Countdown to Mealtime: Why Low Carb Vegetarian Meals Will Make Your Day

Do you know what you're cooking for dinner tonight?

If you're like 75% of all Americans, you don't have a clue what's for dinner. When you figure it out, you'll spend the good part of your evening preparing that meal—and that's not counting any shopping that you might have to do. According to a recent national survey, Americans spend up to an hour every day cooking. Wouldn't you rather spend that time with your family, relaxing, reading, watching TV—doing anything other than slaving over a hot stove? In this fast-paced day and age, what is the answer to saving time in the kitchen?

Your answer to quicker cooking might just come from a surprising place. No, not your local fast food joint—unless, of course, you're okay with gaining weight! If you want to quickly prepare healthy meals for you and your family at home, low carb vegetarian meals are the only way to go! If you're wondering why, check this out.

Low carb vegetarian meals actually cook up to 3 times more quickly than your traditional meat-based menus. It's true. Because many vegetarian foods, especially meat substitutes, come pre-cooked, you'll never have to wait for that steak to slowly make its way to medium well. Simply heat through and then dish it out. In addition, since many vegetarian foods are entirely plant-based, they will keep for longer periods of time. This means that your veggie loaf made on Monday will still taste great on Friday!

To save you needless hours slaving over your stove, here are some extra easy quick tips to make the most of your time in the kitchen:

=================
Think Big!
=================

If you've got a favorite recipe, double it up. Do you have the time to do? How much more time does it take to cut two onions instead of one! Then, you'll eating delicious leftovers whenever you want that take a fraction of the time to reheat. If you're going to freeze your leftovers, make sure to plop them in a pot or pan that you can put right in the oven or microwave to save time on washing extra dishes.

=================
Let Leftovers Work for You
=================

If you have leftovers, but not enough to make a full meal—get creative! Figure out what you can combine your leftovers to make a masterpiece of a meal. Be sure to write down any combinations that tickled your taste buds and you might just want to make them the main dish next time around!

=================
Make ‘em Frozen
=================

Frozen fresh vegetables may just be the perfect time-saving food. They've already been washed, peeled, and cut, so all you have to do is reheat. It almost seems too easy. Plus, if you've bought fresh frozen, you'll still get all the nutritional benefits in the bag.

=================
Keep a Lid On It!
=================

To quicken your cooking time, make sure your pots and pans are sealed with lid. Lids keep the steam and heat in so you'll be able to enjoy your delectable dishes sooner. In fact, keeping a lid on it not only speeds up the cooking process, it will help keep seal the tasty flavor and nutrients.

=================
Mix It Up!
=================

Does anyone really know what a "dash" of seasoning is? How many recipes have you found that call for a dash of salt, as pinch of pepper, and cayenne to taste? Probably too many to remember, right? Why not create your own mixed seasoning. You can come up with a creative name, like salpepcay. Rather than wasting your time finding each spice every time you cook, shake things up by mixing together your most used spices in their own container.

=================
Write It Down
=================

How many times have your meal plans gotten derailed when you find out that you're missing the key ingredient? Tomato soup isn't so great without the tomatoes! Put a magnetic memo pad on your frig and write down the names of ingredients as they run out. Bring the list with you to the store each time you shop and you'll never experience a food wreck again!

About the Author: Sylvie Charrier is the author of the revolutionary new book "Living La Vida Low Carb: The Vegetarian Way". As a busy work-at-home mom, she discovered simple ways to get more results from her low carb diet. She shares her recipe makeovers and health tips on her website, http://www.VegetarianLowCarb.com/Countdown.html