Help! My husbands doctor just said he can only have meat twice a week.?

Question

I have never cooked vegetarian or even know where to shop. A lot of the recipes I have already seen are about 90% pasta. Can someone please help with where and what to buy? I am totally lost! Thanks!!

According to my husband meat..any and all meat, including fish. Two meals all week, all the rest cannot have meat.

Answer 1

There are some great vegetarian recipe website that you can use as a resource. It may take time to build up your recipes, but it will happen.

When I first began I only had a few recipes to use and would eat the same thing sometimes 2x's a week, but as I found books, website, recipes from friends, etc I gained more and more.

Website:
http://allrecipes.com/Recipes/Everyday-Cooking/Vegetarian/Main.aspx
http://vegweb.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=8c573c7d0c913b841fadec7a2d709628&action=recipes
http://www.toptastes.com/recipes/entreesvege.htm
http://www.veggieboards.com/boards/(has a forum filled with tons of recipes-by catagory)

Books:(may be able to find some in the library)
-Vegetarian Times Complete Cookbook (have a great magazine as well)
-The Everything Vegetarian Cookbook: 300 Healthy Recipes Everyone Will Enjoy (Everything Series)
-Vegetarian Meals For People On-The-Go : 101 Quick & Easy Recipes

You may wan to pick up a book on beginning vegetarianism to be sure you are choosing food that fullfill vitamin, mineral and protien needs. Many beginner vegetarian books will give you insight into what nutrition is in what food, etc.

Answer 2

I know it will be a hassle at first, but I'm sure his doctor has a good reason for wanting him to cut way back on meat. This is a great opportunity for you, too, because you can also eat meatless meals and reduce your risk for various diseases as well.

There are a number of cookbooks that have recently been written by doctors -- Caldwell Esselstyn, John McDougall, Joel Fuhrman, Neal Barnard come to mind -- that are full of healthy, meatless recipes. You may have to try a lot of new recipes in order to increase your repertoire, but eventually you will. In the meantime, you can also use some of your old recipes, but substitute tofu or some of the other meat substitutes out there. There are a lot of good ones available at most supermarkets, and more if you go to health food stores. Just remember that there is still plenty for you and your husband to eat: focus on eating whole grains, legumes, fruit, and vegetables every day. Good luck with the diet.

Answer 3

Buy yourself a small grill basket for vegetables. I found mine at Albertsons and some are sold at Linen & Things. Fire up that outside barbeque or indoor stovetop grill. Cut in bite size peices eggplant, mushrooms, cucumbers, squash, carrots, etc. Rub some olive oil and if you like creaole seasoning which helps bring out the flavors. Whatever tickles your fancy. Keep them above the flames so not to scorch. It takes quite a bit of time for vegies to soften. But those vegies are so good when curdling up on a couch and watching your favorite shows. They keep well for about a week in a closed container. So make a bunch.

Answer 4

You may want to speak to the doctor again, or get a 2nd opinion.
Im thinking the doctor said red meat. Which doesnt rule out chicken or fish.

I would stick with lean meats. He does need the protien and nutrients that all the meats offer.

Id say go for the leanest ground beef for meals.
Boneless,skinless chicken breasts that are broiled and seasoned(Mrs. Dash is great) are very healthy.
Fish at least once a week will Help keep his good cholesterol up, and give him the Omega-3 we all need.

As for Veggie cooking. There are TONS of ways to cook and make veggie foods. You can go to the grocery store and ask any associate about veggie burgers, and frozen meals that are soy and veggie based.
Also most Groceries have organic sections, with organic foods, and tofu.
If you can find a whole foods co-op, they will have the best foods.

Go to Barnes and Noble and search around for Veggie recipe books.

Answer 5

Soybeans and other beans are the best source of protein. There are many vegans here, and we are doing just fine without animal products.You need to google for vegan recipes, (there are so many vegan sites) and you'll find many great, tasty alternatives. It is so easy to make a balanced vegan meal with all nutrution you need.

Use more vegetables in your cooking. Natural is the best choice. You can find those in any store, right?

You should eat the same food with your hubby to show your support so he finds it easier.

Answer 6

I'm not sure if there's one by where you live, but there's this great vegetarian supermarket called "Follow Your Heart". You can check out their website www.followyourheart.com. You can also go to the PETA website and order a free vegetarian meal recipe starter kit.

Answer 7

You can still shop at your normal grocery. Just omit the meat and replace it with beans or tofu. Check http://www.vegcooking.com/ for recipes. Its way easier than you think it is.

Answer 8

Check out eastern cuisine. They have plenty of varied and tasty vegetarian recipes.

Answer 9

try "Soy" it has protien and it tastes pertty much the same as regular meat they sale soy food at H.E.B. i am the only vegitarian of my family so my sister tryed the soy food and she sayed "it pertty much tastes the same" so dont worry besides when i switched to a veggi it just opened up a whole new vriaty of foods

Answer 10

He still needs protein. Look for recipes with tofu, cheese, eggs, fish, nuts, beans,soy, for the protein source. As much variety as possible gives the best protein since plant proteins are incomplete.(they do not cntain all the amino acids that we need) Did the doctor say meat or red meat?