Vegetarian or semi-vegetarian diets are all the rage, and for good reason. Plant based food sources are low in fat and calories while they are high in minerals and nutrients. After all, vegetarians are about 20% thinner than their meat eating counterparts. But if you just can&undefined;t quite get your mind off meat and are wondering what will make a good substitute, try these three meat-like choices.
1. Mushrooms . Shittake mushrooms or other large, meaty mushrooms are a great meat substitute. They are hearty and have the same type of texture as meat, with all the good qualities of a vegetable. Try putting a cooked mushroom in between a whole wheat bun as a hamburger substitute or use mushrooms in your cooking in place of meat. A mushroom based spaghetti sauce is another excellent option.
2. Tofu. Tofu can bring about bad associations for some people who have never tried it. The truth is that tofu is high in protein and low in fat and is a great meat substitute. It also absorbs any flavor that you cook with. Putting tofu in a stew, chili, or stir fry is ideal because it will taste like anything you want it to while filling you up like meat does.
3. Veggies burgers and veggie dogs. Summer time and early fall are great times for barbequing. The problem is that most BBQ dinners are revolved around meat. If you are thinking of switching to a veggie diet, have no fear, there are alternatives that you can cook on the BBQ. Veggie burger and veggie dogs are surprisingly tasty. Most people find that they taste very similar to their meaty counterparts but they do not leave you feeling stuffed or heavy afterwards.
All grocery stores now carry a variety of meatless foods. Try out different things, you may be surprisingly pleased with what you find.
