My shopping list...

[Radiance]

Good stuff.
I love veggies so it is not an issue.
I just have to educate myself better so I disolve my fears:
- Having enough iron without meat?
- Having enough protein without meat? I will have to look into those vegan athlete websites you mention.
I also notice that when I don't have meats I get a little of soft stools after the second day... ..hmm, maybe it is my body detoxing now that I think about it.

sigh, for now I am working to get on a meal plan, any! and then I can fine tune from there.

Vegetarian or meat eater , raw or cooked... so many options.

In any case ScrimpAndSave, I want to try your recipe recommendation this weekend. Cool!

[whitestripe]

Good stuff.
I love veggies so it is not an issue.
I just have to educate myself better so I disolve my fears:
- Having enough iron without meat?
- Having enough protein without meat? I will have to look into those vegan athlete websites you mention.
I also notice that when I don't have meats I get a little of soft stools after the second day... ..hmm, maybe it is my body detoxing now that I think about it.

sigh, for now I am working to get on a meal plan, any! and then I can fine tune from there.

Vegetarian or meat eater , raw or cooked... so many options.

In any case ScrimpAndSave, I want to try your recipe recommendation this weekend. Cool!

i dont undestand why people have 'fears' over not having enough protein/iron etc if they become vegetarian. isn't there already enough proof in all the other healthy vegetarians out there?
also for your last comment on your body 'detoxing' have you looked at your fibre intake and water intake???

[PetMom]

There are non meat sources of iron: leafy greens, molasses and beans.

Beans also contain protein. Some theories now don't force people into the food combinging for achieving a complete protein. Beans are now making it to the top of some supefood lists. Plus, they are so cheap.

Vegans were always warned to watch for B12 defiencies, but surprisingly little is written about watching out about zinc.

You need a good source for zinc.

Also: the healthy tip about eating fish (which some vegetarians do) - some of it contains mercury.

Some nutritionists are recommending you limit portions per week because of this.

Happily salmon was priced out of my budget a long time ago.

[cptacek]

But no one writes anything bad about beans - so I think this might be a fantastic option that ScrimpandSave does.

Just to pick a nit...
Red Kidney Bean Poisoning - Food Reference

ScrimpandSave, how do fix your eggplant so it is not bitter?

[whitestripe]

cptacek: if you soak eggplant in salty water for a while before you cook it, it does the trick/

[cptacek]

cptacek: if you soak eggplant in salty water for a while before you cook it, it does the trick/

thanks! I'll have to try that!

[Save Money Hound]

Great shopping list from Scrimp and Save. I like mixing vegetables with beans and lentils to add bulk and to get variety. Cooking a curry is a simple way to combine all these ingredients. Buy some curry powder, garlic and onions, and some other spices and you are on your way.

Try to buy your beans and lentils in bulk at your local markets or a Continental shop to save you some money.

To prepare the beans or lentils, soak them overnight, boil them, then you can freeze in cooking portions for use later.

[GREENBACK]

Just to pick a nit...
Red Kidney Bean Poisoning - Food Reference

ScrimpandSave, how do fix your eggplant so it is not bitter?

If you grow it, you might try harvesting it when it's a little younger than what is sold commercially. I love eggplant parmesan and make it with my own eggplant. It's not the least bit bitter but, again, pick it young.

[PetMom]

cptacek:

thanks for the info - sure don't find that on vegetarian websites.

and also fava beans can be a problem for some people - favism (not to be confused with fauvism).

and soy beans are getting some bad press (genetically modified, etc)

and folks make sure you watch the show, Monster Inside Me - the rat lungworm - found in tropics and even southern states - is found on fresh vegetables that have not been washed thoroughly - especially folds of bell peppers and lettuce. Outbreaks have been traced to lazy cooks not washing the produce.

Now, though, bell peppers cost $1.79 each at the store - so priced out of yet another item. The hike in price seemed to coorelate with the debut of the show.