What are some alternatives to meat for a vegetarian?

Okay, so I'm a new vegetarian and I'm not sure what to eat instead of meat, to get my protein and such.

What are some good foods to try, and how should I prepare them?

Thanks.

I am not going semi-vegetarian, I'm not eating fish or seafood at all.

Congrats on going veg!

See this site for a list of vegetarian foods that are high in protein and iron: http://www.tryveg.com/cfi/toc/?v=08sourc...

There are so many delicious fake meats available these days... everything from "chicken" strips to veggie burgers. My favorites are:

Nate's Meatless Meatballs
Tofurkey Deli Slices
Gardenburger Meatless Riblets
Gardenburger Flame Grilled Chik鈥檔
Morningstar Farms Meal Starters Chik鈥檔 Strips
Lightlife -- Smart Bacon (make sure you fry it on both sides until it's very crispy, or it won't taste good)

This site has a list of other popular meatless meats:
http://www.vegcooking.com/guide-favs.asp

You can put most of them in the microwave, but they usually taste better if you cook them in a frying pan.

Good luck!

You can find many meat substitutes already prepared in nearly any large supermarket. They are made largely from soy and gluten, which is derived from wheat, and come in all kinds of varieties....wieners, "bacon", "chicken" and "beef" strips, burger patties, ground burger, "ribs", etc. A popular brand with lots of variety is Morning Star. Or you can make your own casseroles and loafs using basically the same ingredients. Legumes (beans) of any kind are high in protein, and when combined with grains, make a complete protein of excellent quality that's easily assimilated by our bodies. Nuts also have protein, but because of their high fat content, should be used sparingly. If you are still using eggs and dairy products, they also contain protein. Tofu, made from soybeans, is excellent. It takes on the flavor of the seasonings you marinate it in. Soy Curls is a dried soy product that is marinated as well to give it whatever flavor you choose. If you want more information, email me. I've been a vegan for many, many years.

Most of Morningstar Farms' stuff is really good. Notable exception: the bacon. It's horrid.

The "veggie crumbles" (I think they're called) are a good substitute for ground beef in cooking.

My favorite fake meat is Soy-rizo. It tastes exactly like chorizo without the grossness.

Edamame (soybeans) is really tasty and high in protein. You can steam the pods, sprinkle with sea salt, and eat with your hands as a snack or appetizer.

Also, I've sort of rediscovered the potato. A baked potato can be so very satisfying and delicious...

http://www.your-vegetarian-kitchen.com/h...
has an abundance of amazingly delicious recipes for you to choose from. Explore the versatility of Tofu with recipes for eggless omelet attento, or a tex mex love boat, or an exceptional carrot coriander tofu quiche, or introduce yourself to the nutritional benefits of tempeh in several delicious variations from Cacciatore to Semper Tempeh Fidelus and then there are all the wonderful vegetarian soy foods those amazing 'faux meats' which are real boons for people in transition and for their non-veg friends and family. Some of these products come from the talented Buddhists of Taiwan who have been vegetarian for the past 6,000 years -- so they really have it down. They create proucts like Veggie Chicken Nuggets, Smoked Soy Chicken Drumsticks, Soy Fish, Soy Shrimp or Scallops and "Mushroom Beef Chunk" and dozens of others which are available at Chinese Ethnic Grocery stores. And there are also some products which are US produced like Lightlife Gimme Lean Sausage or Ground 'Beef'; Tofurky's Sausages or Fajita Strips, Yves foot long hotdogs or Tofu. Pups. There are of course the frozen burgers by several manufacturers from Boco to Morningstar and several others. There are no end of amazing meals and delightful foods to choose from. And we have not even begun to scratch the surface of possibilities -- Quinoa is a grain with all of the essential amino acids present and available! It comes
as a grain, or pasta. Protein Complementarity of grain and beans, or grain and dairy works well and you'll find instances of it throughout the worlds ethnic cuisines -- Dal and Rice in India and the Near East, Wheat and Chicpeas or Lentils in the Middle East, Dairy and Wheat in Europe; Corn and Beans from the Native American culinary tradition. So be courageous and have fun. Explore and enjoy!

Lots of bean, rice and cheese burritos. You must find a good salsa.
Nuts are great added to lots of things. For example, Brussels sprouts steamed and then added to browned butter with chopped walnuts.
Humus and bread. No prep needed if you buy the humus from the store.
Dal. It's made with red lentils. Takes time to prepare, though.

morningstar makes TONS of meat substitues that are uber yummie. you van find them in the frozen section at your grocery store. also eating protein bars can help. for meals you can use eggplany instead of meat.

Beans, including soy-legumes-nuts-seeds-dairy or eggs if you eat those-whole grains-many vegetables have a surprising amount of protein.

tofu, veggie burgers, fake meat, peanut butter has protein, soy milk(be careful not to consume to much soy though

veggie burgers from disneyland r tha best dude! ok and i dont think being a vegetarian is a good idea u should be a pescetarian like me so u can still eat fish fer protein

Tofu is pretty good in noodles

Veggie burgers, I guess.

Soya chunks

dog food

Fish and seafood.