Cheap Eats

 With the latest burst of articles related to superbugs and tainted meat, I am starting to think about being vegetarian again.  Every few months or so I seriously consider it for a few days and then it just floats away again, but it keeps coming back.

I am absolutely convinced that being even semi-vegetarian is healthier and definitely cheaper.  For me the issue is more what do I cook for my family to replace the meat in our diet.  I would have to completely re-do my entire menu rotation, but if it’s cheaper and healthier, why wait?  Well,  . . . I like tacos, and meatballs, and beef stew, and a good steak everyone once in a while.  And my family likes all that too.  It’s one of those healthy eating roadblocks I face.

And what would I cook to replace the missing protein?  Apparently people only need about .36 grams of protein per pound, so on average about 50 grams for females and 63 for males.  Nearly all vegetables, beans, grains, nuts, and seeds contain some protein.  In fact, I found out that all plant based food contains some protein, because its plant structure comes from protein.  Hmmmm, maybe this won’t be as hard as I am expecting.

I think my plan of action is going to be to slowly start substituting in more eggs, fish and beans dinners. If possible, I would like to get to the point where we eat only one red meat meal a week.  I don’t know if that will ever happen, but it’s worth trying. I will definitely be posting my recipes and the results I get from my family.

I mean, when I see the articles talking about how there is bacteria in meat, and all the statistics showing eating less red meat is healthier for you, I think it’s time to put up a fight, and advance slowly into the Healthy Eating Battle!  :)