Whether you want to show support for animals or simply choose to avoid meat products, becoming a vegetarian can be a very healthy lifestyle choice. Though it decreases your risk for many long-term diseases, a vegetarian diet can make it difficult to get the protein and other nutrients a person needs to stay healthy and energized.

These vegetarian eating tips can help you create a balanced, meat-free diet:

• Make sure that you get enough protein by incorporating nuts, beans, peas and soy products into meals and snacks.
• Keep up with your necessary iron intake to create healthy oxygen absorption in the blood by eating a lot of spinach, kidney beans, lentils, black-eyed peas and iron-fortified cereals.
• Choose calcium-fortified soy milk to replace the calcium normally found in regular cow’s milk.
• Consider vegetarian alternatives to traditionally meat-based foods to keep your diet exciting (for example, bean burritos, veggie lo mein, or vegetarian lasagna).

Tips for Vegetarians [USDA]

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When you need to occupy young children on a hot or rainy afternoon, head to the Woodlands Children's Museum. Although a bit of a misnomer, this indoor play area is full of fun for youngsters. There are Lego stations, arts and crafts activities, and dress-up and make-believe areas, all with the goal of encouraging children to play, explore, and imagine.

Staff is hand to help direct the kids, allowing parents a bit of a breather. Admission is affordable at $5 for children and adults. If your child enjoys the museum, consider signing up for dance classes and art lessons. Check the online brochure for details.

Woodlands Children’s Museum
4775 Panther Creek Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77381
(281) 465-0955
www.woodlandschildrensmuseum.org
www.yelp.com/biz/the-woodlands-childrens-museum-the-woodlands

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The concept at The Counter is unique – when you walk into this eatery, you're handed a clipboard with an extensive list of ingredients that allow you to build your own gourmet burger. There are more than 300,000 different combinations, so you could have a unique burger every time you go.

Star by choosing what kind of patty you'd like, with choices including beef, chicken, turkey, or a veggie burger. There are 12 cheeses to select from, about 20 sauces, and a variety of premium toppings, such as sundried tomatoes, avocado, applewood smoked bacon, or chili. Regulars point out that The Counter offers gluten-free buns. If the choices seem overwhelming, you can always order from the regular menu, which is filled with sandwiches, salads, and side dishes.

The Counter
9595 Six Pines Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 231-2147
thecounterburger.com
Read the reviews on Yelp.

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