Page 58 - Harnett Life Summer 2018

Another Nutrition Decision:

Change Your Protein

By Janice Fields

When my oldest daughter, Catie, was in the 8th grade, my footprint than meat production.
“meatatarian” turned vegetarian instantly after reading on-
line about how the animals were mistreated. I found myself If you cannot go so drastic, how about replacing half of
searching for vegetarian recipes, as I was determined my the ground meat or turkey in your recipes with vegetables?
daughter would not be a “potato chip vegetarian.” Thanks You will decrease meat consumption, yet still enjoy some
to Catie, our entire family’s eating habits began evolving of the meaty-flavors. One of my new favorite recipes is a
into healthier options. I even joined her in this vegetarian Mushroom-Beef Taco.
adventure. Today, we have evolved even further. Though
we no longer choose the vegetarian lifestyle, most of our Serves 8
foods are plant-based. We also eat more fish, chicken, and Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
turkey. This is a Mediterranean style of eating. Serving Size: 4 ounces (½ cup)
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
You can find the following tips and more at medinstead- Prep Time: 10 minutes
ofmeds.com, a healthy cooking program that we offer.
This researched-based Med Way suggests limiting red Ingredients:
meat to no more than 2-3 times per month, with a serving • 4 cups (approximately 8 ounces) white mushrooms
size of 4-6 ounces. That may seem drastic, but changing • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
your protein is arguably the most impactful change you can • 1 large onion, finely chopped
make. Eating less meat is why the Mediterranean style of • 2 tablespoon homemade taco seasoning (or store bought)
eating is so good for your health. It is also healthier for • 4 tablespoons tomato paste
our planet as plant proteins have a smaller environmental • 1 pound ground beef (97% lean), cooked and well-