The trend of vegetarian food is on the rage and subsequently, gluten-free meat substitutes are on the rise! This is driven by health issues or animal welfares, but meat-eaters are also massively shifting towards vegetarian and vegan food styles.
However, for some, the taste and delicious flavor-added meat meals still act as a major constraint to divert towards the plate of veggies.
This is where meat substitutes take the place. Vegetarian meat substitutes or mock meats are highly gaining the attraction of these health freaks. But this is not it. Gluten-less foods are another major trend that is highly getting followed among these fitness freaks.
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In the past few years, the adoption of gluten-free food has increased to another extent. Basically, gluten is a protein that activates an immune response to damage the lining of the small intestine in people having celiac disease.
At the same time, there are people who cannot tolerate gluten. However, another reason that is boosting the demand for gluten-free snacks is the surge in weight loss diets.
Along with this, gluten-free food also augments energy and adds a handful of protein, iron, and other nutrients to your healthy lifestyle.
So, if you are looking for some gluten-free meat substitutes, this is the right place. Following are the healthy gluten-free meat substitutes that can add up a lot to your plate.
Tofu
Made from soaked soya bean, tofu is one of the classic meat alternatives and a basic source of nutrition. It is highly valued as a low-calorie source of protein. In addition, tofu acts as an adaptable food owing to its quality of easy absorption of flavors and aromas.
What makes tofu an interesting substitute is its number of variations such as aromatic, smoked versions, and flavorful marinated varieties with various herbs and spices. Try our crispy tofu curry recipe.
Soya protein
Soya chunks are another gluten-free meat substitute that is made from dehydrated soya. And most importantly, these are very inexpensive and easy to prepare. Most commonly available as mince, balls, or cutlets.
Soya protein is a perfect substitute for meat and can be consumed as a lot of options including vegetarian burgers, sandwiches, meatballs, and more. Tweak our fried daikon ball recipe to make delicious soya protein meatballs instead!
Lupin protein
Similar to soya beans, lupins are naturally gluten-free, and one of the richest known sources of plant protein and dietary fiber. However, it requires a particular climate for its cultivation.
Furthermore, these are easily available in organic food stores, vegan supermarkets, and online shops. However, allergy alert, lupin belongs to the legume family and therefore, people with peanut allergy should be cautious.
Oat flakes
Except for the contaminated one, gluten-free certified oat flakes are one of the most common healthy and gluten-free meat substitutes. It is used to prepare a delicious variety of dishes. Oat flakes are affordable and considered an ideal source of zinc and iron.
In addition, it offers a feeling of fullness for long hours thereby helping in weight loss. Furthermore, oats are a highly favored source of protein and are also available as an alternative to pulled pork.
Black beans
Black beans burgers are famous enough already. This legume is considered a healthy and delicious substitute for meat. Highly rich in protein and fiber, black beans-based ready-to-eat products are easily available in the market.
Furthermore, black beans have anthocyanins, compounds that have antioxidants.
Grilled vegetables
Vegetables are gluten-free. And there are certain veggies that can replace the meat including Portobello mushroom. A gluten-free substitute for beef in burgers and other dishes.
Mushrooms are low-fat and cholesterol-free sources of potassium and dietary fiber. It also offers vitamin D. Lotus root is another delicious vegetable when grilled or baked. Try our baked lotus root chips recipe.
Meat consumption
People have started questing the consumption of meat. The increasing health consciousness among the people is boosting the selection of proper and nutritious food. Eating meat in a limited amount is undeniably healthy.
However, the consumption of processed meat products is leading to increasing health hazards. Also, the consumption of a large amount of meat can lead to increased risks of other diseases. Moreover, in the past few years, people have grown awareness regarding health risks associated with the consumption of meat. And this is the major reason that is boosting the adoption of meat substitutes.
At the same time, animal welfare is another major reason provoking to switch towards meat substitutes. Meat consumption has certain effects on the animals as well as the environment. And this is getting reflected in the changing diet behavior of the people. Moreover, as people are demanding more meat substitutes, the food industry is making sure to meet the requirements. There is a variety of meat substitutes available in the market nowadays.
Animal welfare and environmental awareness have also lead to an increase in the consumption of cultured meat. People are searching for other alternatives to meat and protein products. And like meat substitutes, cultured meat meets the demand right away. In a report published by Allied Market Research, it was stated that the global cultured meat market is expected to witness significant growth by 2030.
Lifestyle Changes
Change in lifestyle habits is the major reason behind the adoption of alternatives and gluten-free food. In addition, the climate experts and nutritionists have increasingly provided the warning against the concerns related to high levels of meat consumption.
Simultaneously, people are becoming aware of the health benefits associated with gluten-free food. Not only for weight loss but gluten-free food products also offer an array of other benefits including elimination of bloating, promotion of energy levels, reduction of lactose intolerance, improvement of bone health, and others.
Celiac disease and gluten intolerance require the complete elimination of gluten from the diet. However, this leads to a decrease in the options of food. At the same time, the need to manage other required nutrition in the body plays an important role. With all such gluten-free meat substitutes, it has been quite easier to manage the consumption of nutrition in a delicious way.
Moreover, the selection of a healthy diet plays a crucial role to maintain life, motivation, and mood. And being on the side of health and sustainability is, after all, the best thing for living a hale and hearty life, now and ahead.
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