What You Need to Know About Vegan Substitutes When Replacing Meat And Or Dairy

Meat and dairy substitutes, commonly known as vegan, are very important if you are changing to a healthier diet. Your exclusions may vary, depending on the type of diet you want to change to. You may wish to exclude only meats from your diet. On the other hand, maybe you will just not eat dairy products and eggs. However, if your intention is to be totally vegan, you have to be very careful about ingredients in most foods today.

1. Substitutes for eggs

If you stop eating eggs, you will notice that you may have to avoid most baked goods. There are egg replacement products at your local grocery or health food store. They may work as egg substitutes for baking. You can also use tapioca flour and potato flour mixed together. You can use other things in your baking, also.

Flax seeds

Whenever you bake cookies, cakes, muffins, or cornbread, you will need a binder. Did you know that flax seeds work very well as an egg replacement? You can use them as a binder in recipes. Binders are used to hold ingredients together. A tablespoon of flax seed and three tablespoons of water will equal one egg. Mix in a food processor until smooth.

You can use other things as recipe binders, also.

Tofu is another way to substitute eggs. Use one fourth of a cup for an egg. If you mix one teaspoon of yeast with one fourth cup of water, you can make one egg.

Potato Flour – one teaspoon of potato flour and one teaspoon of water.

Commercial egg replacer which is a combination of potato starch, tapioca flour and leavening.

Some of these substitutes may affect the flavor of your dishes. You may need to test them to find out.

2. Substitutes for meat

There are many sources in which you can get the necessary protein for your body.

Nuts have a lot of protein within them. If you eat them regularly, you will increase your protein intake. Use them in some of your favorite recipes, or just eat them as snacks.

Legumes will also make a good alternative to meat.

Split peas, kidney beans, and lentils will work well. They can be the featured item on the table. Use them in place of meat in recipes.

Chili with beans and no meat.

Some things mixed together will make an excellent protein source.

Bread and peanut butter are good examples.

Rice and beans work well.

Corn and beans are another good combination to utilize.

Soybeans make an excellent protein source and meat replacement. You will find much of it in the form of tofu. It is also promoted as good for cholesterol. You can buy soybeans at your local health food store. They also come roasted and salted as peanuts.

Final thoughts

Vegan substitutes are an important part of any vegetarian, as well as, a vegan diet. If you only restrict meat, it may not be too complicated. However, if you avoid all animal products, you will have to be careful. Many items may contain animal products. Read labels and research your food carefully.