How To “Bypass” The Meat And Make Protein Rich Recipes Instead
Tired of the grilled chicken? Never care if you ever see another burger again? If you are feeling like you are eating a bit too much meat then it’s time to think about letting go of your all meat diet and opt for a few meatless meals instead.
You don’t always have to eat meat! In our house, we try to be mindful of exactly how much meat we are eating, especially in the summertime when it’s so easy to fire up the BBQ.
It’s so important to make sure you get getting enough protein when you surrender on the meat dishes. I’ve discovered there are some delicious recipes out there to try instead. It’s always a good idea to go meatless at least two days a week and these recipes will help you get there!
Why is it important to make sure you are getting enough protein when eating less meat? Protein functions to build and maintain your body, fight off disease, and keeping your energy levels high so you can be alert all day. While it may seem challenging to make sure you are getting a full dose of protein per day – on average 46g for women, 56g for men – implementing a few of these high-protein and meatless foods into your diet can help you reach those protein goals.
Let’s tackle this by category.
Veggies and Fruit
Yes, you can actually just eat meals consisting of vegetables and fruit and feel satisfied. Vegetables are important sources of many nutrients, including potassium, dietary fiber, folate (folic acid), vitamin A, and vitamin C.
Here are some delicious and easy recipes that I often make especially when I’m looking to avoid meat. There’s a lot of awesomeness to choose from so be sure to bookmark this post for future yumminess!
The Best Salsa Recipe In The History Of Mankind
Yes, I do eat this salsa dish as an entire meal. It’s great for lunch or dinner. Whip out your favorite bread, tortilla chip, or cracker and get to town. It’s savory and fulfilling too!
How To Make The Best Classic Waldorf Salad Ever!
The same goes for this delicious Waldorf salad. I can’t tell you how much we enjoyed this as a meal. The dressing is a key element of this recipe. Trust me on this one, it’s off the hook!
Pico de Guacamole Recipe – Easy, Delicious, And Savory
This Pico De Guac is absolutely amazing. See those breadsticks? They are the perfect pairing for this recipe. WOW, I promise you will love it.
Home-Made Spinach and Feta Cheese Pies!
While you might frown at having to turn the oven on during the summer months, it’s well worth it. This recipe is hands down, the best spinach and feta cheese pies you will ever make.
Scrumptious Vegetable Quiche Recipe – Featuring Mushrooms, Onions, Spinach & Cheese!
When I make this Quiche, folks flip over it. I promise you will never have a Quiche recipe so amazing in your life.
Be sure to check out this delicious mushroom dish too. CHEESE STUFFED MUSHROOMS from Daily DIY Life.com! I love this recipe it’s one of my favorites. So flavorful and cheesy. It’s truly a meal in itself!
Pasta Dishes
Pasta is a terrific source of protein. While it is high in carbs, you’ll want to limit the amount of pasta you eat as well. We do pasta at least twice a month as a general rule. Here are some pasta recipes you won’t want to miss!
Spaghetti Pie With Spinach Onions And Cheese
This is an easy stovetop meal you can make any time of year. Everyone will flip over it. You’re getting pasta, eggs, and cheese – all great protein sources!
Butternut Squash Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe – A Healthier Alternative
This dish gives you the best of both worlds, a creamy delicious pasta sauce that’s truly a healthier alternative. And, it’s amazing too. I’d take it over any other pasta dish out there.
Fettuccine Alfredo With Broccoli Recipe
If I feel like making straight up fettuccine alfredo, this is the recipe I rely on. It’s so creamy and flavorful and I love adding the broccoli – after all, it counts as a veggie right?
Pasta Fagioli Recipe – A Thicker Creamier Version!
Now, the great thing about this recipe is you can add meat to it if you like, but it’s so amazing without meat too. Beans equal protein – and these beans are the best for this dish. I like my sauce a tad thicker than the soupier version. Try it, you’ll love it.
Eggs
Don’t underestimate the power of eggs. If you haven’t already discovered it, you can create some delicious meals out of them.
Mushroom and Onion Scrambled Eggs – off the hook amazing!
Simple yes, but so tasty and always satisfying. You can make so many variations of scrambled eggs and omelets. Just use your imagination. This is one of our favorites.
Corn, Cheese, and Onion Frittata – Easy and so Delicious!
Here’s another variation of an omelet called a frittata. Again, you can decide what to add. Delicious and loaded with protein. A great meat meal replacement too.
Onion, Garlic, Eggs, and Pasta Recipe – The Perfect Italian Peasant Dish!
Yep, you cross over categories with this recipe. You get the best of the pasta and eggs at the same time. It’s NOT overly greasy either. You can decide how much olive oil you want in this dish. Olive oil is so good for you too so don’t worry. We love a lot of eggs in our recipe that’s why I really look at it as an egg dish but it’s really a pasta dish too!
Enjoy these delicious recipes and remember, it doesn’t always have to be about the meat. You can discover a wide variety of meatless dishes the whole family will love.
And as always, thanks so much for stopping by! If you like this post, How To “Bypass” The Meat And Make Protein Rich Recipes Instead, subscribe via email below and never miss a post again!
These are all great recipes, but I disagree with you. I firmly believe based on everything that I have read, heard, and studied, that we need animal protein. Eating veggie dishes every once in a while is alright, but veggies alone will not give you the necessary protein your muscles need.
Hi Cascia, I think you missed the part where I said to go meatless once or twice a week, not to give up meat entirely. We enjoy eating meat and it’s an important part of our diets. I just think it’s a good idea to go a day or two without if you can. Thanks much for stopping by!
Carolann
Looking forward to trying some of your delish looking recipes. Many of them do have complete protein. And certainly the ones that do not are great side dishes. The majority of my diet is meatless because I like the alternatives more. LOL… and I’m doing great. :-) XO
Thanks Qs! It’s good that you like to go meatless mostly! I do too although it doesn’t always work out the way I want it too, I’m always mindfull about eating too much meat. Thanks so much for stopping by. It’s always a pleasure hearing from you! XO
Thanks Qs! It’s good that you like to go meatless mostly! I do too although it doesn’t always work out the way I want it too, I’m always mindfull about eating too much meat. Thanks so much for stopping by. It’s always a pleasure hearing from you! XO
Now we’re talking. All of these recipes are right up my alley. They look absolutely delicious, and I will try them immediately. Great presentation delicious full of protein and the best part no friggin mest. I hate meat I haven’t eaten it in years. Thanks for sharing great job Carolann.
I knew you would love these recipes Patti! Thanks so much for stopping. I always enjoy hearing from you!
Carolann xo