Happy Monday guys! How was your weekend?
Mine was action packed with fun and not-so-fun events. But let’s focus on the fun ones shall we?
On Saturday I attended a food photography and styling workshop with Dario Milano. It was an intimate setting in his workshop, with 5 other lovely ladies attending. Most of them had food blogs, loved to cook, and of course take lots of pictures. You can imagine we all got along swimmingly!
Being a group of mostly novice photographers, Dario took the time to go over the basics of adjusting the settings, and helping each person with their camera. I don’t own a DSLR, so was lucky enough to borrow one of Dario’s for the duration of the class. It was great fun seeing what a really good camera can do!
Over the next few hours we played with light and shadows to make the piece of food look appetising and natural. Dario had been to the farmers market that morning, and picked up some beautiful produce to photograph including tri-colour carrots, baby fennel, oranges, red apples, and some baby potatoes that had a beautiful pink hue. Unfortunately I don’t have any photos from the day as I was borrowing the camera, but I will be sure to post some up as soon as they are sent through to me. I was just eager to tell you all about the exciting day!
Seeing and photographing all that beautiful produce on saturday got me thinking about the great simplicity of eating meatless. To be honest, I actually quite enjoy eating vegetables and fruit. I’m the kind of gal who will dig into a big plate of steamed veggies and revel in their deliciousness. Especially broccoli. So today I thought I’d do a little recipe round-up of some meat free meals.
Eating a meatless meal is not only beneficial for your health, it is also kind to the environment. A few advantages to eating meat free include:
- Reduced risk of cancer
- Reduced risk of heart disease
- Reduced risk of becoming overweight or obese
- Reduction in your carbon foot print
- Reducted water usage
- Reduced fossil fuel dependence
The great thing about meatless meals is they are also kind to your wallet. Seriously, what’s not to love? (Ok maybe brussel sprouts, but that’s just a personal dislike).
To get you started I’ve rounded up a few yummy looking dishes for inspiration, but feel free to create your own. Let your fresh produce be your guide! Try a lovely fresh salad at the beginning of the week, and make some soup on the weekend when you have extra time. Balance it out by adding some beans, lentils, or a handful of nuts for a hit of protein that is sure to keep you satisfied!
Meatless Meal Ideas
Try this Eggplant and Arugula Wraps with Tomato Basil Cashew Cheese by Gena @ Choosing Raw for lunch
Copyright Gena @ Choosing Raw
Or maybe a Mango Basil Personal-Sized Tortilla Pizza by Averie @ Averie Cooks
Copyright Averie @ Averie Cooks
Or even a big juicy Veggie Burger by Angela @ Oh She Glows
Copyright Angela @ Oh She Glows
As you can see meatless meals are just as enticing and delicious. So put that bacon back in the fridge and veg out!
Thanks for the love, and for putting me in such fine company!
How awesome! I guess my favorite meatless meal is some kind of portabella mushroom burger
oh mushies are a must…my friend makes this awesome mushroom bolognese with gf spaghetti. You’d swear it was the real thing cuz it still has that ‘meaty’ texture
thanks for linking me up (and with two of my fave other ladies!) …I appreciate it!
No problem…Thank you for the gorgeous recipe
Ange’s veggie burgers are amazing, I have made them many a time! I usually double the batch and freeze a whole ton – they’re great for a quick, healthy meal! So glad you’re promoting Meatless Mondays, being meatless truly does feel great!
So true! and it’s super easy as well.
As a vegetarian, I can only recommend having meatless meals. Besides being incredibly healthy and frugal, veggie meals also are a great way to try some new and exciting recipes and combinations of flavour.
I have never spend so much time reading about or experimenting with food before, and never felt better about it
Thanks for the lovely comment Patricia. Glad you are enjoying experimenting with food! any new favourites to share?
Oh yum- thanks for those links – I have been searching for the perfect veggie burger recipe !!
They are so good!
Kale Salads!! So easy and delicious- Kale, lemon juice, olive oil, & sprinkle ground flax seeds on top
Yumm!!! thanks for sharing…i love big green salads
Thanks Sarah for sending the blog and the other links, much appreciated. Also want to say how inspirational it was to read your ‘About’ and the honesty within. Very pertinent for my godson in Sydney, same age as you and has some issues that require some counselling etc. Showed him your blog. All the best with your photography too. Roz
Thanks for the lovely comment Roz! And all the best for your godson. He (and you!) can contact me any time.
Yummy suggestions Sarah! A great post too – there are so many great ways to eat meatless…..and still be delicious!! Hope you had a great weekend!!
Thanks Shira…weekend was lovely! Hope yours was too xox