein" or a protein that can be assimilated into the human body as tissue, you must consume foods that contain complementary chains of amino acids.

Wheat, nuts, and beans are three types of vegan-friendly incomplete proteins; however, wheat is hard to digest and up to 50% of its protein is lost during the process.

Isolated soy protein, which you can get from a number of sources (including soy milk), can be digested efficiently-enough to match the animal protein yields.

2. Iron. Plant sources contain a significant amount of iron, but in nonheme form, which is more sensitive to inhibitors than iron that comes from animal products. You should do two things to increase your blood-iron levels: 1) consume more plant iron; and 2) avoid absorption inhibitors, such as tea, coffee, and fiber.

3. Zinc. Whereas non-vegetarian diets seem to enhance the absorption of zinc; vegetarian and vegan diets do the exact opposite--they inhibit it.

Nutritionists suggest that you can overcome this by consuming more foods that contain zinc, such as soybeans, cashews, and sunflower seeds while reducing your intake of inhibitors by washing vegetables and grains.

4. Calcium. While vegetarians can easily consume an adequate amount of calcium without any dietary additions, it is important that vegetarians avoid consuming certain foods that are high in oxalates, which inhibit calcium absorption.

Dietitians suggest that vegetarians do not consume spinach, beet greens, and swiss chard as the calcium component of a meal plan. While they are rich in calcium, they also contain high amounts of oxalates.

Rather than consuming those foods for calcium, vegetarians should consider other options, such as soy yogurt, tofu, beans, almonds, and calcium- fortified foods.

5. Vitamin B-12. Many vegetarians lack vitamin B-12 simply because it does not exist naturally in any non-animal forms. Vegetarians should seek out vitamin B-12 fortified foods, such as certain soy milks and cereals to supplement what they lack.

As I outlined, there are a number of nutrients vegetarians can lack of they do not research and plan. This is not meant to discourage people from becoming vegetarians, but instead to encourage them to spend time planning a health approach to their vegetarian diet before starting it.

When planned adequately, a vegetarian diet can not only make up for what it lacks from animal products, but it can far exceed the healthfulness of most non-vegetarian diets.

About the Author
The Owner Health Info For The Masses

Introduction

2008-06-11T04:29:00.000-07:00

Hi folks. This is my first post here. A brief introduction about me and my blog.
My name is eko. I'am a vegetarian from Indonesia (it's in southeast asia).
I start my vegan life since 2007. I used to be a meat lover (heavy meat lover I mean) and my health condition wasn't so good, I'm overweight, and my body immunity drop easily.
Since I become vegetarian, I feel that my health condition improved drastically. No more weak body immunity, no more body odor, no more bad breath, and dirty skin.
Then I recognized that vegetarian is a good thing for me, for sure. So I'm using this blog to share a little about vegetarian life, recipe, and free articles about vegetarian. Hope that you find this useful.
Ok, i think that's enough from me. Hope you like it.