• Travel Green
  • Water Bottles
  • Cycling
  • Camping
  • Skiing

Go Green Travel Green

Going Green, Living Green and Travel Green

  • Home
  • Advertising
  • Travel Products
  • WWOOF Volunteer Travel

How to Cook for a Vegetarian and Meat Eating Family

Updated: January 23rd, 2019

I’ve been a vegetarian for almost 20 years. My husband has always been a carnivore. I suppose opposites really do attract! When our children were born, we started them on a vegetarian diet for kids, and as they’ve gotten older, we’ve allowed them to choose between vegetarian foods and meat items. As a result, we always have both vegetarian kids and carnivore kids in our household. The kids experiment with various foods and have plenty to choose from in our home. Here’s how to cook for a vegetarian and meat eating family.

how to cook for a vegetarian and meat eating family

How to cook for a vegetarian and meat eating family

Of course, cooking for a hungry family and cooking vegetarian are both challenging enough for busy parents. When you have to cook both vegetarian and meat dishes at the same time, it can feel limiting. In order to remain diverse in our menus and not limit the meat-eaters among us, we use the following tips for raising both vegetarians and carnivores.

Opt for substitute-friendly dishes.

Soups, stews, and casseroles are easily adapted, allowing parents to substitute vegetarian protein sources for meat. Simply halve the amount of meat and replace half with a protein substitute, then prepare the dish in two saucepans or casserole dishes instead of one.

Need help with protein substitutions? The following make for easy and tasty alternatives:

In casseroles or burritos:

1. Pinto or black beans for ground round
2. Chicken protein substitute for diced chicken

In meat-based casseroles and pot pies:

1. Extra vegetables and vegetarian broth for diced chicken in pot pies
2. Diced potatoes or yams for pork, chicken, or beef in casseroles

Try noodle, pasta, or rice-based dishes.

Stir fries, pasta dishes, and Asian noodle dishes are also highly adaptable, and easily prepared in two pans. Replace meat or seafood with diced, fried tofu cubes or strips, or double up on the vegetables. Or, even easier, make it like you would for the vegetarians and cook the chicken on the side to be added tableside.

Make vegetarian meals hearty.

When you just can’t take the time to prepare two similar dishes, opt for vegetarian meals that are rich and filling. Our favorites:

1. Vegetarian chili
2. Corn or potato chowder
3. Spaghetti marinara

Do It Yourself Salads

Make the salad — choose organic when you can — and let everyone add their toppings: crumbled bacon, chopped eggs, cheese, and grilled chicken.

Buy locally-sourced and free range meat.

Purchasing the meat you do buy from local sources can go a long way toward making a vegetarian mother feel better about purchasing and preparing meat for her family! Families have varied reasons for pursuing a vegetarian diet, but in my case, I refuse to support factory farming. Instead, I turn to local farms and even the 4-H program for my meat. I know the animals have been treated fairly in life and lived free-range.

Where to find locally sourced meat:  In our rural area, our local grocery store carries meats from local farms, and our farmer’s market has several vendors offering weekly meat purchasing. Box stores such as Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods, or your local natural food store also may carry national brands of organic, free-range meat. Remember to only purchase and consume sustainable seafood as well.

Remember that meat substitutes are your friend.

With the meat substitutes on the market today, almost every recipe is still at your disposal. While we use tofu and beans for protein often, we also keep a stock of the following in our freezer:

1. Quorn ‘chic’ products
2. Original Garden burgers
3. Morningstar meat-free crumbles

The above can be tossed into stir fries, casseroles, or tacos. And everyone loves a burger night!

Breakfasts are easy.

Serve up plates of hashbrowns and toast and let the family decide on eggs, pancakes, bacon and sausage. Everyone will be happy.  (Photo credit: lablasco)

Once you get the basics down, you’ll find how to cook for a vegetarian and meat eating family will save you time and stress. It will keep everyone eating healthy too.

 

Subscribe to our mailing list:

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)

Related

Filed Under: Food and Restaurants

As Seen On

Great Travel Guide to Portugal for First Timers

Updated: February 20th, 2019Travel Guide to Portugal for First Timers – If you have never landed in Portugal, this is your turn now my buddy. This country is rich in beauty. 98% of the tourists who have explored Portugal have attested that the country is fantastic, pretty, and super charming. Being familiar with the local […]

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)

Tips on Winter Scandinavia Travel

Updated: February 20th, 2019Tips on Winter Scandinavia Travel – Did you know that traveling in Scandinavia is fascinating? Scandinavia is one of the profoundly serene regions of the world. It is full of stunning mountains, beautiful coastline, friendly locals, super-efficient cities, and postcard-worthy farmland. Travel Packages & Tours to Norway for seniors will make you […]

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)

Tips for Traveling with Your Dog

Updated: February 14th, 2019Traveling with your dog – Traveling alone carries with it a plethora of preparations. When you are traveling with dogs, you will find those preparations increasing in number and difficulty. There are a number of considerations that you should take into account in order for your dog to be comfortable and safe without […]

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)

Beginner’s Guide to Train Holidays: Swiss Glacier Express Train

Updated: February 11th, 2019Beginner’s Guide to Swiss Glacier Express train holiday – There is something glamorous about taking a train holiday. You’re traveling the world, but you also get the chance to relax and enjoy the journey. Sip tea, listen to live music, enjoy a five-star meal, all while the gorgeous scenery provided by Mother Nature […]

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)

What You Need to Know About Traveling to New Zealand

Updated: January 28th, 2019Traveling to New Zealand – It’s one of the cleanest and most beautiful places on earth. From New Zealand’s capital city of Wellington to the “hobbit holes” just outside of Matamata, New Zealand has everything a world traveler could ever desire. With its vast lands and low population density, this beautiful country […]

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
Apres Ski Activities in Méribel

The Apres Ski Activities in Méribel You HAVE to Try!

Updated: February 11th, 2019Apres Ski Activities in Méribel – Winter is a time for snuggly blankets, hot chocolate, and good books. That is, unless you’re always in search of adventure! When it comes to sports, outdoor challenges, and breathtaking views, nothing comes close to the 3 Valleys in Savoie, France! Taking winter head on, you can […]

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
How to Take a Car Seat on a Plane

How to Take a Car Seat on a Plane

Updated: January 23rd, 2019If you fly with a baby or toddler, at some point, you’ll wonder what the heck you’re supposed to do with your car seat. Check it? Carry it on? Leave it at home? The answer: no, yes, and no. I’ll tell you why and how to take a car seat on a plane. […]

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)

Drinking Green Anywhere in the World with These Tips

Updated: January 23rd, 2019Drinking Green is the really fun stuff: When You’re There. Whether you’re currently traveling, planning a trip, or just day-dreaming at your desk, the rest posts in the series will be about how to be a green traveler once you’re traveling. We’ve talked a lot about water and water bottled lately, so I’ll […]

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
Eco Vessel Surf Recycled Glass Water Bottle

Eco Vessel Surf Recycled Glass Water Bottle vs Zulu Glass Water Bottle

Updated: January 23rd, 2019Many athletes, parents and health- and environment-conscience people are seeking alternatives to plastic disposable and plastic reusable water bottles. A few years ago, the trend was to use stainless steel water bottles and mini coolers for toting water and beverages. Now, there are other choices on the market constructed of glass with […]

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
GoGreenTravelGreen.com is a participant in the Amazon.com Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Additionally, GoGreenTravelGreen.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. Please refer to Go Green Travel Green's Privacy Policy, Disclosures and Affiliate Disclosure. Copyright © 2019
Subscribe to our mailing list:
loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.