Fake meats are everywhere and they are presented as a healthy alternative to meat. Sold under brand names such as “Beyond Meat” or “Impossible Foods” these fake meats try to imitate the taste of meat. But are they actually healthier than real meat? Let’s take a look at some of the reasons you might want to think twice about including these in your diet.
Fake meats are more processed than real meats
Fake meats are made from a variety of plant based food. But to make them taste like and have the texture of meat they are heavily processed. They also contain filler ingredients, extra salt, artificial flavors and colors.
Fake meats are often made by large corporations like Nestle, Unilever and PepsiCo. For these companies profits are the greatest driver. So the quality of ingredients can often be overlooked.
Protein is less readily absorbed
The protein content in fake meats is often listed as similar to real meat, but plant based protein is less readily absorbed than real meat protein. Most plant based proteins are deficient in specific amino acids. Plant based proteins also contain anti-nutritional factors that limit protein absorption.
May be lower in nutrients than real meat
Although plant based foods are nutrient rich, many of these nutrients are stripped from the fake meats. For instance you would expect a plant based food like these to contain a large amount of fiber, but the fiber is completely stripped from the fake meat. Other nutrients that are naturally present in meat may be added back in with lower quality synthetic vitamins and minerals.
Similar saturated fats to real burgers
Although the fat content of fake meats is likely lower than real meat, the saturated fat content is about the same. So from a fat perspective there is little benefit to these products.
Higher in sodium than real meats
In order to make the taste of fake meats palatable, salt and flavor are added. The sodium content of a Beyond burger patty is about 6 times higher than a similar size beef burger.
Not whole foods
When trying to eat healthier, a good approach is to start by eating more whole foods and less processed foods. Fake meats are not whole foods. They are heavily processed and do not contain the whole plants they are based on. Protein is extracted, but fiber and other nutrients are removed.
May contain more natural toxins and pesticide residue
Most fake meats are mass produced and the plants they are based on are not organically grown. This can result in pesticide residue present in the product. These pesticides have been linked to hormone disruption and cancer.
Plants also contain some natural toxins. These may be more concentrated when protein is extracted in processing.
How you can make better food choices
If you’ve been told you need to make changes to your diet to improve your health and’or lose weight you may be disheartened to find that plant based meat alternatives are not the best option. But there are some better options for you.
No matter how it’s made, a burger is probably not your healthiest option. Meat burgers are often made with the fattiest cuts of meat and you can see that the plant based alternatives are not healthy. Add to that a large white bread bun, fries and a sugary drink and you’ve got a meal with no redeeming qualities.
A better option is to choose whole foods from a variety of sources. Some good options include:
Lean meats and poultry from grass fed, organic sources
Wild caught fish like salmon, cod, herring, and mackerel
Eggs
Whole lentils, beans and peas
A variety of non starchy vegetables
A limited amount of healthy fats
Some foods to avoid:
Processed meats and meat alternatives like fake meats
Heavily processed carbohydrates
Sugary foods and drinks
How I can help
If you are struggling with improving your health and losing weight, I can help you with a personalized program.
"Vicki's programs and appointments are informative and tailored to my specific needs. I've learned a lot and Vicki is always available via email for questions. It was a blast. Thanks so much for all your guidance, expertise and your cheerful attitude.”
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Together we’ll create an eating plan that meets your lifestyle and your unique needs. Your food choices will be healthy and delicious without substituting fake meats for real foods.
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Warm wishes,
Vicki Witt | Clinical Nutritionist | Holistic Coach | Reiki Master | Certified LEAP allergy therapist Over 25 years of successfully helping you achieve optimal health and weight loss 🍏| www.vickiwittweightloss.com
About Vicki:
Vicki Witt is a Clinical Nutritionist, Holistic Health Coach, and Reiki Master. She has been practicing over 25 years and specializes in holistically customizing diet and lifestyle plans to each individual for weight loss and hormonal control. Her clientele often report they feel the best they have ever felt and wish they had started sooner. One of the USA and Australia's top Nutritionists, she has won multiple awards for her services in the industry.
Certified and Registered Nutritionist
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