5 key ingredients to have if you don’t eat meat

There are many misconceptions surrounding not eating meat about how expensive, time-consuming and boring eating this way is.

Whether you’re a full-time vegetarian or just keen to increase your repertoire of meat-free meals, the advantages of including more veg-packed dishes are limitless.

The key to eating meat free is having staples on hand, here are the top 5 ingredients you should always have in your kitchen.

Make sure to have these 5 key vegetarian ingredients on hand

Of course having fresh fruit and vegetables is a great thing to have in any kitchen, the more the better when you’re not eating meat.

Apart from the standard avocado and sweet potato, fill your pantry and fridge with these 5 ingredients and you can always find a meal to throw together.

1. Tofu

Tofu is a great source of protein and can be a substitute to meat in almost any meal. Check out this Ginger & Tofu Stir-Fry to ensure you’re getting enough protein without consuming meat. Tofu is low in cost and high in minerals and vitamins!

2. Chickpeas

So versatile and underrated! The cheap tinned legume can be made into SO many meals. From hummus to veggie patties, chickpeas are a budget-friendly kitchen staple a vegetarian or vegan should always have.

3. Lentils

Lentils bulk out meals to make them more filling and is also a good budget-hack. They are also full of nutrition and can be the base if soups, curries, and even Mexican and Italian meals!

A great source of protein for vegetarians, use lentils in your spaghetti bolognese in lieu of mince and you will barely know the difference!

4. Beans

Legumes have a great source of nutrients, they provide protein, fibre, folate, iron, potassium and magnesium. You can use beans in a variety of Healthy Mummy recipes, from main meals like nachos and even desserts like brownies!

5. Tempeh

Tempeh is made of fermented soybeans and is a complete protein, so if you’re worried not eating meat will prevent you from getting enough protein, think again! Tempeh is easily digestible due to it’s fermentation process and is a great way to consume soy. Add some marinated tempeh in your next salad.

Want more simple recipes to try out? Here are 5 budget friendly weeknight dinners with just 5 ingredients.

Get your chef on!

The 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge has so many more recipes you can make with UNDER 5 ingredients!

Our 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge includes:

• 28 days of at home exercise routines (no gym needed) – with video instruction
• Customisable and breastfeeding friendly meal plans (including a 7 day cleanse)
• Time-efficient exercises for busy mums – under 30 mins
• Challenge combines Pilates exercises with interval and circuit training (HIIT)
• Suitable for basic to advanced fitness levels
• Home to thousands of EASY-TO-MAKE recipes!

Learn more about our 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge HERE.