Explore Meatless Meals During Vegetarian Awareness Month

Vegetarian diets have become mainstream over the last decade, with more people looking to improve their health or help the environment. Former President Bill Clinton's choice of a vegetarian diet even made the news! There are vegetarian recipes in magazines, veggie dishes in restaurants and even a dating website for vegetarian singles.

So while the benefits of a vegetarian diet are obvious, what if you can't completely give up meat?

October is Vegetarian Awareness Month, making it a great time to incorporate some vegetarian ideas into your diet. You don't have to give up meat completely, but by removing it for a couple of meals a week, you make room for foods you might not eat otherwise, like fruits and vegetables. If you're like the average American, you're not getting the recommended daily servings of these important food groups. Vegetarian rely on fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains, beans and nuts to provide the nutrition they need.

Try some of these tips to eat more like a vegetarian, and you might find yourself closer to being one!

Veg Out – Toss veggies into other dishes to add flavor and fill you up: onions, broccoli, beets, artichoke hearts – whatever you like! Lightly steamed vegetables are tasty in soups, rice dishes, pastas, or even sprinkled on top of pizza dough, while packing a punch of antioxidants.

Transform Dishes You Already Love – It's likely that many of your favorite dishes can become vegetarian with a few substitutions. Omit the beef from chili, use edamame to replace chicken in stir-fries, or try a vegetarian patty instead of a hamburger. Get creative and swap out the meat at least once a week.

Fill up with Fiber - Whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts and seeds all are loaded with fiber. There are two types of fiber, soluble and insoluble, and each plays a different role in your body. Eat a variety of wholesome foods to make sure you get both types.

Try New Foods – Many people who become vegetarians end up trying foods they never tasted or even heard of before! Don't be afraid to give that ignored vegetable a try, or choose a vegetarian recipe with unfamiliar ingredients and take a chance on it. A varied diet will ensure you get all the nutrients your body needs.

Go Exotic – When dining out, look to ethnic restaurants for more interesting vegetarian dishes. Thai, Mexican and Chinese restaurants are safe bets. If you opt for meat, choose a dish where it isn't the main feature. Items like stir-fries, fajitas, curries and soups tend to use meat in smaller portions and include vegetables and grains to make a balanced meal.

Experimenting with meatless meals can open up a new world of foods and flavors while adding important nutrients to your diet. Have fun with it!