At one time, the vegetarian diet was not widely known or accepted. Vegetarians were seen as a fringe group composed of odd people. Thanks to several outspoken vegetarians and vegetarian advocacy groups, the concept of a vegetarian diet doesn’t seem odd to most people anymore. Vegetarian food is now widely available, even in fast food restaurants.
Vegetarian food doesn’t have to be the “health food” that a lot of diners try to avoid. In fact, vegetarian versions exist of nearly every well-loved food – even haggis has a vegetarian version! It’s just a matter of finding and acclimating yourself to the new taste of the vegetarian food.
Different Types of Food for Different Types of Vegetarians
There are many different types of vegetarian food: the most basic (and most nutritious) is whole, unprocessed fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and legumes. These are among the healthiest foods in the world and your body will thrive when your diet is based on them. There are also meat substitutes, or vegetarian food items that are supposed to be a cruelty-free alternative to eating meat.
Admittedly, vegetarian food that is meant to substitute for meat often tastes very different than the meat versions on which it is based. However, the trick to learning to love them is to enjoy them for what they are rather than expecting them to taste exactly like meat. It’s impossible to make a vegetable-based food taste exactly like a meat-based food, so if you find yourself disappointed by meat substitutes just try to keep in mind the reasons that you went vegetarian in the first place.
Vegetarian food can also offer you the opportunity to try new foods and new combinations that you never would have thought of prior to going vegetarian. Vegetables and grains will take on an entirely new quality to you when you take meat out of your diet. A mushroom will seem almost meaty, and grains like quinoa will become an excellent source of protein. One of the greatest things about vegetarian food is that it allows you to become more experimental and to experience foods that are good for your taste buds and the rest of your body.
Finding Vegetarian Food When Eating Out
It’s getting easier every year to find quality vegetarian food when you’re eating a meal away from your home. Fast food restaurants offer bean burgers and soy burgers; nearly every restaurant will offer salads without meat; some restaurants may even be willing to make a special dish for you if you just ask. Don’t forget about the amazing vegetarian restaurants which can be found all around the world! These fine establishments cater to the vegetarian and vegan population by preparing and serving gourmet vegetarian meals.
Finding and eating vegetarian food that’s not “rabbit food” is easier now than it’s ever been. With any luck, we’ll see more and more food establishments offering vegetarian alternatives in the future.