The-Art-of-Vegging-Out-14-Iconic-Dishes-and-their-Vegetarian-Alternatives-MainPhoto

The-Art-of-Vegging-Out-14-Iconic-Dishes-and-their-Vegetarian-Alternatives-MainPhoto

October first is World Vegetarian Day, kicking off Vegetarian Awareness Month. From health benefits to a lower environmental impact, there are incredible benefits to going meat-free, so we’re all for it! Michael F. Roizen, MD says, “People who consume saturated, four-legged fat have a shorter life span and more disability at the end of their lives. Animal products clog your arteries, zap your energy and slow down your immune system. Meat eaters also experience accelerated cognitive and sexual dysfunction at a younger age.” Definitely food for thought….

That said, sometimes a vegetarian diet (especially when you’re used to eating lots of carne) can be, well, boring. When you cut out meat, you often long for nostalgic dishes of yesteryear filled with chewy, protein-filled animal products. Lucky for us all, there are meatless versions of these iconic dishes that are just as comforting and satisfying as their meat-filled counterparts. So celebrate Vegetarian Awareness Month by trying a few of these vegetarian recipes.

1. Roasted Butternut Squash Lasagna
There is no reason why vegetarian lasagna has to be just spinach and tomato sauce! For fall, roasted butternut squash with béchamel sauce is sweet, savory and oh-so-comforting. You won’t even miss the meat!

Read Related: Healthy Options: Vegetarian Mofongo with Salsa Criolla