Have you been contemplating cutting out meat from your diet? It may not be as hard as you think. We look into six alternatives, other than the overdone tofu, that will have you begging for seconds.
itching meat has become an international health fad and you don’t have to be vegan to reap the benefits. Beef, pork, chicken and the likes may all be delicious and excellent sources of protein, but they also come at a cost of unhealthy saturated fats. Implement these alternative sources of proteins into your diet and not only are you left in better control of your health, but your physique and complexion will benefit too!
Tempeh
Tempeh, although fairly new to the West, has been a staple in Indonesia for over 2,000 years. Made from soybeans, it has a distinctive nutty taste and is highly nutritious. Other than being an excellent meat alternative, it contains essential fatty acids, numerous vitamins, minerals and loads of fibre. Also, if you are a beginner at cooking, tempeh is very user-friendly and doesn’t produce the gastrointestinal discomfort that most bean meals do.
Quinoa
While it is actually a seed, quinoa is traditionally cooked like rice or barley. It provides all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein and a great alternative for animal lovers. Gluten- and cholesterol-free, it helps you lose weight by filling you up with low calorie fibres and it also takes less time to cook than most whole grains.
Lentils
This is one of the tastiest on our list. Low in calories and high in nutrition, lentils contain the third highest level of protein in the legumes food group. A rich source of nutrients for vegetarians, lentils even help to reduce cholesterol since it contains lots of soluble fibre. What’s more; a medium-sized bowl goes up to only 250 calories, helping you feel fuller for longer.
Seitan
Although seitan is made from wheat, it has very little in common with bread or flour. When cooked, it looks, feels, and even tastes like meat, making it the perfect replacement. If you are looking to shape up, this particular protein alternative is your best bet. It’s very low in fat and cholesterol and high in amino acids, vitamin C, riboflavin, thiamine, iron and niacin.
Natto
This is probably the most unappealing of the group, due mostly because of its distinct foul smell. Natto is basically fermented soybeans that is native to Japan and is actually served for breakfast. Although it is an acquired taste, its health benefits are worth a try.
Sea vegetables
While they are plant,, but sea veggies are one of the richest sources of proteins. Seaweed, in particular, contains a substance that converts itself to vitamin D in the body along with other key nutrients like carotene, chlorophyll, enzymes and fibre. Add this into any salad and you have yourself a fully nutritious meal.
