All-veggie all the time may not be your thing, but everyone can benefit from occasionally following a vegetarian diet, says Lalita Kaul PhD, RD, LDN and professor at Howard University's College of Medicine.
Vegetarian diets are high in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Even if you eat vegetables regularly, omitting meat means produce will be the main event at mealtime, not just a side dish.
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To make the most of a meat-free meal, don't rely too heavily on starches. Look for dishes primarily from vegetables or legumes. Leafy greens are a good source of vitamins A, C and K, and they also contain calcium, folate and fiber.
Remember that the more colorful the foods, the healthier your meal will be, so plan plates with mixes of hues. For protein try tofu, tempeh, nuts, whole grains and legumes or enjoy moderate amounts of dairy products like cheese or yogurt. Give it a try!
More: The Pros and Cons of a Vegetarian Diet
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