Okay, you’ve decided to go vegetarian this month but you don’t want to settle for tofu and veggie burgers for the next 93 meals. We’ve got you covered with savory (and protein-packed) cuisine ideas to tickle your taste buds. Feel full and fabulous with our delectable meatless options. And don’t be surprised if you never turn back!

Why you need protein. Protein helps strengthen your cells and tissues. Diets high in animal protein have been linked to cancer, heart disease, kidney problems and intestinal disorders. So do your body a favor and fill-er-up with mostly plant-based sources like vegetables, nuts, grains and legumes.

The average daily requirement for dietary protein is 46 grams for women and 56 grams for men. (For you mamas out there the figure is a little different.)

So what’s a veg to eat?

• Tempeh: soybean cake made from natural culture and controlled fermentation
~ Try our speedy and tangy Barbeque Tempeh Burgers

• Legumes: come in a variety of forms including peas, beans, lentils, peanuts, carob, alfalfa, clover and soy
~ Try Baked Falafel, made with chickpeas (a.k.a. garbanzo beans)

• Quinoa: a mild, protein-packed seed that works well as a rice or couscous substitute

• Portabella Mushrooms: high in vitamin D, this vegetable makes a great meat analogue for burgers and sandwiches
~ Try our multifarious Marinated Mushrooms
~ Try Mouth-Watering Stuffed Mushrooms

• Texturized Vegetable Protein (TVP): made from defatted soy flour, it can be used interchangeably with ground beef
~ Try our Peppy Tacos

• Eggs: categorized as meat by the USDA, these protein spheroids can be prepped (and gobbled) in a variety of ways
~ Substitute: scrambled eggs for meat in breakfast tacos
~ Substitute: egg salad for tuna sandwiches

• Nuts and Seeds: these nutritious little guys come from a variety of different plant groups and can be devoured in an abundant number of ways
~ Hint: Snack on your own trail mix of seeds, nuts, dried fruit, and don’t forget dark chocolate bits for antioxidants!
~ Hint: For a filling entrée, bake a nut loaf—your carnivorous friends will be impressed
~ Hint: Add some flax seeds to pancake mix, shakes and yogurt

• Sea Vegetables: as a super food, these goodies contain protein and all of the minerals needed for health
~ Hint: Sauté arame with vegetables; use dulse in soups; add nori to wraps

• Dairy: from yogurt to cottage cheese to plain ol’ milk, this moo juice is a great source of vitamins and minerals and will keep you satisfied

• Seitan: made from the gluten of wheat; some types have a chewy and stringy texture similar to meat
~ Hint: complement your favorite veggies in kabobs and fajitas

And, of course…

• Tofu: this high-iron, low-fat food is derived from soy milk; its near-flavorless quality makes it the chameleon of meatless bliss
~ Try our sweet Baked Coconut Tofu

We’d love to hear from you—post a comment to let us know what fills your vegetarian plate!