Vegetarian Meat Substitutes

Many Traditional Meals Are Vegetarian

Tofu and TVP® - Meat Substitutes

Tofu, made from curdled soybean milk soft, is a bland, white cheese like food, high in protein content, and textured vegetable protein ("TVP®") have regularly been associated with a vegetarian or vegan diet, though surprisingly, this relationship is possibly more prominent in the United States than worldwide.

In addition, other cultures do incorporate soy products as a basic ingredient of all diets. Where cultures do not traditionally use soy products, tofu and TVP® play a prominent role in many 'mock meat' dishes. However, a person can be vegetarian for life and never consume tofu or TVP® as it is often a matter of personal taste and product appeal.

Many Traditional Meals Are Vegetarian

People of the United States are not traditionally vegetarian and are typically big meat eaters. Vegetables are often considered secondary to the main meal of meat. Things are starting to change and more families are willing to experiment with vegetarian dishes. As the appeal evolves newer dishes are being introduced in restaurants and food stores.

Vegetarians, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), who consume milk products and eggs, enjoy excellent health and wellbeing. Vegetarian diets comply with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and meet Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for nutrition. Sufficient protein can be obtained from a vegetarian diet so long as varied amounts of healthy foods consumed are adequate. Vegetarians should give special attention to the nutrients iron, zinc, and B. Note that meat, fish, and poultry are major contributors of vitamins in most American diets.

Vegans Eat Only Food of Plant Origin

Animal products are the main food sources of vitamin B12. Vegans (and some vegetarians) should eat plenty of vitamin B12-rich yeast extract such as Marmite® or take healthy food supplements to ensure an adequate supply of this vitamin. Children, especially those on vegan diets require care and close attention make certain they receive adequate vitamin D and calcium, so essential to a child's growth and development!

Combining Dietary Protein into the Same Meal Is Unnecessary!

Protein is composed of amino acids; with the only vegetable sources containing all nine types of essential amino acids being soy, amaranth, hempseed, buckwheat and quinoa. A misconception exists suggesting that combining dietary protein into the same meal is necessary. Examples are combining pita bread and hummus or rice and beans to create a source of complete protein; this is wrong and unnecessary! For example, combining dairy products and eggs mixes proteins and can form part of a healthy lacto-ovo vegetarian diet just as well as eating them separately.