Need Vegetarian ideas

I've been vegan for over a decade, and a body builder for a long time. I've been a gourmand and amateur chef (who's worked with professional chefs)

My go to recipe site is http://vegweb.com/

Good luck.

akern1987 wrote: »

Starting tomorrow my boyfriend and I are giving our healthy lifestyle and weight loss journey a boost and for the first 30 days of the new year we are going totally plant based, no processed foods and hopefully less processed starches (gonna try to stay away from pasta unless it's homemade!).
We've been trying to get healthier and started exercising, but we both need to recharge and cleanse and get all the bad stuff on the way out! So what I need help with are some awesome veggie heavy recipes (we are not giving up dairy or eggs). Thanks!

These are contradictory. Dairy and eggs don't come from plants. You might get more helpful advice if you were clear and consistent. I was all set to launch into recipes using beans, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, to ensure you get enough protein, until I read the last sentence. And to point out the need for B12, except if you're really only doing this for 30 days, it's not that important, since your body stores a long-term supply of B12 when you do eat foods from animals.

Anyway, one thing that is a problem for a lot of people when they're just starting on a plant-focused diet, is that a pile of broccoli or spinach or brussels sprouts doesn't cut it as an entree -- no matter how much they eat, they still feel like all they've had is a "side." They want something that feels like an entree, and since you say you won't be eating processed foods, that pretty much eliminates substituting "fake meat" patties and crumbles for meat.

Beans and grains can provide some of the heft you're used to getting in meals from meats.

Portobello mushrooms (grilled or broiled, like a steak) can also help fill that meal "centerpiece" role, plus give you that umami sensation you may be missing without meat. You can convert any chili recipe into a meatless recipe by subbing beans for meat; I've also done lentil chili (lentils, onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, mushrooms, garlic, chili powder, cumin -- after it's cooked, top with cheese and/or sour cream and/or greek yogurt).

I also like eggplant when I'm looking for a vegetable to take center stage -- sliced lengthwise in planks, it also gives you something substantial on your plate. I do a mean faux eggplant parmesan -- quicker and lower calorie. Slice eggplant into planks; salt, let rest, and blot off liquid if you're bothered by eggplant "bitterness"; broil or grill the eggplant, arrange in a shallow baking pan or casserole, top with good-quality tomato-based pasta sauce (commercial or homemade) and mozzarella (fresh or aged, your choice), and bake for about 20 minutes (until cheese starts to brown a little). Remove from oven and top with parmesan; return to oven for a few minutes if you like to melt and brown the parmesan a little.

The Ottolenghi site should provide plenty of inspiration. http://www.ottolenghi.co.uk/recipes/vegetarian

I was a vegetarian for 6 years and while I am too lazy to write out any recipes, I'll give you a little advice (and a link to a recipe).

Beware of relying too heavily upon dairy. If you want a cheesy taste without the calories, try nutritional yeast. It sounds gross, but it is soooo good in recipes.
Unsweetened almond milk is the shizzle...and it's only 30 calories for an 8oz glass.
As @lynn_glenmont suggested, eat mushrooms--they will give you the sensation of eating meat and you will feel much more satisfied with your meals.
http://www.runningonrealfood.com/ is a blog with lots of great vegan recipes. This http://www.runningonrealfood.com/curried-coconut-chickpeas-spinach/ is the BEST food I've ever made!

Keep protein in check! You'll feel fuller with more protein. It's harder but totally doable. Quinoa, lentils and eggs are great. Beans and substitute meats are also good