Is Meat Going Out of Style?
Could veganism and vegetarianism soon be the new norm?
Just less than a decade ago only those looking for healthier diets, organic options and overpriced health food were individuals embarking on vegetarian or vegan diets. These used to be considered unique and special options. However, with prices on everyday foods skyrocketing particularly on meat the tide seems to be slowly turning towards plant-based alternatives.
Social media is taking the guesswork out of meal prep
Giving into the assumption that meals without meat leave no other options than a wide variety of salads used to the mindset so many would succumb to. As a result, choosing to go the meatless route seemed as more of an unpleasant sacrificed rather than a lifestyle change to look forward too.
Most of these assumptions were the result of so many individuals just not have had a clue how to prepare meals without meat. Now, because of the power of social media to reach millions of individuals around the world in a matter of seconds, this ignorance could soon come to an end.
Tasty videos to the rescue
In many ways, cyber space has transcended the real world. Evidence of the ever-expanding phenomenon can be seen just about anywhere. In fact, just standing in a subway station most commuters can be seen to focus on their mobile phones rather than each other.
Perhaps these tendencies of what was seen as anti-social activity may actually do some good?
One of the core elements which has taken over social media is foodie videos. These fast-paced clips of fast-paced recipes from start to finish combined with music can make anything look good. But, importantly they open societies’ eyes to the fact that healthy alternatives can not only taste good but be positively decadent.
There may be more to this than just some salad and beans
These transformations are nothing short of the results of creativity. Most importantly sustainability since lifestyles may change but, cravings for comfort foods remain the same. Thus, it must shock viewers to see proteins such as tofu heavily seasoned turned into something not only resembles meat in appearance but tastes a lot like it too.
When it comes to vegans who abstain from not only meat but also dairy it’s still possible to enjoy favourites such as ice cream and mac and cheese. Is it possible to achieve that creamy rich texture without real milk? It may be hard to believe, but similar flavours and textures can indeed be achieved through alternatives such as soy, coconut and almond milk.
Not all tasty vegetarian and vegan meals have to be time-consuming and complicated
I’m not talking about tossing together a quick salad either. One of the most popular brands of quick meatless meals is Amy’s organic meals. Options can range from meals and snacks such as pizza which can either be completely free of meat, but contain cheese and veggies. Other varieties are topped with veggies and vegan cheese.
For those who are craving savoury home-style meals, potpies and vegetarian or vegan style steak and chicken are available too. As with all ready-made meals these should always be consumed in moderation as a result of their high salt content.
Meat is healthy centuries of consumption have proven that
Nevertheless, it’s no secret that prices may continue to rise, but the same cannot be said for the economy, in other words, incomes. Meat has certainly not been immune from these ever-increasing prices.
Therefore, it certainly isn’t an exaggeration to say that continuing to make it the main focus of meals for a middle-class family is hardly an option. Isn’t it good to know that this new reality doesn’t mean the end to tasty meals the whole family will enjoy?
Could this trend soon merge from a catchy fad to what would be considered as the new normal?
Without a doubt, meat and everything containing it have a special flavour no one will ever truly get tired of. So, to even suggest it will completely go out of style is simply impossible. After all, it’s been around since the beginning of time.
But, it sure is good to know that there are options to satisfy our never changing cravings.
Mary Thompson