Everyday, more and more people decide to go vegan. However, for many, the prospect of altering one's diet in a healthy and cheap way can seem overwhelming. In fact, being vegan can be more expensive and difficult than having a standard omnivorous diet. Despite this, there are plenty of cheap substitutes for meat, which taste good and are easy to make.
Jackfruit is a common substitute. Its fleshy texture and ability to take on any flavour it's mixed with makes it a great option. As well as this, the fruit is high in potassium and fiber, but provides little protein, so is not considered a good protein source.
Tofu based recipes are also a great option, due to the naturally high levels of protein tofu contains and the varying levels of softness and texture. It is a versatile alternative and tastes similar to meat.
For many years, good and delicious meat substitutes have been seen as obscure, ‘artificial’ and expensive. Brands such as Impossible Foods and Beyond Food could be changing the food industry.
However, many of these meat substitutes contain extremely high levels of oil, sodium and are highly processed, in an attempt to emulate the texture, consistency and look of meat. It is arguable that perhaps reducing meat consumption and evolving into a society where meat is seen as a ‘rare side dish’ could be more beneficial than just incorporating meat substitutes. Artificial meat can be just as bad or even worse for your health, especially if it is not regulated.
Whether home-made meat substitutes are better than artificial ones, the evidence that consuming a vegan/ vegetarian diet is better for the planet is overwhelming, and everyone should consider eating alternatives, even for just one day.
