As plant based meat becomes more and more indistinguishable from meat, more people are trying them out because of curiosity and a desire to have a healthier diet. Many are considering a flexitarian diet, which essentially allows them to ease their way toward a diet with more plant-based foods and less meat and processed foods.
Lean Toward Healthy, Not Toward Processed
Although plant-based meat substitutes have made eating less meat easier, it is still very important to focus on eating a whole food, largely plant-based diet. These foods include vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, and legumes. It is recommended that anyone who wants to have a well-balanced meal, whether vegan, vegetarian, or even still eating meat, that ⅔ of the plate be filled with whole plant-based foods, and the final ⅓ consist of lean meat, fish, poultry, or a meat substitute. It is suggested to treat the “meat” portion of the meal more like a garnish than a main focus of the meal
By focusing on eating more vegetables, the benefits of more fiber, more complete nutrition, and the disease-fighting components of a mostly plant-based diet will provide.
Plant-Based Meats Are Versatile
Plant-based meats are usually ready to serve as-is, with familiar seasonings already added to make them as palatable as possible for the consumer. They are incredibly easy to prepare, and take very little time to prepare, making them perfect for days that are busy. When combined with whole food plant-based items, there are lots of ways to present plant-based meats that are delicious and part of a healthy diet.
Some ideas of how to serve plant-based meats as an accompaniment to a mostly whole food plant-based diet include:
Heated and sliced up, over a leafy green salad that includes other fiber-rich vegetables, seeds, and nuts. Served with a whole grain bun or bread, this creates a healthy vegetarian or vegan meal, depending on what kind of salad dressing is used or if cheese is incorporated into the meal.
Included in the filling of a whole grain wrap, with copious amounts of whole food plant-based items like tomatoes, peppers, sprouts, beans, or any other vegetables that are appealing. Add seeds or nuts for added crunch.
Panini made with plant-based meat and served with a large bowl of vegetarian chili that is topped with salsa or with chopped up avocado. The avocado is also a nice addition to the grilled panini.
As an addition to a vegetarian Indian curry, served over rice. Curries stand-alone without meat, often substituting lentils, hearty vegetables, or dairy-based paneer instead of meat as the bulk of the sauce; the addition of plant-based meat might be an attractive addition to people who eat a lot of meat, normally.
Why You Should Make The Switch With Plant-Based Meats
It’s the easiest time in history to decide to cut down on or even give up eating red meat, animal protein, and fats. The evidence has been building for a long time that plant-based foods are better for our health than the average American meal. If you suffer from heart problems or type II diabetes, adopting a plant-based diet is one of the healthiest changes you can make to prolong your life.
The time is ripe to start experimenting with plant-based meats and add as many raw plants, seeds, nuts, and beans to your diet. Studies continue to show the benefits of plants in our diet, and the fact that vegan foods are being developed that are amazingly meat-like in flavor and texture makes for one less excuse to start getting healthier today.