avocado. Avocado has a wide range of culinary uses and can be enjoyed by anyone following a plant-based diet. The versatile green fruit is a great cooking substitute for animal products, such as meat or traditional spreads, for anyone on the plant-based diet.
It's rich in fiber, vitamins and other nutrients. And people who don't eat meat, called vegetarians, generally eat fewer calories and less fat. They also tend to weigh less. And they have a lower risk of heart disease than nonvegetarians do.
Now available in supermarkets across the country, bison is unofficially the most popular red meat alternative to beef. It's known for its mild flavor and super-low fat and cholesterol content. A 3-ounce portion of cooked beef (trimmed) contains about 9 grams of fat; you'll see below that bison is much, much leaner.
Poultry and fish are considered the best meats you can load your diet with, Laster says. Fish is hailed for its omega-3 fatty acids, which can protect against cardiovascular disease. Fish is also rich in vitamin D, selenium and protein.
Turkey. Like chicken, turkey has all nine essential amino acids (which is called a complete protein). It's also lower in saturated fat than most red meat.
T-Bone. This classic steak is probably the most identifiable cut around the world, given its unique T-bone shape. T-bones feature a sirloin on one side of the bone and an eye fillet on the other, making it perfect for people who don't like to choose.
Vegan meat brand eat meati, which uses mushroom roots in its creations, has started rolling out its products in Sprouts grocery stores, and its Classic Steak and Carne Asada are delicious, fiber-rich, and easy to use in any of your favorite recipes.
Red and processed meats do increase health risks.
In spite of what the Annals of Internal Medicine study suggests, Dr. Hu says that an accumulated body of evidence shows a clear link between high intake of red and processed meats and a higher risk for heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and premature death.
Energy Loss. You may feel tired and weak if you cut meat out of your diet. That's because you're missing an important source of protein and iron, both of which give you energy. The body absorbs more iron from meat than other foods, but it's not your only choice.
In general, red meats (such as beef, pork and lamb) have more saturated fat than skinless chicken, fish and plant proteins. Saturated fats can raise your blood cholesterol and increase your risk of heart disease. If you eat poultry, pork, beef or other meats, choose lean meat, skinless poultry, and unprocessed forms.
There are concerns around sustainability and the role the fruit plays in organized crime. An expert tells us more. Some chefs are moving away from using avocados in their restaurants due to concerns over the fruits' large carbon footprint, unsustainable harvesting methods, and role in organized crime.
Mushrooms. When you want that meaty taste, that umami, mushrooms are the way to go. Their flavor is rich, earthy, and meaty, especially cremini or Portobello mushrooms. They are healthy and filling and can replace meat in any recipe.
Vegan meat — also called faux, fake, mock, meat analogs, or plant proteins — are products that mimic certain qualities of animal-based meat like textures, flavor, or appearance, for example. They are made from a variety of ingredients such as soy, textured vegetable protein, or wheat gluten, to name a few.
Research has shown that all plants contain protein and at least 14% of the total calories of every plant are protein. Broccoli contains more protein per calorie than steak and, per calorie, spinach is about equal to chicken and fish.