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If your wellness goals for 2023 include incorporating more meatless meals into your diet, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are now more food options available than ever before. In fact, according to Datassential’s 2023 Food Trends report, 40{90af24ee0c8b2ef579cdad993725641a0bcc8b6dba22687e081e6e20320a17a5} of consumers are planning to purchase plant-based meat products in 2023. This trend is reflected in the restaurant industry as well, with plant-based options now available in 48{90af24ee0c8b2ef579cdad993725641a0bcc8b6dba22687e081e6e20320a17a5} of restaurants across the United States, a number that has steadily increased over the past decade. The plant-based food industry has seen significant growth in response to consumer demand.
According to The Good Food Institute, a nonprofit organization that promotes plant- and cell-based alternatives to animal products, plant-based food sales grew three times faster than those for non-plant-based foods in 2021. Furthermore, the retail market for plant-based food in 2022 was valued at USD 8 billion, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 12.47{90af24ee0c8b2ef579cdad993725641a0bcc8b6dba22687e081e6e20320a17a5}.
So, why are more and more people interested in plant-based foods? There are many reasons, from health benefits to concerns about the environment and animal welfare.
A plant-based diet is good for your health
Sticking to a plant-based diet can help lower blood pressure and thus reduce the risk of developing hypertension. Research has shown that vegetarians have lower blood pressure on average than people who consume a diet that includes plants and meat. Additionally, vegetarians were found to have a 34{90af24ee0c8b2ef579cdad993725641a0bcc8b6dba22687e081e6e20320a17a5} lower risk of high blood pressure than non-vegetarians.
Another health benefit of a plant-based diet is that it keeps your heart healthy. Meat contains saturated fat, which in excess can cause heart problems. Therefore, by eating less meat and more plant-based foods, you will be doing your heart a favor.
In addition to physical health, a plant-based diet can also positively impact your mental health. Studies have shown that eating more plant-based foods can improve quality of life and mood and reduce depressive symptoms. People who ate whole foods had fewer symptoms of depression than those who ate mostly processed foods.
A plant-based diet can help you lose weight
Plant-based diets are perfect for weight loss because plants tend to be lower in calories, high in fiber, and packed with health-promoting nutrients, which facilitate healthier weight loss. When you switch from a meat-based diet to a plant-based one, the risk of obesity may also go down.
Beneficial for Animal welfare and moral values
Apart from health benefits, many people choose a plant-based diet to support animal welfare and moral values. Several individuals who adhere to a plant-based diet believe that all animals, including those that have long been staples worldwide, have a right to life and liberty. This moral standpoint often leads to an emotional connection to animals.
If you’re interested in trying out plant-based meals for breakfast, dinner, or dessert, there are many mouth-watering dishes available. Below are some plant-based meals that you might want to try out.
1. Daring plant-based chicken $5.94 at Walmart
Source: daring.com
Daring offers plant-based chicken that looks, cooks, and tastes just like the real thing. You can use it in a variety of dishes such as burritos, quesadillas, or sautéed with vegetables. You can even try their Cajun or breaded pieces alongside sweet potato fries. When you make your purchase at Walmart, remember to use their coupon code to save $10.
2. Good Karma unsweetened plant milk $30
Good Karma’s Alternative milk, made from a blend of pea protein, oats, and linseed oil, is creamy, delicious, and nutritious. Each serving contains 0 grams of sugar, 2 grams of carbohydrates, 5 grams of plant-based protein, and 800 milligrams of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids.
It has a smooth texture and just the right creaminess. Unlike coconut milk or some oat milk that doesn’t go well with coffee or grains, this milk tastes like a good choice for anything from baked goods to oatmeal and pasta. Additionally, it is ketogenic and allergy-friendly. By subscribing, you can also receive a discount of 10{90af24ee0c8b2ef579cdad993725641a0bcc8b6dba22687e081e6e20320a17a5} off on your first order.
3. Gardein Spicy Plant-Based Breakfast Sausage $9.19 at Instacart
This mouthwatering breakfast patty can add some pizzazz to your meat-free breakfast. The Sausage is an exciting blend of spices without any soy or dairy ingredients. It has 13 grams of protein per serving. You can add these patties to your favorite breakfast foods like pancakes, waffles, and eggs, or use them to make a breakfast sandwich with cookies, English muffins, or croissants. They are also great in frittatas, hash browns, and other delicious recipes. Don’t forget to shop at Instacart and use to get a 10{90af24ee0c8b2ef579cdad993725641a0bcc8b6dba22687e081e6e20320a17a5} discount.
4. Impossible™ Plant-Based Burger Meat $9.99 at Instacart
source: impossiblefoods.com
Impossible™ Plant-based Beef is made for the meat lover to satisfy your beef craving. It cooks like ground beef, tastes great, and is perfect for burgers or tacos, meatballs, and chili. A 4-ounce serving of this beef alternative contains 19 grams of protein and 13 grams of fat and has no cholesterol, animal hormones, or antibiotics. It’s a healthier, more ethical option for people who want to reduce their meat intake without sacrificing flavor. In case you’re a vegan who loves beef flavor, please check out the nearby retailers from your location. And if you decide to make your purchase from Walmart, Instacart, Target, Safeway, don’t forget to use their discount codes, which could help you save your cash.
5. Upton’s Naturals Ch’eesy Bacon Mac $34.99 at Amazon
source: uptonsnaturals.com
Looking for a wide range of plant-based options to satisfy your cravings? Upton’s Naturals has you covered whether you’re craving shredded jackfruit for your Tuesday burrito or vegan bacon for your Sunday brunch. Bacon seitan, a staple on Upton’s Naturals menu, is one of the favorites of vegan bacon lovers. The smoked gluten can be used in sandwiches, salads, pizza, or as a side dish. Upton’s Naturals’ bacon seitan topped Mashed Potato’s list of best and worst fake bacon products. Browse Upton’s Naturals’ range of meat alternatives today to satisfy your cravings in a healthier and more sustainable way.
