What is a Flexitarian?

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Dear Planet Green,

I'm trying to eat in a healthier way and I'm also thinking about the environmental impact of eating meat. I'm considering becoming vegetarian, but my husband is dead set against it. What should I do?

Dear Confused Cook:

There are lots of ways you can eat less meat, and even get your husband to enjoy his dinner. You might want to look at a flexitarian way of eating, meaning that you are largely vegetarian, but eat meat sometimes. Here are some tips:

1. Give Your Menu Repertoire A Make-Over

Take some of your family favourites and turn them into vegetarian dishes. Try a Mushroom Bourgignon and your husband won't miss the meat.

2. Make Meat a Bit Player, Not The Star of The Plate

Most North Americans eat far more meat than necessary. A serving of meat shouldn't be more than 3 or 4 ounces. That way on the days you do decide to eat meat, you are likely having less than you do now.

3. Do a Two-For-One Recipe

Make one recipe and use the sauce for both meat and tofu. I recently made Beef Curry for our family and used the sauce for tofu for my son.

4. Try One Pot Meals or Stir-Fries

You can pack a lot of vegetables into these kinds of meals, and use a very small amount of meat. That way, you can choose to toss in a protein like legumes or tofu for yourself, and leave the bit of meat to your husband.

5. Try New Things

If you are used to eating meals that consist of a large piece of meat and a starch and a vegetable, it's time to shake up your cooking habits. Make dishes with delicious sauces, or try a new cuisine.

6. Get A Good Cookbook

There are a number of cookbooks out now addressing this very issue. Try The Flexitarian Table by Peter Berley or the new Almost Meatless by Joy Manning and Tara Mataraza Desmond. Both have many terrific ideas for cutting down on the meat you consume.