Why it’s great: “I think it’s cool that companies are making more mock meats and isolates to decrease meat consumption,” says George. Mock sausages are essentially made mostly with pea protein, so they’re usually bursting with protein (more than 20 grams), and they’re an easy way to satisfy your cravings and still get the texture of sausage when you’re transitioning to a plant-based diet.
Keep in mind: Since these are heavily processed most of the time, George recommends only consuming them sparingly and not making them a huge part of your daily diet. She also suggests looking for items with lower sodium content and more protein, since that’ll help you stay satisfied without that icky bloated feeling you get after.
Why it’s great: “It really depends on the brand, but most plant-based chickens are made with soy or pea protein, making them very high in protein,” says George. “They really mimic the taste of chicken incredibly well, so they’re great for people who are transitioning and want a chicken-like feel.” That’s for you, all you chicken nugget lovers.
Keep in mind: They can be great sources of fiber and have less saturated fat than ground beef might, but they also can have a lot of sodium and binders that will make them hard on sensitive stomachs. “These foods are processed at the end of the day, so I wouldn’t recommend them on a daily basis,” says George.