With the new year upon us, we all have our own resolutions; some of us want to loose a few unwanted pounds or just try a new, healthier way of eating and living. People can sometimes be  ambivalent about starting a vegetarian diet, however, the rewards can be very beneficial. Naturally, the best way to approach something new is to take small, careful steps. Here are a few delicious dishes from Morningstar Farms that I find very helpful in kick-starting a vegetarian diet, and will also begin to put you on the path to a new, healthier way of eating.

Breakfast–as were told many times growing up–is the most important meal of the day, and this is very true. For some, however, breakfast over time can become dull–or sometimes repetitive. Here are some veggie-friendly foods that can wipe away the morning doldrums of breakfast.

Morningstar Farms -Vegetarian Breakfast Sausage, Egg and Bacon Biscuit

A golden, flaky buttermilk biscuit filled with egg, cheese, and veggie bacon crumbles. This is absolutely perfect for people on the run in the morning, and it only packs 270 calories! At first, it’s an awkward eat, and what I mean by awkward is that when you first take a bite, the sausage (which is also in crumbles), bacon, cheese and egg is more of a filling–think of it as an éclair of sorts for a better picture. Awkwardness aside, it is very good. The biscuit is not like your standard breakfast sandwich that you would find at a McDonalds or Burger King, but it’s definitely worth getting up early for.

Morningstar Farms - Maple Flavored Veggie Sausage Patties

These delicious, maple flavored patties will wake anyone up from their well-needed eight hours of sleep. It’s better to prepare the patties on a iron skillet rather than in a microwave, but using the latter won’t be detrimental in enjoying these vegetarian, maple-flavored delights. If you do decide to take the quick route and use the microwave, then the patties may appear to be bland; but worry not, again, the flavor will still be present after that first bite. They taste the exactly the same as your standard maple patties, but with less grease. You can have them with a side of eggs, toast–or both! Very healthy and only 80 calories per serving.

Lunch is very important, it needs to be able to recharge our work-battered bodies to the fullest. Why go out and eat when you can not only bring your lunch, but make it a healthier lunch break, as well.

Morningstar Farms - Sesame Chik’n

Breaded veggie chicken nuggets, edamame (soybeans), sugar snap peas, carrots and diced red peppers with Asian-style noodles smothered in a sumptuous sesame sauce will kick your taste buds and get you through the rest of your workday. Avid eaters of Chinese food will definitely appreciate this quick and easy meal. I found this dish to be very delicious myself, however, it was difficult to distinguish the difference between the two. It looks, tastes and smells like the real thing (the other being made with meat, of course). With only 310 calories, your lunch break will now be a healthier one.

Dinner, the last meal of the day; where family gather and talk about the long–and sometimes, stressful day they had. What better way to do this than over a nice, healthy vegetarian supper.

Morningstar Farms Meal Starters - Recipe Starters

These delicious beef-substitute crumbles are already recipe-ready and very fast and easy to cook. You can substitute these for practically any dish you want. At first glance, the crumbles may seem dull and flavorless, however, that is far from the contrary. The crumbles taste slightly different, partially due to the crumbles being made of soy, and are lighter than ground beef–with less grease, of course; but it is still enjoyable and fun to prepare. Having a spaghetti night? No problem! Or perhaps lasagna? My personal favorite thing to do is use the crumbles in Hamburger Helper.  Only a mere 80 calories per serving!

These are just a few of the foods that Morningstar has available. They have many different dishes that you can mix-and-match to synthesize a veggie-friendly meal. Also, these dishes are an excellent way to get you started on that resolution to again, either shed a few pounds, or just try something new. Either way, it is definitely worth a try. Happy New Year!

By Guest Writer: Antonio Washington