Don't Be A Lazy Vegetarian

Vegetarianism has become big business. The shelves of our supermarkets are full of products aimed at the vegetarian. They all look so convenient and we all need to save time. We are inevitably tempted to be a bit lazy sometimes and cut corners.

But vegetarians need to be aware what is in those handy little packages or they could be putting their health at risk. So don't be a lazy vegetarian in the supermarket: read those labels.

You need to check how much sugar is in the product, how much fat and whether refined carbohydrates have been used. A little bit of refined flour, the occasional sweet or fatty treat are not in themselves bad for a vegetarian. But these substances become a problem when they make up a large part of the vegetarian diet.

Even a vegetarian can get fat if they eat enough fat, sugar and refined carbohydrate. As a vegetarian, you should train your palate and that of your children to expect less of these foods and the instant sugar rush that goes with them.

Many of the fats used in commercial vegetarian foods are what is called transfatty acids. These are associated with an elevated risk of cancer. So even if the fats used in a vegetarian product are derived from vegetable sources they may have been modified so much in the manufacturing process that they are no longer healthy.

Of course, vegetarians lead busy lives and there are times when we need a quick snack or a meal in hurry. In these situations opt for healthy alternative. A bowl of whole meal cereal will fill that hungry gap before the evening meal when you come home. Keep a good range of fresh fruits on hand. This is natural grab and go vegetarian food.

Vegetarian food does not always take a long time to cook and prepare. Red split lentils take 10 minutes to cook and can become the basis of all kinds of curries, soups, stews and burgers.

If you keep some cooked pulse on hand in the fridge you can rustle up a vegetarian meal very quickly. Or cook twice as much as you need when you have the time and freeze it for later. A little planning allows a vegetarian to be lazy in a healthy way.

May be when you feel that vegetarian cooking it just too slow you should ask yourself "What's the hurry?" Vegetarian food should not be a quick refueling stop. Set out a platter of vegetable sticks and olives with a hummous dip. Cut up a loaf of whole meal bread. Take time to discuss the events of the day. By the time you have done that your main vegetarian meal of the evening will be ready.