SUCCESS! It’s pretty hard to screw up eggplant, though. This is definitely one of the favorite dishes I make.
You should make it too! It’s easy peasy.
- preheat the oven to 350, then slice up an eggplant into 1/4 of inch thick rounds
- dip them in an egg wash, fry them in non stick cooking spray on medium
- spread half the slices in a square pan, then pour a little marinara over each of the slices, and layer with goat cheese, parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar (or really whatever you have a hankering for!)
- Next, layer the other half of slices on top, and repeat with the sauce and cheese.
- Pop in the oven for 25 minutes, and take out your delicious dinner!
My plate:
It was oh so good, and filling!
I needed something sweet, so I had half a box a few of Annie’s Bunny Grahams:
After consuming this meal, I noticed that I didn’t have one “meat meal” today. I’ve experimented with vegetarianism before, but have always gone back to meat because it made my body do weird things. For example, the first time I switched back to eating meats is because I noticed my hair was shedding a heck of a lot more than normal. I’m not sure if this had to do with not eating meat, but when I went back to meat, it stopped.
After my second trip to vegetarianism, I noticed I was getting canker sores in my mouth a lot, so I switched back. Again, never could find the answer to if the two were a causal correlation, but it stopped when I switched back.
Perhaps I just wasn’t getting enough protein. Maybe now that I’m more educated about ways vegetarians can get enough protein I’ll try again some day. For example, now I eat the crap out of all kinds of nut butters, and I know more about tofu from reading veggies’ blogs, and I know certain grains seeds contain protein that I didn’t know about before entering the blog world.
I’m such an animal lover, which is why I tried going meatless the first two times. Now I suppose I’m in denial whenever I’m eating meat products. I just try not to think about it. I really have a hard time eating meat that you can obviously tell where who it came from. For now, I’ll continue being a omnivore, but I have a feeling I’ll try the vegetarian route again some day.
Have you ever thought about becoming a vegetarian? Why or why not? And if you already are, how has it affected your body?
Filed under: eggplant parmesan, vegetarianism |
Running Around Normal 
Whenever I don't get enough protein, I don't have much energy. However, I have eliminated red meat and substituted nuts, fish, (especially salmon)chicken and turkey. It works. I know a good diet effects hair and nail growth, so there could be a correlation.
awesome dinner! i love eggplant parmesan.
I tried being a vegetarian in high school, which was not a good idea since I didn't really know how to do it in a healthy way. that lasted a few months.
I'm glad I'm not the only one who had struggles with it. I just need to be realistic with the time and discipline it will tale at first! 🙂
Wow, your eggplant parmesan looks great, and easy too, I will definitely have to give it a try!
I have thought so many times about going veg, but like you, keep coming back to meat for various reasons. I actually don't even enjoy meat as much as I used to since going to a mostly plant based diet, I just eat it in small portions a couple of times a week now because I seem to need it in my diet.
Mmm Paige! That looks delicious. I'm loving your plate presentation too 🙂
I've just recently started becoming more of a FLEXatarian and I couldn't be happier. I find I don't really even crave meat very much anymore to be honest! But when I do, I make sure to enjoy it 🙂
oooh I copied and pasted that recipe – it's now on my list – thanks!
I haven't really. THere was a long time (like 6 years) I didn't eat red meat. It just upset my tummy. Now i'm slowly working it back in (mostly for my husband who doesn't complain but I know he misses it). I could never give up chicken + fish though – love them too much. 🙂
It's true that lack of protein can lead to hair loss, I have seen this with many clients. If you want to go vegetarian, try calculating your protein needs on a few given days to see if you get enough. I find that the most commonly missed nutrients in vegan/vegetarian diets are: calcium, vitamin D, iron, zinc, vitamin B12, omega 3s, and protein – so watch out for those and do some research on what food sources have them.
That eggplant parm sounds delicious!
I've thought about being a vegetarian, but I think what's more realistic for me is to be a flexitarian – lots of meals without meat, some with.
That eggplant parmesan looks delicious!
Currently, I haven't eaten meat or fish in months but I don't consider myself a vegetarian because I decided that I would allow myself everything in moderation so if I ever do get a really bad meat or fish craving I'll indulge.
In my past experience I went into vegetarianism all wrong and lacked a lot of vital things so I started having fainting spells, etc. Since then I've learned a lot, and I feel great.
I'd recommend doing lots of research and consulting your doctor to make sure you are getting all the vital nutrients your body needs and you should be fine 🙂
This looks so yummy, Paige!
I did do about six months of being a vegetarian a few years back. But for me, I don't know why… but if I don't have a meat-type protein… turkey or chicken mainly – although I do eat red meat every now and then… then I get very light headed and have passed out in the past! So for me, I feel better eating meat.
I've tried eating completely raw, and during that time i had no meat … it was hard! i wasn't doing it properly though. i was craving cooked foods the whole time lol, and i wasnt getting enough protein.
now i know better, but like meat too much.
-muffy
That dinner looks great! I have thought about becoming a vegetarian many times. I think bacon keeps bringing me back though!
Cait & Allison- the flexitarian idea is a great one! I'll definitely consider this.
Eve- thanks for that nutritional info. Very helpful!
Paige, this recipe looks freaking amazing!!!! I've been dying to make eggplant parm, and this recipe is the one I'm going to try. Thank you for sharing!!!
I've been a vegetarian for about 3 months and I love it. I know it's not for everyone, but I haven't noticed any negative effects from it.
That eggplant dish looks fabulous! I never really know what to do with an eggplant, and this mix sounds lovely.
I have considered becoming a vegetarian since I rarely eat eat, but I just don't want to ever restrict myself to a certain diet or way of eating. I want to eat what I crave, whatever that may be!
xxoo
Heather
You guys better let me know what ya think! 🙂
I thought about becoming a vegetarian for a while but I don't think I could give up certain foods if I tried. I feel horrible for it but I try to eat mostly veggies most of the time!