I would like a list of veg. staples for my pantry?

[Amy]

Hello,
My son, 16, is refusing to eat animal products. He saw a program on TV that showed the way the animals that feed us are treated and WILL NOT eat anything that comes from an animal. I want to support him and cook good meals. I would go buy a cook book but we are limited in funds and need some help. Im looking for the basic pantry needs of the veg. family. Could someone help me?

[Minosa]

Hi. I had the same problem that your son has...but my parents were not supportive. They cooked their normal meat containing meals. Their theory was that I should eat what was in front of me or don't eat at all. So basically, for 3 years during high school, I would eat only side dishes and fruit. However, now I am 22 and have been living on my own since I was 17. So I have mastered cooking, veg style! Great lunches would include veggie soups, salads (with nuts or seeds for protein), avacado sandwiches with bean spouts... A lot of interesting dinners can be made, some of my favorite are pasta with grilled veggies, asian type stirfrys with tofu (asparagus and carrots are esp good in this, as are thai noodles), and meat free mexican dishes....such as guacamole salad, bean burritos, bean/rice things....you can basically find a substitute for any meat product (i.e.todu steak, tofurkey (turkey sub), etc...

I hope that helps!