For about a decade I went vegetarian, (not vegan.)
What I found worked best, is to not attempt to replicate your old diet. I would not even try to attempt to eat highly processed food like faux cheeses and meats.
I bought a vegetarian/vegan cook book, that had entirely original recipes, that used the strengths of those foods, and did not rely on trying to recreate meals you grew up with as an omnivore.
I still have many meals that I eat, like veggie tacos, (yes, with real cheese,) Tabbouleh Salad sandwiches in a pita, and veggie stir frys. I don't want to use manufactured processed food in my cooking.
Things like these;
Black bean stuffed sweet potatoes recipe with fresh ingredients like tomatoes, corn, black beans, a simple guacamole, and vegan sour cream.
www.twospoons.ca
This hearty roasted vegetable bowl with peanut sauce is sure to fill you up. Perfect as lunch, dinner, or meal prep for the week!
www.sharethespice.com
Chef Marc Meyer's first book, Brunch, offers outrageously good recipes from his first Manhattan restaurant, Five Points. This quick and healthy pa...
www.foodandwine.com
My breakfasts are entirely vegan, and lunches are all vegetarian now.
. . . I do so love fish though. lol