The KInd Life Community Forum

Well, I'm not a mother but I can somewhat relate. It can be hard when you live with someone that is not a Vegan/Vegetarian. My boyfriend loves meat, and although he loves my Vegetarian cooking he still insists on having some meat a couple of times a week. I have no problem with it because I believe my lifestyle is my own decision. Try cooking meals and having meat as more of a side item rather than the featured dish. For example make a Veggie Stir Fry with rice and saute some chicken on the side, separately. That way your husband can still have his protein but you are sticking to your healthy lifestyle. One of my favorite things to make is tacos (or fajitas) and I make them all vegetarian and cook some shrimp on the side for my boyfriend to make him happy.

As far as the more expensive part I wouldn't necessarily agree. My pantry is stocked with assorted rices, grains, and every bean you can imagine. These ingredients are actually pretty cheap. Invest in a rice cooker. You will LOVE it. Make up 2 or 3 different kinds of beans on a sunday and then you will have an easier time preparing meals the rest of the week.

Monday-stuffed peppers with beans and rice

Tuesday- bean and rice tacos with chicken on the side for the hubby

Wed- bean and veggie soup with baked potatoes

etc. ... you get the idea. It works best if you think AHEAD and plan for the week. That way you are not scratching your head while standing in front of the fridge and wondering how you are going to accommodate your healthy diet and meet everybody else's need. If you crunch your time the more likely the chance of slipping up or making a choice you might regret later.

Hope this helps!

-Lindsay http://lovesveggies.blogspot.com/

Lindsay probably means cooking them? I like to soak mine Saturday night, then cook them, usually with just onions and spices, in a crockpot Sunday so they're ready that evening. I also make a big pot of rice on Sundays. Then, two or three days later, I'll make lentils because those take less time to prepare, or sometimes a veggie soup, and more rice or quinoa. I personally don't like to keep things sitting around in the fridge for too long, but I do prepare things that will last about three days at a time. These are easy things to have ready to go and it's simple to add fresh steamed or sauteed veggies to them or even frozen ones for those nights when you just can't get anything else together.

Well said Hazel! Yes, I mean soaking AND cooking the beans. It is not too difficult of a process, just takes some time. I usually soak my beans overnight (sometimes 2 or 3 varieties at a time) and then cook them the next morning before work, or even after work when I come home. Each bean is different, but with most beans you want to bring to a boil and then simmer for anywhere from 30 min to an hour (depending on the bean). Google it or check out The Kind Diet for specifics. After cooking I fill my bowls and store in the fridge for meals for the next couple of days. And you can make rice in advance too if you are really time crunched during the week. With rice and beans made in advance meals should be relatively easy throughout your week. And like I said, you can always add a meat on the side to satisfy the hubby :) Although I feel like my man is really growing to love and appreciate my Vegetarian and Vegan cooking the more time we spend together. Maybe the meat additives won't have to last for too much longer! :) Hopeful thinking perhaps!