Health Center

As vegetarianism grows in popularity, more and more food companies are developing soy-based substitutes for animal products like meat and cheese. While many see the creation of foods like “veggie sausage“, “veggie bacon”, and “veggie burgers” as an easier step towards a vegetarian diet, there are critics who believe vegetarians who eat foods that taste like meat are hypocrites. But is there any validity to this argument?

I think that a valid argument can be made for eating meat-substitutes. For many who decide to make the transition to a vegetarian lifestyle, the sudden perceived restrictions in their diet can be a bit of a shock. Having the option of eating vegetarian meals that look and taste very much like a “normal” meat-based meal is probably a very comforting option to have.

I don’t know many people who eat real meat raw, without any spices, sauces, or condiments of some sort. Those of us who were raised eating meat may have become accustomed to the way meat is prepared, not the taste of meat itself. Makers of products like soy-burgers and tofu-dogs have used this knowledge to create products that have similar spices or other flavors, similar to the lunches and dinners we’ve grown up with.

Fake-meat products tend to be higher in fiber and lower in fat than meat, and are the healthier choice for our body. Raising livestock for human consumption also takes a significant toll on our environment, including our air and water quality.

I think this really boils down to a matter of ethics, and the question we really need to ask ourselves is this: Is it more ethical to eat meat-substitutes that taste like meat, or meat itself? If fake-meat is better for our bodies and for the environment, which I believe it is, then I don’t see any problem with vegetarians enjoying their veggie sausage, veggie bacon, and veggie burgers. I think it’s a step in the right direction!

Author : Thomas Scott is co-owner and operator of http://www.beahealthyveggie.com/, a website he runs with his wife, Lisa. Thomas is dedicated to sharing information regarding the health benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle, using the knowledge and experience he and Lisa have gathered over the years as vegetarians.

1. Anxiety Reduction – Step by Step Instructions
2. Colon Cleansing – How to Cleanse Your Colon Naturally and Easily
3. 24 Tips For Healthy Eating With Diabetes
4. Know About One Step Multi-Drug Screen Test
5. "Eco-Atkins" diet lowers heart risks: study
6. Vegetarian Atkins diet lowers heart risks: study
7. 2-Step Natural Dry Skin Care Routine
8. Is there any Difference between Rennet and Renin Enzyme
9. Tinnitus – How to Quiet the Noise in Your Head in 2 Months Using This 3 Step System, Without Using Medication!
10. The Raw Food Rule for Radiant Skin