Meat Alternatives On A Vegetarian Diet.

Most meat alternatives today are made from soy protein. They can come in many forms. Fresh, frozen, or canned. Even regular grocery stores sell some meat alternatives.

You can get "dogs","sausages", and even some products claiming to be like a certain flavour, such as "bacon".

Being mostly from soy, these alternatives should provide plenty of protein for a vegetarian diet.
Tofu and Tempeh are also claimed to be meat alternatives, although I think they are in their own category.

There are many ways to prepare Tofu and Tempeh. Fried in slices you can put them on a bun with salad or chop the Tofu or Tempeh into cubes and make a curry.

A great Tempeh recipe from "The Book of Tempeh"by William Shurtleff and Akiko Aoyagi is Keripik Tempeh or Tempeh Chips.

Here is the recipe.

Ingredients
1/2 clove of garlic
1/4 teaspoon of coriander seeds
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt (optional)
1/2 candlenut (optional)
1/8 teaspoon of fresh or powdered tumeric (optional)
1/2 cup of coconut milk or water
1/4 cup of rice flour
2 Tablespoons of wheat flour
1 cup of oil for deep frying
31/2 ounces (100 grams) Tempeh, cut into 1/8 in thick slices, then into any of the following shapes; 4 inch squares, 21/2 inch triangles, or 3x6 inch rectangles.
Method
Combine first three (or five) ingredients in a mortar (or blender) and grind until smooth. Add coconut milk and both flours, mixing until smooth. Heat oil to 400 F (210 C) in a wok, deep-fryer, or skillet. Dip Tempeh slices into batter then slide them into the oil and deep-fry for 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden brown.

Other great recipes about a vegetarian diet and becoming a vegetarian can be found on the Internet.

People's Perception Of A Vegetarian Diet.

I find it quite interesting to observe people's reaction when at a party or where ever, you mention you are a vegetarian.

You will always get the one about eating rabbit food, and of course there is someone who will come out with "How can you live without a burger?"

My response is that in 52 years I have never eaten a certain burger, which I won't mention the name, but will say it starts with m, and I have no desire to do so at anytime.

For me there is nothing to miss. A proper balanced diet consist of fresh fruit and vegetables anyway. Protein for vegetarians can be boosted by combining different foods, such as Tofu and rice, or many other combinations.

Of course the rabbit food is a good one, because I am sure that rabbits in their natural habitat would probably have a varied diet. Such as herbs and roots and green leafy plants.

So it is up to us to educate those around us as to the benefits of becoming a vegetarian.