Meat Alternatives; Which are the Best?

So if it's not already obvious to everyone, I go to the grocery store about 2 to 3 times a week. Isn't that how they do it in Europe? I always need fresh produce (usually bananas for Nick's lunch), or more yogurt, or bread. So yesterday I headed out for two things; yogurt and bananas.

I decided to try Chobani Greek yogurt, since I've never tried it before.

This is another product I've seen many bloggers rave about. I've been partial to the Stoneyfield Oikos Greek yogurt, but this was on sale so I figured I'd give it a try. Compared to the Oikos, this tasted basically the same. Upon looking at the label, I noticed this was a 6 ounce container, whereas the Oikos containers are 5.3 ounces. Other than that, they were the exact same product! I'm glad I finally got to taste the Chobani, even if it was the same :) My only problem with the Greek yogurts is that they don't provide any Vitamin D. I think soon all yogurts will be fortified with Vitamin D (more on that to come in a post soon).

Of course, I also purchased some Oikos, since I had one more free coupon left! They really taste the same, so if you are at the store and one is cheaper, buy it.

Meat Alternatives; Are They Better For Me?

The American Dietetic Association publishes their ADA Times about every other month, which is filled with nutrition updates and other fun food and nutrition information. The last ADA Times I received had an entire section devoted to veggie burgers and hot dogs. I figured since many of you are vegetarian, or vegan, or just enjoy veggie products for their health benefits, I would share some of the information that was provided.

Nutritional Advantages of Veggie Burgers:

- 3 times less total fat and 7 times less saturated fat than the average beef burger or turkey burger.

- Usually contain 3-4 grams of fiber, compared to zero in real meat products.

- Some (not all) veggie burgers contain many types of healthy, antioxidant-rich vegetables, and soy, compared to zero veggies and soy in real meat products.

Nutritional Disadvantages:

- Veggie burgers typically contain 5 times more sodium than unseasoned beef or turkey burgers (sodium range is about 250-500 mg, so stick with the lower range).

- Veggie burgers typically contain 2 times less protein than beef or turkey burgers, with the average protein amount being around 11 grams (choose veggie burgers with soy protein and/or wheat gluten if you think you need more protein)

** Keep in mind, these comparisons are made against typical burgers, which are 80% lean and 20% fat meat. This (below) is a burger made with Laura's Lean ground beef, which has much less fat than typical burgers (usually 6% fat and 94% lean), contains 7 grams protein per ounce, and is low in sodium. There are also companies that make lean/very lean ground turkey.


** Veggie hot dogs only have advantages, because on average they have fewer calories, less fat, less sodium, and more protein than their beef counterparts. However, if you're like me you eat the turkey hot dogs, which are a much better alternative than beef!

Veggie Burgers and Hot Dogs, Who Wins the Prize?!

No, not these...this is just what I had in my freezer :)

The ADATimes invited a group of taste testers (including both vegetarians AND meat eaters) to report which of the veggie products they liked best. Here are the results:

Veggie Burger:

#1 Amy's (All American Style)
#2 Boca (All American Classic)
#3 Boca (Original Vegan)

Veggie Hot Dog:
#1 Lightlife (Smart Dog)
#2 MorningStar Farms (Veggie Dog)
#3 Yves (Good Dog)

Question: What is your favorite "meatless meat alternative"? Personally I do not eat veggie burgers very often, but when I do I really enjoy Morning Star's Black Bean Burger. I also love Morning Star's Chik Nuggets! I fed then to Nick once and he had no idea (I'm so mean!). The Gardenburger products, which is pictured above, are also very good in my opinion.

So what is my plan for the day? After I finish reading blogs and enjoying my delicious cereal, I am working out, relaxing outside with my book, then running some errands. This afternoon I am enjoying happy hour with a good friend from school!
Thanks for reading, and have a great day.