The Main Aspects that You Should Look Into With a Vegetarian Health Plan

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.

Muna wa Wanjiru Has Been Researching and Reporting on Vegetarian Cooking for Years. For More Information on vegetarian health, Visit His Site at VEGETARIAN HEALTH -www.articlesnatch.com

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Vegan Sour Cream Blueberry Muffins

The best vegan blueberry muffins you'll ever eat!

Ingredients:
• 3/4cup vegan sour cream
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 Tblsp lemon juice
• 1/3 cup unbleached cane sugar
• 2 Tblsp soft vegan vegetable spread, or vegetable oil
• 1 1/3 cup flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup fresh or unthawed frozen blueberries

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees & oil the muffin pan
2. Mix the sour cream, lemon juice and water in a large mixing bowl
3. Beat in the sugar and vegetable spread or oil
4. Mix together the dry ingredients
5. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet quickly, stirring just until mixed - it's okay if there are lumps or flour not mixed in
6. Gently fold in the blueberries
7. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full
8. Bake for 20 - 25 min, middle of the oven, until lightly browned & firm to the touch
9. Remove the pan from the over, and cool on a rack for 5 minutes Better if cooled for a few more minutes.
10. Run a knife around the edges of the muffins & turn them out on the rack.
11. Allow to cool for a few more minutes, if you can, before devouring

SOURCE : Sarah Kingsbury, Muffin Queen, www.savvyvegetarian.com

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A Look at the Different Types of Vegetarian Meats

Meat can be considered as being a vital part of the main daily meal. While meat lovers will not have a problem with this inclusion into their meal, others may. To counter this problem you can find different types of vegetarian meats.

These meatless meats have the same looks and in some instances the same taste as the actual meats themselves. These vegetarian meats are however made entirely from foods that are vegetarian in origin.

If you are looking for the different types of vegetarian meats that are available you will find that the internet is a good source of information. Here you will find the names of different vegetarian meats. You can also find the places where you can buy the vegetarian meats that your meals need.

As you look at the different recipes that are available for a vegetarian diet you will notice that some recipes call for vegetarian meats. These meats that you can find are basically vegetables that have been turned into a form of “meat”. Additionally you will see that these meats are provided with flavorings that mimic the taste of real meats like beef, chicken, lamb, pork, lobster, shrimps, crab meat, fish and even turkey.

The main type of vegetarian meats that you will find will include tempeh and soy meat. In addition to these you will find that many vegetarian meals have some form of tofu given as part of the ingredients. These are not the only vegetables that you will be able to use in your vegetarian meals.

Besides these vegetarian meats you can use different types of mushrooms to provide you with an interesting meat dish. The mushrooms that you will find to be of great meaty taste are ones like Portobello mushrooms, porcini mushrooms and even black Shitake mushrooms.

While mushrooms may be firm favorites with some people it can not stop the craving that you may have for meat. To this end you can see about eating vegetarian meats like tofurky which is the alternative to turkey meat. This form of vegetarian meat is made by roasting tofu until it is golden brown. This “meat” is then stuffed with herbs and spices which will provide you with meaty taste that you want.

For lovers of meats the variety of vegetarian meats that you will find has the answer that you are looking for. The great thing about eating these various meatless meats is that you will find that your intake of calories and unwanted fats is greatly decreased. The benefits to your health are increased while at the same time you have a choice of great tasting foods which include a range of vegetarian meats.

Resource: Muna wa Wanjiru Has Been Researching and Reporting on Vegetarian Cooking for Years. For More Information on Vegetarian Meats, Visit His Site at VEGETARIAN MEATS
www.netveggie.com

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Tips for Teens on Becoming Vegetarian

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.

Resource: Michael Russell Your Independent Vegetarian guide
www.netveggie.com

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Interesting vegetarian soup recipes

Hi...I've got the new recipes, it's a very interesting recips, would you try it???

Orzo Soup Recipe

"This soup is known by a few names around here - lil' noodle soup, aspirational noodle soup, and too-lazy-to-wait-for -a-pot-of-rice-to-cook noodle soup. It's made with orzo, a good broth, and whatever I can rummage from my pantry. For those of you unfamiliar with orzo, it is pasta shaped like a chubby grain of rice. It even comes in a whole wheat version, which is what I use. Orzo plays the lead role in this simple soup made with the petite pasta swimming in an egg drop soup style broth that has been boosted with flecks of chard and topped with vibrant, fire-roasted tomatoes. It's finished with an all-important thread of golden olive oil and a flurry of grated cheese. All in all a quick and vibrant bowl of not-too-heavy sustenance.

A couple tips - use a great broth, with just a few ingredients in this recipe, it's key. Before serving be sure to adjust your salt, if the soup tastes flat, add more a pinch or two at a time until all the flavors pop. Vegans, or those not too keen on eggs, no worries - skip them altogether. It's just as good. Different, but still good".

Orzo Soup Recipe

For some added flavor, or to take this soup in another direction, toss the tomatoes with somewhere between a teaspoon + of adobo sauce (from can of chipotles)....more or less depending on how spicy you like your food.

7 cups vegetable broth
1 1/2 cups whole wheat orzo (or other small pasta i.e. pastina)
2 cups chard or spinach, chopped
1 14-ounce can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes, well drained
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes.
good quality extra virgin olive oil
3 egg whites
fine grain sea salt
some grated Parmesan cheese (to finish)

Bring the broth to a boil in a large saucepan. Add the orzo and cook until just tender - about ten minutes. Stir in the chopped spinach.

In the meantime, heat the tomatoes, red pepper flakes and a splash of extra virgin olive oil in a separate saucepan. Taste, and salt a bit if needed.

Just before serving, Slowly pour the egg whites into the soup, stirring quickly with a whisk. The whites should take on a raggy appearance. Taste and add more salt if needed. Serve the soup in individual bowls, with each serving topped with a generous spoonful of tomatoes, a drizzle of olive oil, and dusting of cheese.

Makes 4-6 servings.

By heidi, www.101cookbooks.com

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