Archive for April, 2009

Vegetarian Recipes: Does it Really Matter if I Become a Vegetarian?

Tuesday, April 21st, 2009

As a prospective vegetarian, you probably question whether or not it really matters if you stop eating meat. You might wonder how much of a difference one additional vegetarian can make.

And while it might be true that one vegetarian wont make huge statistical difference in a world of meat-eaters–and while it is also true that one more vegetarian probably isn’t going to turn the tide in the movement– you can do a lot as an individual that will be good for you and good for hundreds of animals animals.

Take, for instance, the number one cause of death in the United States and other countries with meat-centered diets: heart disease.

If it weren’t specifically for meat, eggs, and dairy products–which are the three largest sources of cholesterol–heart attacks and other heart and circulatory problems would be far less prevalent. According to EarthSave, the average vegetarian has about 1/4 the chance of having a heart attack as the average nonvegetarian. As for people who are pure vegans, it gets even lower: they have less than 1/10 the chance of having a heart attack as nonvegetarians.

In addition to heart health, you will get a number of other health benefits as a vegetarian. For instance, you wont be exposed to nearly as many preservatives, which are common in meat and are linked to cancer. You wont be exposed to various hormones (that are packed into animal feed), which often disrupt normal hormonal processes in the body. And you wont consume as much lactose, which most people cannot digest properly–and which some dietitians have suggested is a cause of digestive problems.

In addition to health benefits you will receive as an individual, you will also reduce your share of the suffering human beings inflict on animals.

According to veganoutreach.org, the average American consumes 2,714 land animals in their lifetime. If you quit eating meat now, you could literally prevent the suffering and death of hundreds of animals of the course of a couple decades.

In addition to this, if you stop eating eggs and drinking milk, you will also reduce your share in the suffering and death of battery hens and their offspring, as well as dairycows and their offspring, too.

So the answer is yes: it does matter whether or not you become a vegetarian. It matters to the thousands of animals you could potentially save and it matters to you as an individual because you can greatly reduce your chances of getting cancer and heart disease.


3 Excellent Asian Vegetarian Recipes – Easy Step By Step Cooking Instructions

Sunday, April 12th, 2009

One of the best ways to enjoy the delicious vegetarian cooking is by cooking some asian dish. You can cook any of the various Asian vegetarian cooking recipes. Some individuals like to choose their own Asian vegetarian cooking that is their favorite while others like to try something new from the list of Asian vegetarian cooking. Some of the great recipes are as follows:

(I) Indian Lentils with Rice:

You need to have the following ingredients to cook this dish.

1) finely chopped one tablespoon gingerroot

2) finely chopped two garlic cloves

3) five 1/4 cups of vegetable broth

4) one teaspoon of ground turmeric

5) one cup chopped large tomato (1 tomato)

6) two teaspoons of dried mint leaves or fresh mint leaves that are chopped

7) one 1/2 cups of plain fat-free yogurt

8) eight chopped medium green onions(1/2 cup)

9) crushed red pepper (1/8 teaspoon)

10) one 1/2 cups or 12 ounces of dried lentils, rinsed and sorted

11) half teaspoon salt

12) one-fourth cup shredded coconut

13) three cups of hot cooked rice

Now just follow some cooking steps as,

First of all, spray cooking spray on 3-quart saucepan. Now, cook gingerroot, garlic, onions and red pepper in saucepan. Until onions become tender stir occasionally themixed ingredients in saucepan on medium flame for three to five minutes.

Secondly, stir turmeric, lentils and salt in five cups of broth. Reduce heat once it reaches the boiling stage. Cover the dish and let it simmer for about half an hour until the lentils are tender. If required, add remaining broth.

Thirdly, you need to stir the mixture in coconut, mint and tomato. Serve the dish with yogurt over rice.

(II) Spicy Confetti Noodles:

You need to have the following ingredients to cook this dish.

1) two medium bell peppers

2) ten ounces of uncooked spaghetti or two packages of Japanese curly noodles of five ounces each

3) 1/3 cup water

4) half teaspoon of chicken bouillon granules

5) two tablespoons soy sauce

6) one teaspoon curry powder

7) two finely chopped garlic cloves

8) three medium green onions

9) medium carrots

10) two teaspoons sesame oil

11) 1/4 cup of water or dry sherry

12) finely chopped one tablespoon gingerroot

13) one tablespoon of chili puree with garlic

14) 1/4 teaspoon of sugar

Now just follow some cooking steps as,

First of all, cut the onions into two inch pieces. Then cut these pieces into thin strips. You need to cut carrots into julienne strips and bell peppers into thin strips.

Secondly, read the instructions on the package and cook noodles accordingly. Then, toss the noodles along with some oil in a large bowl. Stir carrots, bell peppers and onions.

Thirdly, you need to mix the remaining ingredients in 12-inch skillet or wok. Stir occasionally on medium heat and to boiling. Add noodle mixture and toss it with some sauce. Stir the contents constantly and heat it properly.

(III) Indian Split Peas along with vegetables

You need to have the following ingredients to cook this dish.

1) 1/4 teaspoon of ground cumin or 1/2 teaspoon of cumin seed

2) finely chopped and seeded two jalapeno chilies

3) two cups of cooked yellow split peas

4) drained and rinsed two cups of Green Giant frozen sweet peas and one can of Progresso black beans.

5) two teaspoons vegetable oil

6) 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric

7) three cups or one pound cauliflowerets

8) 1/4 cup vegetable broth or chicken

Now just follow some cooking steps as,

First of all, heat the oil over medium-high in a 10-inch sillet. Stir occasionally and cook chillies, turmeric and cumin in oil for two minutes.

Secondly, stir broth and cauliflowerets and cook for around 3 to 4 minutes. Cook until the cauliflowerets are tender.

Add all the remaining ingredients into the sillet and stir occasionally. Cook for about five minutes until it is hot.


Tips for Easy Healthy Vegetarian Recipes

Monday, April 6th, 2009

There is no truth to the rumor that vegetarians have difficult recipes to follow and that not following complicated recipes will result in bland food. The truth is that there are so many options for easy healthy vegetarian recipes. The wealth of choices actually makes vegetarianism an exciting journey into healthy food. Here are some things you need to remember when preparing easy healthy vegetarian recipes.

Check the Label

The most convenient way to create healthy recipes is to stock ahead on sauces and ingredients. This way you just have to open packs and cans when you need to whip up something fast. This is generally a good idea especially if you’re thinking of canned beans, salsa sauce, dried peas, canned mushrooms and tomato sauce.

You should however always make it a point to read labels before adding unfamiliar ingredients to easy healthy vegetarian recipes. Some products may seem vegetarian but may contain animal based ingredients like gelatin and animal oil. Pure vegans might also want to find out if instant foods contain cheese, milk and other dairy products.

Cook the Same Way

Regular and vegetarian recipes involve the same procedure when it comes to preparation. The only thing lacking is meat. This means that you just have to cook like you always do. Just have a little knowledge to supplement your nutrients and a little creativity to make easy healthy vegetarian recipes as tasty as meat dishes.

Remember that poultry can be found in nuts, beans, legumes and soy based products. Calcium can be obtained from milk and green leafy vegetables. To make your easy healthy vegetarian recipes especially tasty you can experiment with herbs and spices like chilies, oregano, thyme, rosemary and basil.

Don’t Overdo Plain Dishes

Serving steamed vegetables, corn and peas are among the most common favorite. They are also obviously easy healthy vegetarian recipes. Sometimes though, you might want to cut back on these basic dishes so that your family doesn’t get too bored with the same taste. Serve the same dishes but maybe you can sauté these food items first with some tasty onions, garlic and some pepper.

Serve Healthy Snacks

In some cases, all it takes to prepare and serve better recipes is a little more time. To make sure that your family members don’t come home hungry and ready for a big meal at six, serve them healthy snacks to delay their craving for dinner. Pack some nuts, dried fruits, fruit mixes, crackers and cheese for them to take to school or work.

Serve Raw and Simple

Raw vegetarianism is still considered a controversial issue but those who stand by it maintain that it is the healthiest way of life and is the greatest source of easy healthy vegetarian recipes. You might want to try one night in seven as a raw night. Raw foods are considered healthy because they lose none of their nutrients through heat in the cooking process. More rigid raw eaters simply blend fruits and vegetables. You may however just want to settle for simple salads with delicious dips and sauces.


Vegetarian Recipes: Fish & Mercury

Sunday, April 5th, 2009

Many people think if they just eliminate red meat and poultry from their diets, their eating healthier. This is partly true, but there are hazards to eating fish and seafood as well. The harm that humans have done to the environment has had a direct effect on the fish and seafood we eat.

There are elements of fish and shellfish are an important part of a healthy diet. Fish and shellfish contain high-quality protein and other essential nutrients, are low in saturated fat, and contain omega-3 fatty acids.

A well-balanced diet that includes a variety of fish and shellfish can contribute to heart health and children’s proper growth and development. So, women and young children in particular should include fish or shellfish in their diets due to the many nutritional benefits.

However, nearly all fish and shellfish contain traces of mercury. For most people, the risk from mercury by eating fish and shellfish is not a health concern. Yet, some fish and shellfish contain higher levels of mercury that may harm an unborn baby or young child’s developing nervous system. The risks from mercury in fish and shellfish depend on the amount of fish and shellfish eaten and the levels of mercury in the fish and shellfish.

Therefore, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are advising women who may become pregnant, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children to avoid some types of fish and eat fish and shellfish that are lower in mercury.

Is this anyway to eat – in fear of unhealthy elements that are lurking in our food?

Eliminating red meat and eating a more vegetarian diet is an excellent start on the road to more healthy eating. Eliminating fish and seafood is one of the final steps towards eating a complete vegetarian diet and the health benefits that are your reward for making that change.


Have you a real killer vegetarian recipe that tastes very similar to meat?

Friday, April 3rd, 2009

I used to eat Linda McCartney’s southern fried breasts substitute, which was just like the real thing, but the recipe changed.

Vegetarian recipe with good sauce that would be good for dipping onigiri?

Friday, April 3rd, 2009

I’m making a bento lunch on Friday, and I need a vegetarian dish with a sauce that would be good for dipping rice balls in. Any suggestions? Thanks ^_^

What’s a good vegetarian recipe, that anyone would love, even if you don’t know what foods they like?

Thursday, April 2nd, 2009

My neighbor across the street is always doing nice things for us……..plowing our driveway, lending us tools etc…..I want to show my appreciation by cooking him a nice dinner since he is single. He’s vegetarian, but I’m afraid if I cook something that he may not like it…………know any recipes that he’s bound to love?

Veggie Fajitas Recipe?

Wednesday, April 1st, 2009

I have looked for a homemade seasoning recipe for veggie fajitas on the web but cannot find one – any suggestions. I want to cut up the veggies and then put in the mix overnight.

Pasta and Veggie recipes please?

Wednesday, April 1st, 2009

I have lots of frozen veggies and pasta to use up. Any ideas for how to use them in a dish together? I don’t want to use a red sauce or soy sauce and only have a little vegetable oil on hand. I also don’t eat dairy, so please keep that in mind.

Thanks!