Meat Alternatives

Looking for meat alternatives? If so, I can recommend a few.

TVP (texturized vegetable protein) is a good alternative. One pound of TVP yields so much more than one pound of ground meat. It isn't terrible tasting at all, either. You simply soak it in warm water (to change it from looking like cereal)- prior to using it in your recipe - and then use it as you would meat. You will need to season it, though, and it absorbs flavor very well. I have used TVP in spaghetti and even for tacos.

If you can find it in bulk form that permits you to purchase any amount of your choosing, that is best, and I recommend purchasing a pound. In bulk forms, you can most likely purchase it for $1.99/lb. - $2.99/lb.; however, if you have to purchase it in a box at a natural / organic store, it can cost much more. Please note that I did find TVP in bulk at the Whole Foods Market, if you have any near you.

Soy products are everywhere. Boca Burgers and the like are great. Find them in your grocer's freezer area.

Soy crumblers (frozen and looks like ground meat) are available either under the Boca name or similar brand. I have found bags of frozen crumblers at Publix grocery stores.

I am also a big fan of Loma Linda and Worthington Foods. They are canned dinners - just heat and eat, and their meat alternatives are absolutely incredible. While enjoyable, these items can cost more; HOWEVER, if you buy them online, and plan carefully, you could seriously order a month's worth of food (the "hotdogs", "breakfast sausage", "chicken patties" can be used at more than one meal) for right around $100.00! I know because we have done it. It is difficult to find these products at Whole Foods Market or other similar stores, and then when we have occasionally seen a can here or there, they were outrageously marked up! We did find them online at Vegefood, and it was well worth the shipping cost (which is very little, given all that they send you). When you consider the value of eating "clean", low-fat foods from healthy sources, the fact that these foods are free of any meat-related bacteria or "scares", and last but not least, all you have to do is open a can and heat and eat, each time we place an order and spend a few weeks or a month eating this delicious food, I feel like I'm getting away with something. Definitely get the canned version of ground meat - we use that can THREE TIMES! What a value!


Since I am a holistic, healthy individual, I always share with everyone here any health tips or concerns. So, one more word on soy products. Please be advised that soy raises estrogen levels. If you or someone who dines with you on a regular basis is at risk for cancer or has estrogen-sensitive cancer, soy is probably not a good choice as a meat alternative. I encourage anyone considering soy products as a staple in their diet to take an additional couple of minutes online and research soy and its effects on estrogen and cancer risks or cancer.