Becoming Vegetarian: 5 food swaps to make your diet meatless

Every year, people take a step forward in their life towards living healthily. These are the people who wish to avoid the peril of health issues that might haunt them in the future. World Vegetarian day is celebrated every year to recognise these vegetarians and their decision to eliminate meat from their diet.

This day commemorates the people who chose a vegetarian life and to spread awareness on the health benefits of going vegan along with eliminating the use of animal meat completely. Vegetarian diets are healthier than non-vegetarian diets, especially when you want to control your fat intake. It also lowers a person’s chances of suffering from a cardiovascular (heart) disease. It also lowers cholesterol and also adds to the overall nutritional value. 

Here are some healthy vegetarian foods you can switch to if you wish to go meatless: 

Give tofu a try 

Tofu is a great alternative to meat and it offers so many nutritious benefits. It is high in iron and can help you control your weight. The key to enjoy eating tofu is experimentation. Spice it up with your favourite sauce or look up for a recipe that suits your taste and have fun with it!

Also Read: Tofu or Paneer: What's healthier?

Add veggies and fruits to your meals 

Vegetables and fruits are the most underrated foods in the world. People eat them yet do not know how healthy they are for their immune system and overall health. Just remember that vegetables and fruits are not always bound to end up in salads. Experiment with them and you will find yourself eating a new dish every day. Slowly, incorporate vegetables and fruits in your daily diet. For instance, you can replace sausage with mushrooms or soya – you can come up with more innovative ideas according to your taste. 

Try lentils 

Lentils are high in protein and they have a hearty texture. They come in various colours including green, black, yellow and red. Lentils are a great source of protein – one cup of lentils contains 18 grams of protein. They are also rich in fiber which promotes the growth of good bacteria, essential to improve gut health. 

Eggplant instead of meat  

Eggplants are a plant-based alternative that imitate the similar meaty and an earthy texture. You can grill or bake or fry them to get the best taste. Swapping to this vegetable is a great way to increase your fiber intake. It helps with cholesterol and is low in calories. 

Eat cauliflower instead! 

You must be thinking how can cauliflower replace meat? But it can and here is how. Cauliflower is a mild vegetable but works wonders if added to a dish. It can replace non-vegetarian dishes such as buffalo wings. Moreover, it can be used as a pizza crust which seems healthier than bread flour.

Also read: Try this simple and easy gobi masala recipe

On this vegetarian day, inculcate the foods mentioned above in your diet to go meatless. The simplest way to know what’s best for you is by trying these options out. There are plenty of vegetarian options available to replace meat; all you need to do is try the delicacies. Think of it, not as a change but a lifestyle you need follow.