Eat a more plant-based diet.
This is what the media (with good reason) is telling you on a regular basis. The New Dietary Guidelines for Americans say to eat more vegetables, fruit and beans and limit saturated fats, which are mainly found in the animal products.
The World Health Organization says red meat and processed meats give us cancer. You’re more than happy to give up hot dogs after the study that found HUMAN DNA in them. You’re pretty sure you remember one of the Blue Zones secrets to long life was to eat beans daily.
Meatless Monday is sounding like a better idea all the time.
Until you bring it up to your family. I won’t eat tofu, says your husband. Your kids turn up their nose at anything green. Sometimes when you’re pressed for a quick lunch at work it’s just easier to grab a grilled chicken salad from the drive thru.
Why not try celebrating Meatless Monday with some of the easiest comfort foods available – soup and chili.
Who doesn’t love coming home to the smell of chili in the crock pot at the end of cold and gray winter day? Even the pickiest eaters can’t say no to soup and a sandwich. This list of vegetarian soup and chili recipes (plus a couple of easy button pre-made options) offers ideas that work for every family, budget and schedule. Pick one today to start you Meatless Monday habit next week!
Vegan Chili from Debbie at Coach Debbie Runs
Simmer a little to get dinner on the table quickly or simmer a lot for deeper flavor, it’s delicious either way.
Vegetarian Chili from Kellogg’s
This is my go-to chili in my crock pot. I substitute the All-Bran with quinoa.
Slower Cooker Pumpkin Chili from Vega
Another crock pot gem, they will never miss the meat!
Curried Cauliflower Soup from Vegetarian Times
They won’t think it is potato soup but it’s familiar appearance won’t hint that it is cauliflower. It pairs perfectly with a nice sandwich.
Triple Green Soup with Cannellini Beans & Spiced Pepitas
My husband doesn’t like soup but when I made this he slowed down long enough to tell me how good it was. WIN!
Yellow Split Pea Soup from Vega
This is a delicious choice for the budget conscious. The bright color from the curry will improve your mood AND give a nice boost to your immune system.
Anti-Inflammatory Soup from Michelle at Michelle C Fitness
Her recipe is perfect to feed the family on a cold day and help keep inflammation at bay.
Smokey Split Pea Soup from Vegetarian Times
This is another favorite of mine. Try using some smoky salt as well for extra flavor.
Dr. McDougall’s Cup of Soup – Split Pea or Tomato Basil
Just add water for a quick and delicious lunch on the go. You can even pack these in a carry-on.
Amy’s Organic Canned Chili
I love a cup of this chili over a small sweet potato for a warm and hearty lunch at the office.
With most of these options making enough for leftovers, you can work on transitioning to a plant based diet all week. If that is your goal check be sure to check out some of my other tips for a meatless meal plan from my OxyChallenge experience.
What’s your daily diet? Plant- based, vegan before 6, flexitarian?
What’s your favorite vegetarian soup or chili?
