One of the early changes in my shopping routines with my wife after becoming vegetarian is “Well…What do I eat now?”. Lots of stuff are vegetarian such as pasta, fruits, vegetables, noodles, etc. But you have to figure out what to eat day to day. You need the good amount of protein with a well balanced diet. The kicker, it has to taste good too. No way you will last with such bland vegetables and fruits with meals. You have to be real and set expectations lower on how delicious your meals day to day can be. Not to say you can’t make good food.
Being a carnivore for 30 years, everything revolved around meat. Ok Steak with this and this, ok chicken with this and this, if not that much pork, then put this and this. It was the central focal point of nearly any and all meals. So I began to shop and find my places and things what to get. You need that substitute for hard protein. I found that Trader Joes, espeically one in Falls Church, was a great place to get veggie options. They have soy sausages, soy chirizo, and even meatless breakfast patties. You’re not really missing out when you these things kind of available. The hard part is simply to know whre to go. You’re not going to know where you can shop and what you can get without visiting them. Knowledge is key. Trader Joes has a fantastic selection of vegetarian and soy based goods to apply to many meals. Even my wife was impressed with the soy chorizo and said it was hard to tell the difference. Thats how much flavor there is. She took the soy chorizo and mixed it with a spaghetti sauce.
Anyways, that gave me the idea to simply make a map of places that are vegetarian friendly. And I don’t mean, anything you can eat that is vegetarian. Obviously I know i can eat some pasta, some bread, some fruits, some candy, or eggs and be vegetarian. These things are offered at any grocery store. What I mean was for places that given a YES or NO to be a vegetarian and/or vegan friendly offerings from their store. Places with lots of soy goods or everyday household meals that are vegetarian or vegan friendly. So lets start it, google maps, and where can we vegetarians can shop and get lots of goods!!
**** The vegan cheese needs a considerable amount of work. I dont mean to be picky or choosy. And I know many times its not close to real stuff and thats not what I’m seeking. Half the time, I’m just seeking somethin bearable resemblance. The vegan cheese offered at Trader Joes,. major turn off. I could barely stomach it. Dont get it unless you want to support the cause.
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