A Little Less Meaty

by WiredBerries Editors — July 7, 2008

There are many reasons to add a few more veggies and skip a few of those burgers - nutrition, sustainability, environmental impact of animal food sources. If you think it's an all-or-nothing proposition, think again. Consider Dr. Weil's suggestions for ways to be a little less carnivorous and a lot healthier:

• Use meat as a side dish, not as the entree.
• Prepare familiar meatless meals such as bean burritos and pasta salads.
• Eat meat less frequently. Start with meatless breakfasts and then incorporate meatless lunches as well.
• Substitute fresh vegetables for meat in recipes. Vegetarian chili can be just as delicious as the meat version.
• Try meat substitutes. Tempeh, wheat meat (gluten), and whole soy products such as tofu or edamame can be as satisfying as meat, and are good sources of vegetable protein.
• Try new types of cuisine. Many ethnic cuisines offer meat-free dishes; you may not miss the meat when you have new flavors to entice you!