This meal planning guide is to help you fight the fat. With a little time and following some simple steps, you will be on your way to enjoying healthy low fat meals. These plant-based meals are for you and your family. You do not have to be a gourmet chef to plan a tasty meal.

Practice Menu Planning Guides

When it comes to food, the eyes have it. Eye appeal creates half the enjoyment. I’ve been a vegetarian for over 15 years, and prepared dishes for cooking shows, co-workers, friends and family. Yes, everyone has their likes and dislikes, but one thing is certain, they all keep coming back for more.

Here’s some basic meal planning guidelines:

• Use colorful fruits and vegetables, not to mention the variety of sizes and shapes, food  simply becomes more attractive
• Use colorful garnishes such as tomato wedges, baby carrots, parsley, or mint leaves to add final touches
• Try baking or roasting your fried food favorites
• Try more fresh foods or raw food dishes
• Mix textures (crunchy, chewy, soft, stringy, crispy)
• Mix flavors (spicy, sweet, sour, bitter, salty)

Meals come alive when you experiment with different spices and herbs. Dare to try something different and if you don’t like it, try something else. Experiment means be open to trial and error. Let each menu come alive with your special touch!

When trying to eat healthier particularly if you are including more plant-based meals, start with the familiar and then branch out. For example, if spaghetti and meat sauce is a favorite, then try a meatless sauce. There are a variety of meat substitutes on the market and just experiment. There are a number of meatless items such as Garden burgers, etc. on the market, I especially like some of these products, click here. 

You and your family won’t be overwhelmed if you make gradual changes. If you are a soul food lover then the recipes in this book are well received click here.

For a quick reference, these are the meal planning tips to remember:

* Try a variety of food
* Prepare food in bulk and freeze for those lazy days
* Buy food in season, it’s much cheaper
* Add color to your plate
* Choose foods from all the food groups
* Review these plant-based menu samples for suggestions

This information is intended as an educational tool devised to keep you informed of the latest medical knowledge and wellness information. It is not intended to serve as a substitute for changing the treatment advice of your doctor. You should never make a medical change without first consulting your physician.

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