Ugly Plant-Based

I remember trying the Impossible burger at a Starbucks coffee shop and thinking, “I don’t know if it’s actually healthier than a regular burger you buy at an “In-N-Out Burger” joint which my husband claims to be re-e-e-al good.

It appears that plant-based burger substitutes are better for your health (watch the video by Michael Greger) because they don’t have trans fats, cholesterol, hormones, antibiotics, probable human carcinogen, and unlike meat burgers, they contain some fiber.

So, should you switch to a Beyond Meat burger, sausage, or fake bacon now? The answer is “YES” and “decisive NO”. “Yes” if you are addicted to eating meat, and switching to plant-based will help you transition and hopefully cut down on meat completely. “No” if you have a chronic disease (especially, cardio-vascular disease, diabetes, cancer) and are committed to getting well. I am convinced that when your body is in the process of healing, and you are removing toxins from your immediate environment, all processed food should go.

Let’s look at the Impossible Burger as an example. Even though it contains some of the minerals and vitamins found in a regular burger (B12, folate, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, zinc, iron, selenium), it also has A LOT of BS.

Here’s the ingredients list for the Impossible Burger. Are you ready?!

Water, soy protein concentrate (processed), coconut oil, sunflower oil (all saturated fats), natural flavors (“natural” in this context means nothing, avoid them!), 2% or less of potato protein (not a whole food), methylcellulose (a filler), yeast extract, cultured dextrose (preservative), food starch modified, soy leghemoglobin , salt, mixed tocopherols (antioxidant), soy protein isolate, zinc gluconate, thiamine hydrochloride (vitamin B1), niacin, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), riboflavin (vitamin B2), and vitamin B12.

Does it look like a health food to you?!

There’s no doubt in my mind that Impossible burgers are a step in the right direction and are much better for the environment. They require 96 % less land, 87 % less fresh water, and generate 89 % less greenhouse gas emissions compared to a traditional beef burger.  Even though some critics argue that alternative meat companies don’t disclose all the information regarding overall greenhouse gas emissions, the effects of forests, etc., some studies by academics or third parties (for example, a 2018 study by researchers at the University of Michigan) have demonstrated that plant-based meat companies have a much better impact on the environment. 

While highly processed plant-derived burgers, sausages, bacon, cheese, etc. may be better for the environment, they are not serving your health and longevity. Make your own black bean burger or mushroom burger, and you will notice the difference in how you feel.

“Plant-based” has become such a trend these days, and many people take pride in eating “plant-based”, but the important question to ask is “Are you eating a real whole food or simply something that doesn’t have animal protein?” Remember that “plant-based” and “vegan” can still have GMOs, bioengineered ingredients, all sorts of additives, gums, fillers, texturizers, and other things that your body doesn’t recognize as food. What you need is WHOLE PLANTS which will nourish your body and mind, give you energy and life force. Focus on eating fresh raw fruit and vegetables (organic if possible), cooked vegetables are also great because they provide you with prebiotics and lots of fiber. Drink fresh juices and smoothies, have nuts, seeds, legumes, herbs, and spices. Chia seeds, hemp hearts, and flaxseeds will give you all the Omega-3 fatty acids you need. No fish is necessary! If you do include fish, choose wild caught salmon or sardines. The problem with fish and other seafood these days is that their habitat is highly polluted, and you don’t want to put more toxins in your body when you are trying to heal.

Ugh, I know it’s frustrating. Our food gets sprayed, contaminated, and all kinds of abused. The best way to eat clean is to grow your own food or buy it from a local farmer that you can trust. The next best choice would be buying organic if you can afford it. However, if money is tight, check out the list of “foods you don’t have to buy organic”. What if you can’t buy anything organic? Still buy fruit, vegetables, and other whole foods such as beans, lentils, rice. Wash them thoroughly with salt water, perform a little Reiki on them and enjoy. The benefits of eating whole food plants still outweigh any potential risks. Just avoid “UGLY PLANT-BASED”. 😉