Some Delicious Meat Alternatives!

Taur from MolTaur's Thoughts-

So I understand everyone needs protein and nutrients, which many think can only be found in meat. Though meat carries specific proteins that are hard or impossible to find in other foods, I will share a few high-protein and delicious alternatives.

For instance, soy bean meat which were first introduced in this country in 1922, can come in flavors of all sorts; chicken, pork, beef, and even tuna fish. These products can also be made into hotdogs, hamburgers, and deli meats. I eat soy products mainly from the company Morning Star whom have a large variety of foods that actually taste great! (even meat eaters tend to love these products). These soy products are generally lower in fat, excellent sources of protein, iron, and B vitamins, and some are even fortified with other nutrients like vitamin B12.

There are also vegetable and grain based foods with meat-like textures. Here are a few:

-Seiten: can be prepared from scratch using whole wheat flour, the protein remains after being mixed with water and then is simmered in a broth flavoring with soy sauce. The longer it simmers, the firmer it becomes. It can be sliced for sautes, stews, soups, or casseroles for example. 1/3 cup has 160 calories, 23 grams of protein, 2g of fiber, o.5g of fat, and 11g of carbohydrates.

-Tempeh- this is a fermented product and a light layer of mold can sometimes form on the outside (which is harmless and edible like many cheeses). It contains a a live, active cutlure so it must be eaten cooked and makes a good meat replacement in dishes. It can be grilled, steamed then marinated or even sliced up. 100g has 197 calories, 18.2 g of protein, 9.3g of carbohydrates, and 11.4g of total fat. Also a good source of zinc, iron, magnesium and vitamin B6.

-Tofu: has a mild flavor and porous texture, it absorbs flavors of other ingredients. It is important to choose the right tofu for specific dishes. It has been used for centures in Asia and is increasing its' popularity in western countries. This seems to be one of the most popular meat-alternatives. 1/2 cup has 97 calories, 10g of proteins,3.7g of carbohydrates, and 5.6g of total fat.

These are only a few alternatives out of the many, so go out there and explore! Don't be afraid to try these new ideas and substitutes, many meat eaters enjoy these dishes and they are great sources, sometimes even more, than meats!