Vegetarian Cooking – Part 2 - Health Plus Digest

Olive oils are the most healthy and contain fats that help to level your cholesterol levels. Olive oils come in a variety of flavors from very strong to mild. The best oil is extra virgin cold pressed oil. You can use the olive oil in any dish that you would normally have used butter, lard or vegetable oils. Vegetable oils, no mater what the advertising says, are manufactured using processes that leave them not much better than eating straight chemicals.

Another critical ingredient to vegetarian cooking is sea salt. Sea salt doesn’t have the chemicals of regular processed table salt and contains minerals that will enhance the flavors of the food. Sea salt is formed from the natural evaporation of sea water and has 98 percent sodium chloride compared to the 99.9 percent purity of regular table salt. Salt manufacturers make extra money reselling the mineral by-products during the processing of salt.

Using high quality ingredients makes a difference in the final quality of the food. Cooking is basic chemistry and the outcome is only as good as the quality of the ingredients you use. You won’t be making a silk purse from a sows ear.

Another tip for vegetarians is to use lots of vegetables! A variety of color will give you a full range of Vitamins and minerals. Green leafy vegetables such as spinach and lettuce; root vegetables like yams, carrots and potatoes; and stems and seed carriers like celery, peppers and eggplant should all be included in your diet.

Test these principles by making a vegetable or bean soup. Sautee the vegetables in good oil, use sea salt to taste and use plenty of vegetables. Vegetarian cooking is only limited by your imagination. By incorporating lots of legumes, vegetables, fruit, seeds and nuts will give you great variety in flavor and nutrition.

Vegetarian cooking is simple, nutritious, and makes a positive impact in your health and wellness. Your diet is only limited by your imagination. Test your imagination and increase your energy levels for a whole new you!

References:

AllRecipes: Vegetarian Recipes

http://allrecipes.com/recipes/everyday-cooking/vegetarian/

VegKitchen: Vegan Chocolate Brownie Cake

http://www.vegkitchen.com/

Cooking Light: 25 Best Vegetarian Recipes

http://www.cookinglight.com/food/top-rated-recipes/best-vegetarian-recipes-00412000076926/

RealSimple: 41 Easy Vegetarian Recipes

http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/recipe-collections-favorites/healthy-meals/easy-vegetarian-recipes-00000000037312/

Eating Well: Secrets for Cooking Vegetarian Food

http://www.eatingwell.com/healthy_cooking/quick_healthy_cooking/5_secrets_for_cooking_vegetarian_food

Vegetarian Resource Group: Teen FAQs