Eating a plant-based diet is easier than ever, thanks to the variety of protein options available in stores and online. What used to be limited (think tofu) in grocery stores, is now abundant and varied in the form of ready-to-eat meat substitutes. Established and successful corporations have taken notice of the plant-based food movement and have invested in the development of products that change the way people eat. This along with the convenience of plant-based meal delivery and take-out options have paved the way for more and more products to hit the shelves than ever before. Knowing what options are out there and how they can be used in daily meals can make eating a plant-based diet easy, healthy, and fun. Get creative with ingredients and find ways to try new things or even "veganize" old favorites by substituting plant protein for the traditional meats often found in comfort foods.
One of the best ways to transition from a meat-based diet to a vegan or vegetarian one is to find substitutes that have a similar texture or flavor. Seitan is a great transitional food in that the texture is dense and chewy. When the right spices and sauces are added, the result is comparable to a flavorful piece of chicken or steak. Companies like Sweet Earth have ready-made products available in a variety of grocery stores. It is also fairly easy to make seitan at home using vital wheat gluten.
Tofu remains a tried and true favorite among many plant-based eaters for a reason. The versatility of tofu is endless. All kinds of dishes from breakfast to dessert can be created using this blank-slate protein source. When people say they don't enjoy tofu, it's usually because it wasn't prepared correctly. Tofu is not the only soy product enjoying its moment in the spotlight right now. Dairy substitutes like Tofutti, Silk, and others provide options for those avoiding dairy. For main dish options, Morningstar makes soy crumbles and Lightlife has several options for meat substitutes as well. These products can be used almost exactly like beef or chicken.
There is definitely an uptick in the use of nuts as a protein source. Old school vegans have long touted the benefits that nuts and seeds can have and now the rest of the world seems to be catching on. Nut-based cheese substitutes like Miyoko's Creamery and Treeline provide tasty dairy-free options full of flavor and protein. Plant-based milk options include almond and cashew and are available pretty much everywhere. Hemp and chia seeds are more great sources of protein and can be incorporated into many recipes for a plant-based boost.
When it comes to plant-based eating, the key is to get creative and try new things. There are countless amazing products to choose from that may very well change the way people look at vegan and vegetarian diets. There is no reason to eat the same thing day after day when there are so many convenient and delicious options available. Even fast-food restaurants are taking notice and offering options like Beyond Meat patties and dairy-free cheese. This increase in options is a long time coming but will hopefully someday be the norm.
