| How Textured Soy Protein Can Enhance Your Vegetarian Food Plan |
| Written by Cynthia Holzapfel | |
| Wednesday, 03 November 2010 | |
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Many people find that they miss meat when they start a meatless diet. While it can be challenge until you get the hang of it, you can use meat substitutes to help you stay on track and still enjoy the foods you love the most. There are many varieties of textured soy that you can buy, so you're sure to find a delicious alternative for creating the perfect meatless meal.
Many people find that they miss meat when they start a meatless diet. While it can be challenge until you get the hang of it, you can use meat substitutes to help you stay on track and still enjoy the foods you love the most. There are many varieties of textured soy that you can buy, so you're sure to find a delicious alternative for creating the perfect meatless meal. When manufacturers process soybeans for soy oil, only soy flour remains. A great deal of research went into developing a use for what was essentially just a by-product of the oil pressing process. The result was a low-fat, high-protein product that could be made into an entire line of new foods. Soy flour is first cooked and then shaped, and it retains the nutritional value of the whole bean (minus most of the fat). The unflavored variety lends well to adopting the flavors of the dish it is being cooked in, since there is no other ingredient but the soy flour. You can also purchase textured soy products that are flavored similarly to beef and chicken, as well as those that imitate more complex flavors. Even though they are meat flavored, the ingredients are all animal product-free, giving you the taste you are looking for while allowing you to maintain a meat-free diet. The first type of meatless alternatives you could buy were granules. They look like granola and are used in many things that need a binder, such as patties and loaves, or they can be added to dishes that generally call for ground beef. There are also larger sizes of textured soy that are similar to stew meat, or large enough to emulate a chicken breast. These are typically used for dishes that need larger pieces of meat and can be skewered, stewed, or added to casseroles. Strips can also be found to give the perfect texture to stir frys and fajitas, allowing you to enjoy your favorite dishes. There are even more varieties of textured soy that can allow you to eat the things you love, from hot wings to bacon. The wide range of flavors provide something tasty for everyone and every occasion. Soy concentrates contain fewer sugars and therefore may be easier for some people to digest. Organic products are also on the market now, and even though they are a little higher in fat than other types of textured soy, they still make an excellent choice for anyone watching their calorie intake. Typically, textured soy products have an extended shelf life. The flavored kinds can last up to a year and a half; those without flavoring can last for many years, although you should always follow the use-by date on the package. Textured soy proteins can be a good choice for people who are weight conscious because these products are low in fat and high in fiber. They can also be used by individuals who need to watch their blood sugar and control it through diet. The Article Author: Cynthia Holzapfel is owner of Healthy-Eating.com, the country's leading source for tvp, textured soy and other meat alternatives for more than 25 years. As a vegan for almost 40 years, Cynthia and her partners are experts on how to make the transition to meatless eating. Get their recommendations for how to use the dozens of textured soy protein products available for delivery to your door. |
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