As a vegetarian, the most common questions I get are: “Where do you get your protein?” and “What do you eat besides salads?” I can assure you that eating without meat is a lot easier and more flavorful than some think. Whether you are fully dedicated to omitting meat or are simply interested in what a day of meals without meat looks like, there are several ways to get your protein and be extremely satisfied with your meal! This is a list of five meals that I absolutely love and eat on a regular basis.
- Avocado Toast with Eggs
This first meal is unmatched. While it might seem basic, I never get tired of how good it is. I use a fork to mash up half of an avocado, mix in garlic salt and cajun seasoning then spread it on toast. I love adding sunny side up eggs on top. I usually pair this with an orange or a bowl of berries and it’s always my favorite way to start the day!
- Greek Yogurt Medley
This mixture is super quick and easy to make and is packed with protein. I buy plain greek yogurt and add peanut butter granola, chia seeds, coconut flakes, chocolate chips and a honey drizzle. I always keep these ingredients in stock for a sweet snack with no cooking required. Just add the ingredients to a bowl and enjoy!
- Quinoa Salad
I make this “salad” with three ingredients – quinoa, spinach, and feta. Quinoa can be made by boiling water and adding dry quinoa to cook for 15-20 minutes. It helps to add a little bit of butter and salt for taste. Sautee spinach, add feta cheese and you’re done! A very simple meal but you’ll be surprised how yummy it is. There are endless ingredients you can add to this mix, such as sauteed mushrooms, bell peppers or throwing in some avocado.
- Lentil Tacos
Lentils can be a great substitute for meat and still offer 18 grams of protein per serving. There are many ways to adapt this recipe to your own taco-taste. I usually try a different sauce and seasoning mixture each time I make lentil tacos. I like to add different combinations of beans, peppers, onions, portobello mushrooms, cheeses, salsa and, you guessed it, avocado. Don’t be afraid to experiment, it could be the tastiest taco you’ve had.
- Roasted Chickpeas and Sweet Potatoes
One of my favorite dinners that can be baked in the oven or on the stovetop. Mix the chickpeas (properly rinsed and dried) and the diced sweet potatoes in a bowl with olive oil, salt and pepper, cayenne, paprika and/or Cajun seasoning. You can add any seasoning you’d like into this! Then lay out the mix onto a cooking sheet and cook for 30 minutes at 450 degrees. You can also adjust this depending on how crunchy or soft you want it to be. Several sides work well with this; pictured is a kale, feta and cranberry salad. My favorite vegetables to add are broccoli and cauliflower mixes and asparagus.
There are endless delicious recipes that are nutritious, tasteful and don’t require any meat. Whatever your reasons may be, it never hurts to expand your typical eating habits. I think you’ll find that one of these meals might just be your new favorite go-to as well. Happy eating!