When people hear that I am a Vegetarian, often, there first question is "Do you find it hard to think of things to eat?" The truth is, when I first started, yes, it was hard to come up with exciting meal ideas that did not include meat, but now it's easy. I have a few vegetarian cookbooks, and I am always looking for new recipes online. Like these ones... {click on the image to see the recipe}
Okay, this last recipe contains turkey, so what I do is either take the meat out, or substitute it with tofu. I also find when I eat out I often have to tweak the menu, as there is usually not a ton of selection for Vegetarians. For example, at my favourite little Italian place I start with a salad, then get an eggplant parmesan appetizer and a small side of pasta together as my meal. Sometimes changing the menu costs a bit more, but it's worth it to stick to diet restrictions and get a delicious meal out!
Another question I get asked is "Do you cook meat for your family?" The answer is no, I don't. It's not that I refuse to, it's just that Adam and the kids are happy to eat the vegetarian dishes I make {although the kids didn't like tofu to start}, so there is no need for me to make two meals - Thank goodness! If we have a large number of guests over, we tend to BBQ, so I will have chicken and steaks for the guys to cook, as well as veggie burgers for myself and those who want to try a non-meat option. I find the women are more than happy to stick to the veg meal, but the men {except for Adam sometimes, who is vegetarian-ish and avoids meat quite often, but not always} tend to want the meat. And of course there are plenty of vegetarian side dishes and finger foods for all to enjoy!
Are you a vegetarian? If so, do you find it challenging sometimes? And what are your solutions?