25 Meat-Free Clean Eating Recipes That Are Actually Delicious (2024)

FAQs

What is the best food for non meat eaters? ›

If you're not looking for protein replacements, pasta dishes can be a whole meal without meat. Mac n cheese, lasagna with zucchini, spinach and ricotta, spaghetti Bolognese with portabello mushrooms. Also soup! Very versatile, it's basically broth, veggies and then either beans, rice, or pasta.

A vegetarian does not eat any animal flesh such as meat, poultry, or fish. A vegan is a stricter vegetarian who also avoids consuming dairy, eggs, and any other ingredients derived from animals. Vegetarian diets have reportedly been around since as early as 700 B.C.

The most popular meat alternatives are traditional substitutes which include foods like tofu, tempeh, seitan, lentils, beans, and chickpeas.

And people who don't eat meat, called vegetarians, generally eat fewer calories and less fat. They also tend to weigh less. And they have a lower risk of heart disease than nonvegetarians do. Research shows that people who eat red meat are at a higher risk of death from heart disease, stroke or diabetes.

While a plant-based diet can definitely be nutritionally complete, transitioning from eating meat may require some added effort to avoid a shortage of calories, protein, and micronutrients. If you go meat free, Levy-Wollins recommends regular doctor visits and lab work to monitor nutritional needs and any deficiencies.

Even though meats provide certain nutrients that plants don't, eating meat isn't necessary for your health or survival. With appropriate planning and supplements, plant-based diets can provide the nutrients your body needs.

Generally, poultry (chicken, turkey, duck) and a variety of seafood (fish, crustaceans, mollusks) are your best bet. Eggs can be a good choice, too.

What is the 21 days no meat diet? ›

The concept of a plant-based diet is simple. Avoid processed and animal-based foods. This includes meat, fish, eggs, dairy, liquid oils (like olive oil, coconut oil, and butter), refined flours and sugars, processed foods, sweets (like candy bars, cookies, and cakes), and sweetened drinks (like juice, soda, and tea).

Vegetarians don't eat meat for a range of health, environmental, ethical, religious or economic reasons. There are many different types of vegetarianism. A well-planned vegetarian diet can meet nutritional needs during all stages of life.

A pescatarian diet refers to a vegetarian diet with the addition of seafood. Plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts, and seeds supply many vitamins, phytochemicals, and minerals, and seafood provides protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Eggs, though from chickens, are not the flesh of an animal. They are still an animal source of protein and thus a complete protein, but aren't actually meat.

Choose high protein foods.

Great vegan protein sources include legumes (beans, lentils and peas), seeds and nuts. Learn about protein-packed meatless meals. If you have certain health conditions like a history of breast cancer or kidney disease, talk to your doctor about which protein sources are right for you.

Intake and status of vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, zinc, iodine, calcium and bone turnover markers were generally lower in plant-based dietary patterns compared to meat-eaters. Vegans had the lowest vitamin B12, calcium and iodine intake, and also lower iodine status and lower bone mineral density.

High-protein vegetarian foods include beans, nuts, seeds, lentils, eggs, dairy products, and soy foods (such as tempeh, tofu, and edamame). Opting for complex carbs. These fullness-boosting foods include whole grains, starchy vegetables, fruits, and legumes. Watching your portions of high-calorie foods.