Meat Substitution Tip Sheet

USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 18:11:31 +0000

Here at the USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council we are focusing on Plant Protein for the month of April. Protein is one of the essential nutrients that all of our bodies need plenty of on a daily basis. And what better way to pack a meal with protein than to include a serving of pulses? One cup of the pulse of your choice on average provides up to 25% of our daily recommended protein! Not to mention that because of their high fiber content they keep us fuller, longer! All the more reason to substitute some plant protein into our regular diet!

Still not convinced? Here are 5 reasons why plant protein is better than animal protein:

Meat is far more expensive than pulses. Chicken tends to be a cheaper option in purchasing meat, but is still 2X as expensive as chickpeas!
Consumption of animal protein is most often related to high levels of cholesterol, a compound that contributes to cardiovascular disease. Not to mention the recent studies verifying dangerous levels of carcinogens in processed red meat!
Pulses are quite versatile in acting as a meat replacement. Recipes like lasagna, burgers, enchiladas, and nachos can all be prepared with pulses, rather than meat! (And we have a recipe for each of these here on our blog!).
Pulses are packed full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Not to mention the minimal to absent levels of saturated fat and cholesterol!
Meat only keeps in the refrigerator and freezer for so long, while pulses can be stored for months in the pantry! That, and once they are cooked they can also be kept in the fridge for use later in the week!

The proof is in the pulses!

pulses vs meats – Cooking with Pulses

Meat Substitution Tip Sheet