When transitioning to plant-based, vegan nutrition many people struggle with getting away from animal based foods, specifically various meats. This craving often unfortunately causes people to give up on being vegan. Though it is important to understand how this craving functions in order to break through this nutritional barrier.
The issue is typically protein. Meat is a source of a lot of protein so after receiving this nutrient from a single source for so long it can be difficult to transition to a different source. Though fortunately protein is highly abundant among plant based foods. Even a strawberry has an amount of protein in it. Meat has a very specific texture and the association of protein with this texture can be challenging for some to break away from.
So what can we do. To start, realize when meat is cooked it typically satisfies a very specific flavor profile known as savory. More interesting, plain meat is relatively flavorless. The seasonings, spices and flavors that people like so much, like poultry seasoning, come from plants which can make this all easier. We can then begin substituting items like a plant based meat replacement such as tofu, tempeh and seitan. Foods like this have a thickness, texture, and protein content similar to many meats. Meat replacements can be cooked and replaced in the same way as typical meat dishes and seasoned with the same seasonings. Also there are the meaty tasting plant foods, like mushrooms, beans, grains nuts and seeds combined with a wide range of vegetables. Many of these foods can be combined to create some incredible dishes like a roasted nut loaf, seed pate to replace tuna salad, or a well seasoned hearty mushroom soup.
Likely the biggest issue is the calorie difference between meat and vegetables. People who are attempting to transition to plant-based nutrition find they are constantly hungry while eating plant foods. They don't realize that they need to eat likely twice as much plant foods as they would meat to stay satisfied.
With all this in mind try making a large serving of three bean chili with a mix of vegetables seasoned with paprika and garlic. Even try a seasonal roasted nut loaf like the one detailed in this video below.
Realizing the reason for their meat cravings can help many move past them and replace those meaty dishes with plant based meals that are just as satisfying, and healthy. The transition may be challenging at first but given a chance the craving for actual meat will surely subside.
See more info about defeating meat cravings below.
One Green Planet
Living Vegan
Happy Herbivore
http://bit.ly/tame-meat1
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