Vegan News and Resources
- January 19, 2007
How “Meat Eaters” Can Embrace Veganism
Many people look down their nose if you say you are vegan or they say things like “What do you eat if you don’t eat meat?”
Every time we visit my brother-in-law he will say that he was not quite sure what to make for dinner since we do not eat meat. It is so funny that I just look at him and laugh. Vegans eat meat too, just not the meat from the deli or that come from animals.
If you are a carnivore and you just can’t see your life without meat, like my brother-in-law, then that is fine, but there are many ways you can embrace a veganism without giving up the flesh.
Did you know that vegans eat salads? That’s right! Try a salad with no meat on it. Use nuts, raisins, apples, or even some marinated baked tofu with your salad. You will get just as full and even more so with all the fiber you will be taking in. Salads are not just for lunch anymore either, so why not have one for dinner instead of that steak in the fridge. Your body will thank you when you lay down and you will wake up more refreshed.
If you just have to have your steak, then eat it for lunch.
What about stews? I used to love my momma’s beef stew. I have since discovered a secret. Textured vegetable protein, is just as good and you can season it just like you do the beef, add it to your stews and try something different. I even make burritos and tacos with textured vegetable protein.
When I make spaghetti, I use a brand of vegan meat called Gimme Lean. I use the sausage version. The good thing about Gimme Lean is that because it is not “real” meat you can season it and taste it before you cook it. I love that benefit! Over the summer I made a huge pot of spaghetti for a function and added Gimme Lean instead of meat.
No one knew the difference and guess what? They even came back for seconds. Of course they were shocked once we said it was all vegan, but it did not stop them from eating.
What I have found is that the reason most people don’t try vegan food is because they don’t understand it or the taste is horrible. I have found many ways to remedy those situations. There are so many tricks to the trade and Rupert and I will definitely be sharing more.
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3 Responses to “How “Meat Eaters” Can Embrace Veganism”
Ok, I’m a brand newbie, what is textured vegetable protein, “Gimme Lean” and where would you find them? Oh, and what do they taste like? Thanks
By June T. Berger on Jan 20, 2007
Thank you for the questions June. I am going to create a fact sheet about vegan “meat”, but let me briefly answer your question. Gimme Lean is a FAT FREE, no cholesterol replacement for sausage. I have made meatloaf, meatballs, spaghetti, chili, and a number of dishes. Add a little maple syrup, sage, cayenne pepper, and magi to it and it makes an awesome breakfast sandwich. Textured vegetable protien is a food product made from soybeans. It is produced from soy flour after the soybean oil has been extracted, then cooked under pressure, extruded, and dried. It does have some fat, but the nutritional value far outweighs that. I make burritos, tacos, spaghetti, casseroles, and more.
Look for the fact sheets this week.
By LaTara Ham-Ying on Jan 21, 2007
Our family has recently decided to go veggie and we are fully embracing it and actually excited about everything it entails. However, me being the cook I am a little worried about making sure that I will be able to provide a diverse diet at the same time still maintaining that pleasure of hearing my kiddos say, This is good mom! So, I will be checking back frequently to get tips and ideas from you and thank you so much:)
By Amanda Hamm on Jan 22, 2007