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Originally posted by majik_6
I know that for me, the veggie chicken and the like is a real life saver, since it's not that I don't like meat, I just feel weird about killing the animal to get the meat. A lot of vegetarians have certain foods that they still desire, but would rather just give up than abandon their vegetarian diet. I think that's where these products come into play. My two things that I praise Gardenburger for are their Riblets (just like McDonald's) and "chicken" pattie sandwiches. Both are absolutely delicious and they help me to keep to my vegetarian guidelines, since I don't feel like I'm missing anything.
Any other vegetarians that care to weigh in on the fake meat issue?
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I was raised in a vegetarian family, and only started eating a bit of meat after I moved out. Now I call myself 90% vege, which means I occasionally have a dish with beef or chicken in it.
I have had lots and lots of the fake meats in my lifetime (in fact my dad used to work in one of the original manufactures plants), and being acclimatized, I found meat kinda strange and weird at first.
My opinion on using them currently is YES IT's GOOD STUFF.
1: It can be used in recepies calling for meat, for folks who want to eat vegetarian, this can simplify cooking, and allow them to eat foods normally seen in recipes.
2: It can be used to help adjust from a meat diet to a vegetarian diet, without as much of an abrupt change.
3: It is MUCH lower in fat etc. and can be eaten by folks who are working on a reduced calorie diet. For instance a product that is available near me (called "Griller") can be used instead of a beef burger, and you get way less calories/fat.
4: Easier to use. I'm no expert here, but possibly less prep work involved in some of these products over their meat equivelent.
5: Taste - some of these products taste great. The BACON replacement I buy is really good, and even some of the guys at work like it. They call it guilt free BLT time.!!!