[Ciarra]

I have a family and would like to replace a few meaty meals with vegetarian options. I do have a toddler and preteen (and a carnivore for a husband)
I think Boca burgers is a good place to start.
Also meatless hotdogs
Maybe spagetti with meat crumbles.....

Anone do this just some of the time and what do the kids like? And quick and easy is a big bonus.

[suitejudyblueeyes]

Do your kids like beans? You can make really great bean-based dishes that are healthy and easy. Pasta is incredibly versatile, can be dressed up with any number of vegetables and sauces. I personally really like Boca burgers, and some of the other faux-meat products out there... Gimmie Lean makes a great sausage-style fake meat that tastes eerily similar to Jimmy Dean.

There are many, many recipes open to you. There are some here on the WW forum recipes section, and I believe the Vegetarian Chicks part of 3FC also has a recipe section. I don't know what kinds of food your kids eat but you shouldn't have a problem finding recipes!

[Ciarra]

Unfortunately not big bean fans.
Thanks for the tip on the Gimmie Lean I'll have to give it a try.
Just trying to cut out some fat and calories in a family friendly way. I really want us all eating the same thing.

[K8-EEE]

I have lots of vegetarians in my family so when I find stuff the carnies & veggies both love, I'm over the moon!

My kids love the morning star "chicken wings" with celery and ranch dressing and also the vegan "ChickN" patties which are more or less like a fried chicken filet but much lower fat & calories..the "spicy" ones are our fave but my kids have always liked spicy food, you might want to try the others first.

Big hit around here is the ChickN patties on hamburger rolls with lettuce, tomato and avocado. they're really good! We usually have Trader Joe's sweet potato fries with that.

Also REALLY REALLY GOOD is if you get the Yves Good Ground fake-o hamburger and make it with Taco Bell powdered seasoning. Honestly you cannot tell the difference in tacos and burritos from the real Taco Bell Mystery Meat!

Soyrizo is another great vegan product, it is a spicy soy sausage and great on pizza and pasta. Sometimes I brown it in a skillet and then pour in some spaghetti sauce and fresh spinach for a pasta Florentine type of thing.

If your kids like asian food try buckwheat noodles, which have lots of protein, with a peanut/soy sauce and juilienned veggies. Gardenburger BBQ riblettes are REALLY REALLY good with that. Even my carnivorous hubby who balked at the idea of them at first loves them now.

[Jane]

Originally Posted by Ciarra

Unfortunately not big bean fans.

You can mash them or even puree them to add to soups and other recipes for added protein and fiber without the kiddos being any wiser.

Other tricks are helpful, too. My little granddaughters wouldn't touch peas until I called them "Pocahontas peas", then peas were their new favorite veggie, lol.

[tdiprincess]

Definitely try to hide veggies and beans... soups work well. Puree the beans, also helps thicken the soup. Also, slowly add more veggies and beans into their diets. They will get used to the changes! What about doing a fish night also. I know that's not "meat" free, but it's generally healthier than meat and at times, cheaper!

Take a look at the recipe area, there is a veggie recipes sub-forum there. They have some excellent ideas.

Also making some pizza's with veggies and maybe some meat free sausage.

As you do it more often, they will become accustomed to the new way of things. Even the Dh. If they're not overly picky, they'll come around. I find with my Dh is that he eats what I make him.