It’s tasteless. It’s difficult to find and cook with. It looks unappetising. It lacks nutrients. Nope, they’ve got it all wrong. Here are 5 common myths surrounding meat-free munching, and we’ve thrown in some seriously tasty recipes to boot. Reducing your meat intake just got a whole lot more delectable. This article is brought to you by v2.

Meat-free means carb-heavy 

Many people think eliminating fish and meat from your diet means you’ll need to eat more carbs to feel full. Not true. Though, of course, adopting a meat-free diet can lead to you eating more carbs like grains, bread, starchy veggies and pastas, that doesn’t necessarily have to be the case – as long as you’re conscious of it. Most meat substitutes are packed with protein that will also leave you feeling full and satisfied. Plus, plant-based options like tofu, tempeh, nuts, seeds, coconut oil and avocados are rich in protein, as well as fat and fibre too. Just try this Massaman tofu curry – light apart from some potatoes – and see what we mean.

Meat-free diets are boring

The first myth to debunk about meat-free eating is that it’s all simple salads and tofu or, in other words, boring. But while that might’ve been the case as recently as a few years ago, these days, it’s no longer true. Today you’ll find plant-based products aplenty, both in supermarkets and at restaurants. And they cook similar to meat and taste like it too. 

It’s too hard to be meat-free 

Probably the biggest excuse for not going meat-free is that it’ll be too hard. Which frankly, is an argument without legs. Though becoming a plant-based eater can be to some degree challenging – as adopting any kind of new diet would be – it merely requires a bit of awareness and forward-thinking. You’ll want to familiarise yourself with what meat substitutes are available in supermarkets and remember to check restaurant menus beforehand. Most should offer plant-based options or at least be able to tweak dishes to accommodate. 

Plant-based diets are expensive

Along the lines of it being too hard to go plant-based, many think it also means it’ll mean shelling out more for your supermarket shops and at restaurants. Also, not necessarily the case. Sure, when shopping, if you’re looking at pre-made meat substitutes, it might seem that way, but the same can be said of prepared foods of any kind. Not to mention the fact that rice, legumes, veggies and fruits, which likely feature on plant-based diets, are often more affordable than meat. And, when it comes to eating out, chances are that may also be the case – plant-based options do usually tend to be cheaper than restaurant meat meals.

Meat-free options have no texture or flavour

Another myth is that meat-free meals are tasteless and lacking in texture and flavour. Which also isn’t true. Take v2 mince, for instance. Designed to look, cook and taste like beef mince, it can be used in everything from pasta sauces to dumpling fillings. For example, use it instead of meat mince in this Mediterranean lamb and eggplant salad. Or take v2burger patties, which cook crisp on the outside, but are tender and juicy on the inside – just like a real meat pattie. Stuff them into a toasted bun and you’ll hardly notice a difference.

This article is brought to you by v2.