Put Plant-based Protein on Your Plate this Holiday Season

Did you know that eating one less burger a week would be the equivalent of taking your car off the road for 320 miles? And with all of the new meatless protein options on the market, you no longer have to sacrifice flavor or mouthfeel when eating a meat-free dish.

Many brands now offer meatless burgers that can be bought at popular supermarkets throughout the nation. Even restaurants and fast-food chains are getting in on the trend by adding meatless-“meat” options to their menus.

Many plant-based meat alternatives are engineered to taste and look similar to the animal meat that you are used to. These new plant-based “meat” products have been customized to not only have a similar taste to animal meat, but they also provide a similar mouthfeel. These alternative burgers cook, “bleed” and smell like their meaty counterparts.

Benefits of Plant-Based Protein

There are many reasons that people are choosing to incorporate more plant-based protein into their diet. These products are no longer just for vegetarians or vegans. Here are just some of the benefits of plant-based protein:

Helps the environment: Plant-based companies can produce a burger with a fraction of the water, land and greenhouse gases of a conventional burger.

Healthy Alternative: Consuming less red meat and incorporating more plant-based protein into your diet has been associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and other diseases.

Great way to pack in your nutrients: Many plant-based meat alternatives are packed with Vitamin E, Zinc, Thiamine, Vitamin C, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Riboflavin, Vitamin B12, and Fiber.

Suitable for a Wide Audience: Plant-based burgers are a way for vegetarians to enjoy the taste of meat without compromising their vegetarian diet. Some dishes are so similar to meat, that carnivores may not be able to tell the difference!

Other Plant Sources of Protein

While there are many wonderful meat alternative products on the market, you can obtain your body’s required protein with whole foods. Many plants and grains are wonderful sources of protein. Here are other sources of plant-based protein:

Tofu. This soy-based product is wonderful because it absorbs whatever flavor you season it with.

Lentils. They are easy to cook and can be added to many other meals such as salad or soups for an added source of protein.

Nuts. Many nuts are packed with protein and healthy fats! A handful of mixed nuts makes a perfect on-the-go snack.

Vegetables. A single stalk of broccoli has about 4 grams of protein.

Chickpeas. You can have them hot or cold, either way, they are a high protein source that can be used in many recipes.

Mix it up and the kitchen and substitute your traditional meat with one of these plant-based alternatives! They are easy to cook, taste great, and you might be able to fool your family into thinking they are eating the real thing!

Your Turn To Action: What meat alternative are you willing to give a try? Let us know in the comments below.