There are many different reasons why people stop eating meat, but being a vegetarian does not necessarily mean you are eating healthy foods. Vegetarians and vegans often replace meat with other unhealthy products that act as their new comfort foods. Here is a look at four alternatives to meat that are healthy, nutritious, and delicious.
Quinoa
Not only is quinoa a great alternative to meat, but it is also an excellent replacement for refined grains. This nutty ingredient is cooked in the same way as rice, and it is a great source of protein. Many professional chefs use quinoa as a binder in their baked goods and vegetarian burger patties. When it is cooked into a patty, the texture is almost identical to ground meat.
Seitan
If you have found yourself getting bored with traditional tofu, then you might want to try seitan. Instead of being made from beans, seitan is actually extracted from wheat gluten. Most people find it to be slightly chewier than tofu, and it can be cooked in many different ways. After marinating your seitan, you can easily fry, grill, bake, or broil it. You might also find it to be much more filling than tofu, and that could help you restrict your caloric intake.
Superfood Supplements
These drinks often work perfectly as an entire meal replacement, and they will help you meet most of your nutritional needs. Drinking a superfood smoothie or shake every day, like those available from Sunfood, is one of the best ways to get a full dose of many different vital nutrients. With a high-quality superfood supplement, you can quickly make a delicious shake in just a few minutes with other ingredients you have around the house. Cocoa powder, frozen fruit, fresh fruit, honey, and juiced vegetables are excellent additions to these shakes.
Seed Toppings
Anyone who is considering removing meat products from their diet should invest in chia or hemp seeds. These nutrient-dense seeds can be added to practically any dish, and they are packed with protein, fiber, and other minerals. If you plan on making a superfood shake every day, you can easily add a handful of chia seeds as a source of additional protein. They can also be added to soups, salads, and baked goods.
Those who have recently decided to stop eating meat should consider taking a high-quality supplement as well. As you make the transition to a meat-free lifestyle, these supplements will ensure that you are consuming all of the most important vitamins and minerals.