Meatout Mondays

OK, So Now What Do I Eat?

To those unfamiliar with vegetarian eating, there is a focus on what to avoid. But in reality, a plant-based diet offers a tremendous variety of healthy, delicious and increasingly convenient options.

For most new vegetarians, moving beyond the idea that meat must be the centerpiece of each meal is an eye-opening experience. Many find exploring the meat-free options in Asian, Hispanic, Indian, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern cuisines extremely rewarding. Others take joy in experimenting with new flavors, new veggies, and new culinary techniques. Those less adventurous will be pleased to know that vegetarian versions of all-American classics like hot dogs, hamburgers, and even riblets are available in most mainstream grocery stores.

On this page, we'll take a look at some vegetable-based versions of American classics, as well as alternative protien sources.

American Classics

Below are just a few examples of alternatives to favorite American Classics. For more, visit www.TryVeg.com.

Becoming a Vegetarian isn't about sacrifice! Eat Well! Eat Often! Here's a list of delicious meat-free alternatives to get you started. Try them all or experiment with with a few every day. Either way you'll be well fed and the world will be a better place for it.

Dairy Alternatives Beef Alternatives Pork Alternatives Poultry Alternatives Seafood Alternatives Other goodies Manufacturer's Websites

Beef Alternatives

Pork Alternatives

Poultry Alternatives

Gardenburger Flame Grilled Chik’n (Gardenburger)
Gardenburger Buffalo Chik’n Wings (Gardenburger)
Worthington Chic-Ketts (Worthington)
Nate’s Chicken Style Nuggets (Nate's)
Yves Veggie Cuisine Veggie Chick’n Burgers (Yves Veggie Cuisine)
Tofurky Deli Slicesv (Tofurky)
Yves Veggie Cuisine Veggie Turkey Slices (Yves Veggie Cuisine)
Boca Chik’n Patties (BocaBurger)
Boca Chik’n Nuggets (BocaBurger)
Morningstar Farms Meal Starters Chik’n Strips (Morningstar Farms)

Gardenburger: Herb Crusted Cutlet, Breaded Chik'n, Chick'n Grill

Seafood Alternatives

Vegetarian Lobster Balls (Vegieworld)
Vegetarian Salmon (Vegieworld)
Natural Touch Tuno (Natural Touch)
vegan Caviar (Follow Your Heart)

Dairy Alternatives


Other goodies


Gak's Snacks Organic Chocolate Chip Cookies (Gak's Snacks)

Manufacturer's Websites

 

 

Protein Sources

-Seitan (SAY-tahn), also known as wheat meat, is made from a wheat protein called gluten. It has a chewy texture and mild flavor. It can be purchased in ready-made form or as a mix, and works great in barbecue-style dishes. Seitan is the main ingredient in many vegetarian jerkeys and deli slices.
Search Meatout Mondays for seitan recipes.

-Tempeh (TEM-pay) is a high-protein Indonesian food made from fermented soybeans. Its flavor is often compared to that of nuts and mushrooms, and its texture is firm. Tempeh can be marinated and grilled, sautéed, baked, or fried. Fried tempeh makes a very tasty bacon alternative. Check out www.tempeh.info for an in-depth look at how tempeh is made. Search Meatout Mondays for tempeh recipes.

-Texturized Vegetable Protein, also known as TVP or texturized soy protein, is made from defatted soy flour. It is sold as a dry product and takes on the flavor of its marinade when rehydrated. Usually found in the bulk section of the supermarket, TVP is often used in dishes that call for ground meat, such as tacos, stews, hamburgers, and lasagnas. Search Meatout Mondays for TVP recipes.

-

Tofu (TOE-foo), also known as bean or soya curd, is

Traditional: Meatballs, sausage, bacon, chicken patties and nuggets, burger, ground, pepperoni

 

Heard enough? Get started on the path to healthier living:
Proceed to Veg 201 - The Hows of Vegetarianism or request a Vegetarian Starter Kit