Beef Up on Veggie "Meats" in 2004

Published on January 16, 2004 by Farm Sanctuary

Watkins Glen, NY: Health resolutions are in full swing and mad cow disease is prompting Americans to reduce or eliminate their consumption of beef. What's a cheeseburger lover to do? Beef up on veggie "meats," of course! There's no better time to try veggie beef and burgers and find out just how tasty they are.

The days of bland tofu dishes and unappealing nut loafs are long gone. Today's veggie meats are surprisingly authentic, with the texture and taste of the real McCoy. People can stock their grocery cart with a wide variety of ready-to-serve veg hamburgers, meat loafs, steak strips, and sausage. Favorites include Gardenburger's sausage and burgers; Karma'Licious' Veggie Bolognese sauce; and LightLife's meatless meatballs and breakfast patties.

Preparing appetizing veggie meat dishes is also easier than ever. Veg meats are a staple in recipes as diverse and delicious as Not Your Mama's Meatloaf, Seitan Peppersteak, Spaghetti with Meaty Mushroom Sauce, and Not Roast Beef.

Veg meats are low in fat, have zero cholesterol and provide enough vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and protein for active kids and athletes. The American Diabetes Foundation, the American Cancer Society, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture all encourage an increased consumption of fruits and vegetables. Eating "beef-free" is not only delicious, but it can protect your health and the health of your loved ones.

Farm Sanctuary, a national non-profit farm animal advocacy organization that rescues cows and other animals, is encouraging people to try meat-free "beef" alternatives for health and humanitarian reasons. The organization has been documenting "downed" animal abuses since 1986, and has amassed extensive documentation on downed animal cruelty and the link between downers and mad cow disease.

According to Farm Sanctuary Executive Director Lorri Bauston, "With the health dangers of mad cow disease and the knowledge that animals are literally being dragged to their deaths, there has never been a better time to go vegetarian."

For irresistible, beef-free recipes brimming with flavor, visit www.vegforlife.org/not-beef.htm. People can also receive a FREE 24-page veg resource booklet, with pages of delicious recipes and other vegetarian information, by contacting Farm Sanctuary at 607-583-2225.