As I wrote previously about the vegan festival in Tel Aviv, I will continue writing here on going vegan and why it helps the environment so much. The benefits of going vegan are endless. Did you know that one person going vegan saves 30 animals’ lives a year? Or that going vegan can reduce water waste by 50 percent?
These are only two of the many reasons why going vegan creates such a positive impact. However, going vegan is not as complicated as people think. With veganism being so popular today, so many startups have begun that sell alternatives to your favorite foods. In this article, I will list some of the alternatives to some of your favorite meat and dairy products.
Meat for vegans
Meat alternatives are often made in a lab
One of the hardest aspects of veganism for so many is giving up meat. It becomes challenging to find alternatives to meat, especially for those who are trying to get lots of protein in. However, there are many alternatives to meat and protein that ensure you get the benefits of meat so that you can cut it out.
First off, my favorite: tofu. Tofu is a highly nutritious, soybean-based protein source that can be swapped in as an alternative to chicken, beef, turkey, lamb, etc.
Tofu is especially fun for those who love crafting up recipes as tofu can be crafted into so many delicious things. For example, tofu can be made Asian style with soy sauce or teriyaki sauce. It can also be used in a Thai recipe with curry or in a pad Thai. Israelis also enjoy tofu on top of salads mixed with tahina, hummus, and even za’atar. Check out this recipe on how to make Za’atar-Flavored Tofu. Tofu can be prepared by baking, frying, or stir-frying, and can be put on top of anything.
If you are hesitant about tofu or do not like it. There are alternatives to chicken, beef, and fish that you can buy in the store. There is also vegan schnitzel in store at your local AM PM (which I like to buy) and tastes delicious you would never guess there is no meat in it. As I found at the vegan festival, Creative Pea sells alternatives to these meat products made from pea protein, and are all so delicious. Other companies include Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat but may not contain the best ingredients.
Other excellent sources of protein include black beans, chickpeas, and lentils. Nut butters and seeds are also high in protein and a great source of heart-healthy fat. Beans are high in fiber and can be customized to fit into many meals. Nuts and seeds are also linked to good health and less chance of getting cancer.
Dairy for vegans
Dairy products are a little more tricky when it comes to going vegan. This is because although being vegan is good for the environment, the sourcing of vegan products is not always made sustainably. For example, almond milk is destructive to bee hives and uses a lot of nuts to produce 1 carton of milk. A good alternative that is both vegan and produced sustainably is oat milk.
Still, you need to be careful when purchasing oat milk because the ingredients are not always the best, containing a lot of sugars and additives. If possible, try making your own oat milk with this recipe. You can also purchase vegan cheeses, yogurts, and ice creams. First off, head over to Otello if you want some really good vegan gelato. As I mentioned in my article on the vegan fest, Plenty offers a range of delicious vegan cheeses, yogurts, and cream cheese.
Protein Supplements for vegans
If you are still struggling by the end of this article to find protein alternatives, there are protein powders, bars, drinks, etc. on the market that are vegan. Especially if you have a sweet tooth, this is a good option for you. The best option to get the best health benefits is by making protein smoothies, this way you can get in your veggies. A favorite of mine is one with spinach, banana, peanut butter, and chocolate protein powder. Protein powders make your life so much easier to get in protein because it’s easy to mix into anything. For example, mix protein powder into your pancake mix and you have high-protein, vegan pancakes.
Still looking for vegan options? Check out an article that lists more vegan companies.
Author: Danielle Meyers
Danielle Meyers is an Environmental Science major at the University of Massachusetts Amherst interested in environmental law and policy. She took an interest in studying the environment once she learned about the worsening effects of climate change. Danielle enjoys going on adventures, the beach, shopping, and seeing friends and family. She is reporting from Tel Aviv in the Summer of 2023 to to learn, discover, and inspire change in the community and throughout the Middle East.
