Meat Substitutes
Substituting meat in your diet is much easier than many people are made to believe. If you absolutely cannot fathom not having meat in your dishes, there are lots of alternatives available that can replace the meat in your dishes, but still provide you with that meaty texture that you love. Ssome of the most common are:
Pre-made “Veggie Meats”
There are many various pre-made vegetarian “meats” available at any supermarket. These are usually in a special section in the frozen foods aisle, but you may find some in the deli or cold foods/produce section as well. “Fake” bacon, chicken nuggets, soy burgers, ground beef... any meat that your heart or tongue desires are available.
Tofu
Tofu is an excellent meat substitute and can be used in any kind of preparation. There are various types of tofu available to fit any cooking need. There are silky and hard versions, and any texture in between. It's important to note that plain tofu itself doesn't have any flavor, so it's essential to marinate and season it. When properly flavored, plain tofu is the best alternative to meat, as you can achieve any taste that you desire, quickly and easily. There are also pre-flavored versions of tofu available if you're not familiar with seasoning or prefer an easier way to cook.
TVP
TVP, or textured vegetable protein, is an excellent alternative to ground beef or pork when making dishes like chili, spaghetti, or lasagna. TVP is used in many of the pre-made vegetarian dinners. It's inexpensive and delicious, and adds texture to a variety of dishes. TVP is only appropriate as a substitute for ground meat, however, so if you're looking for an alternative to beef burgers or pork chops, one of the other meat substitutes will serve your purposes.
Tempeh
Tempeh has a very nutty flavor, and it absorbs the flavors of whatever it's cooked with easily, making it adaptable to any dish.. It's made from soybeans and forms a patty with a nougat-like texture. Tempeh is not readily available and is not currently popular in the United States, but its popularity is growing due to its high nutritional value and low calorie count. Other regions, like Indonesia, have been using tempeh for many years. You can find it at some health-food stores, or make it at home. Recipes can be found on many sites and cookbooks.
There are an amazing number of delicious and healthy meat substutues on the market today.