Once upon a time, Americans believed that if you didn’t get some form of protein with every meal, you’d be protein deficient. Americans get an abundance of protein. Not eating meat at every meal won’t create a protein deficiency in your body. Even vegetarians have sources of protein.
According to the USDA (mypyramid.gov) all we need is 5-6 ounces of protein a day. The exact amount does depend on your gender, age, and activity level, but 5-6 ounces is not a lot of meat. If you eat one egg for breakfast, a chicken or tuna salad sandwich, or a burger for lunch, you have easily met your requirement for the day. Don’t forget that the milk you put on your cereal or the yogurt you ate also contain protein. That means any meat you eat for dinner is more than your body needs. Like anything else, too much can be just as bad as too little. The kidneys work harder to excrete excess protein and there is a belief that you lose calcium from the bones when you consume too much protein.
Therefore, if you had protein for breakfast and lunch feel free to go meatless for dinner. Make a fresh pot of pasta. Take fresh oregano, thyme and sage and cut them into very small pieces. While the pasta cooks, heat extra virgin olive oil and add the fresh herbs. Let that cook for just a minute and set it aside while the pasta cooks. Prepare a salad of fresh leafy greens. Drain the pasta and pour the herb infused oil over it and mix. This dinner is fast, easy, delicious, and has lots of nutrition. Flavorful and nutritious meatless dishes are usually quick to fix and delicious. Meatless meals can be marvelous.
Cooking is easier than you think and you and your family are worth the time and effort it takes.
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