Trying to eat less meat

[legendarytroy]

I want to eat less meat. I don't have any plans of becoming full vegan or vegetarian, but what are some foods that I can eat that taste like meat or at least have the consistency that will remind me of it. Please don't mention pre-made soy-based foods that are suppose to replicate meat, like veggie or vegan burgers, etc. Those prepackaged foods aren't any better for you than buying any other pre-packaged items (meat or not). I'm looking for something healthy. Thanks!

[bigbobby]

I find that portobello mushrooms are great for burgers. They have a very meat-like consistency. I also like black bean burgers, they're good options, too. Just remember that no matter what you do, nothing will ever replicate the meat experience. Think of these new foods as new enjoyment and not as meat substitutes and you're far more likely to like the experience. :D

[Mike]

Black bean burgers are actually really tasty in my opinion, too. I find they're the best for a meatless burger. The mushroom one is, well, just too mushroomy for me LOL. That said bigbobby is right. I find I enjoy meals without meat better when I don't think of them as "alternatives" because while they are alternatives, no matter what you eat, it's not going to be the meat experience. You can learn to like new things but hoping for the same "meat" experience from something that isn't meat is like hoping for the same juicy watermelon experience eating a cantaloupe. The cantaloupe may be sweet and juicy but it's texture isn't the same as a watermelon and it doesn't taste like a watermelon.

[chefmel]

Black bean burgers are actually really tasty in my opinion, too. I find they're the best for a meatless burger. The mushroom one is, well, just too mushroomy for me LOL. That said bigbobby is right. I find I enjoy meals without meat better when I don't think of them as "alternatives" because while they are alternatives, no matter what you eat, it's not going to be the meat experience. You can learn to like new things but hoping for the same "meat" experience from something that isn't meat is like hoping for the same juicy watermelon experience eating a cantaloupe. The cantaloupe may be sweet and juicy but it's texture isn't the same as a watermelon and it doesn't taste like a watermelon.

Yeah, that's a really good way to put it. :)

[bruceH]

When it comes to meat substitutes that are pre-package or pre-made I think the most satisfying options are beans, mushrooms, chickpeas an avocados. Something that's thick with a lot of substance is really best.

[Ron]

When it comes to meat substitutes that are pre-package or pre-made I think the most satisfying options are beans, mushrooms, chickpeas an avocados. Something that's thick with a lot of substance is really best.

Totally agree. The thicker the fat/protein/fiber the better. It's far more satisfying :D