My boo is meat-free — send help!

How can we still enjoy meals together?

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Today's Ingredients Eating is a thing we often do with other people. And people, as I'm sure you've noticed, tend to have their own ways of doing things. For example, I have to eat breakfast with my coffee to have a remotely productive day, while my boyfriend is happy to drink multiple cups of coffee on an empty stomach and see what kind of chaos ensues. Similarly, today's question came from a reader whose diet differs from her partner's in one major way: He eats meat and she does not. How can two people enjoy meals together when their preferences don't match up? We brought back registered dietitian and Wellos Coach Kirsten Seele to help us answer just that.   • Food to live well: 6 foods that keep you awake at night   • News to know: Is this the best diet for your brain?   • Exercises to try: 9 full-body workouts to help you lose weight Eat up, lovebirds, Ginger Wojcik Newsletter Editor, Healthline   Written by Ginger Wojcik April 18, 2024 • 3.5 min read Let's Ask the Dietitian Q: I eat meat, but my partner doesn't. How can we enjoy more meals together? A: Different dietary needs can definitely make mealtimes more challenging! But enjoying meals together is a wonderful way to get some much-needed quality time after a long day, and finding ways to make that time less stressful is important. With a bit of planning and some creativity, this can be done! When planning a meal, it's easiest to break it into three parts: the protein option, a carbohydrate side dish, and the vegetable of choice. You can always add a fruit or a dairy product too! By breaking it down this way, you can ensure a balanced meal and make easy swaps, such as vegetarian/plant-based protein options, for those with different dietary needs. Below are some meal ideas that can be made with animal protein or a vegetarian alternative. This way, you can bond over the same meal and only have to cook one different item. (Click on the links below for recipes and cooking tips!) Whole grain spaghetti with meat sauce or lentil sauce and a side salad Grilled chicken or grilled tofu with vegetable skewers and roasted potatoes Pork fried rice or egg fried rice with extra veggies (I might also recommend Sriracha sauce on top.) Hamburger or black bean burger with all the veggie toppings on a whole grain bun with sweet potato fries Below are some other ideas to try out to simplify mealtime: Try at least one meatless meal weekly. Maybe you both will enjoy it! Add extra meatless protein products like seafood, eggs, and/or dairy. If you're not completely plant-based, that is! Batch-cook the meat option (grilled chicken, lean ground beef, etc.) early in the week to save time. Plant-based or vegetarian proteins like beans, hard-boiled eggs, and tofu are quick-cooking options too! Whatever you decide to try out, have fun with it and enjoy!   Written by Kirsten Seele Wellos Coach and Registered Dietitian Kitchen Kit Press to impress       EZ Tofu Press I've been on a yearslong journey of trying to figure out how to best cook tofu, and while I'm still not all the way there, one thing is certain: A tofu press is nonnegotiable for most recipes. Instead of springs and elastic bands that easily wear out, this simply designed press includes two adjustable knobs that will stand the test of time. Your days of ramshackle DIY tofu presses could be over soon. SHOP NOW Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline's or Optum Store's vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Store are owned by RVO Health.       the takeout What we're digesting 🧈 Diet and fitness influencers are telling people to eat sticks of butter. Here's why that's a bad idea. 🌫️ What are the stages of dementia? Learn what to expect during early, middle, and late stage dementia. 🥣 Need a healthy breakfast on the go? Here are some recipes you might enjoy. 🏃 10 ways to move more in everyday life. Without having to block more time out of your busy schedule! Thanks for reading, everyone! Kenny is back on Sunday to share another recipe from our vault. We'll see you then! Until next time, Take care of yourself, and we'll see you again soon!   This edition was powered by compromise.

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