A very thoughtful article: "Why Eating Meat-Shaped Vegetarian Food Is Like Having Sex with a Blow-up Doll." I can recall many debates online about fake meats versus the "purity" approach of "why try to duplicate meat, food should be on it's own merits." My take on the matter is essentially that those of us "older" folks who were raised on the stuff still enjoy some of the memories and textures enjoined with eating hot dogs, pepperoni, canadian bacon, hamburgers, etc. If, as a vegan, I choose to eat "fake" versions of those (but only those being very low fat and low sodium) on a limited basis, I believe it's okay.
But the author of this piece does raise some interesting counter arguments, while summarizing some of the history of such products.
An excerpt of note:
Field Roast products are mentioned with the founder of the company and there's no mention of how high in fat his products are. That's of some concern. They are high in fat, regardless of how tasty they might be.
All in all, an intriguing, well-written, and witty essay on the topic. Kudos to the author. A fine piece of work. We do have "brains" and the author clearly is using hers.
ADDENDUM: I e-mailed the author expressing my being impressed by the thoughtfulness and research for her article/thought piece. Got permission to post part of her reply:
"As for Field Roast's fat content, I didn't cite specific figures because my story was already waaaay too long, but I did provide this parenthetical clue:
(Granted, Field Roast products have a higher fat content than many other brands, which boosts their authenticity and greases hands.)
A seitan maker I met here in the SF area (Steve of Savvy Savories) first mentioned to me that although he tries to keep his products low-fat, others definitely don't -- he didn't name names, but it was obvious which company he meant."
I'm also impressed by the body of her previous work. FYI, Mark
I also find that implementing faux meats from companies like Lightlife into one's vegan diet help keep one on the bandwagon, ESPECIALLY when, like you said, you were raised on a standard American diet. I am 22, and it took me four years to find the balance that allowed me to enjoy foods I had grown accustomed to throughout my youth without feeling as though I was doing something wrong by rationalizing a slice (or three) of pepperoni pizza, etc., every then and again.
[I've no problem with low fat/low sodium faux meats once in awhile, particularly since there wasn't much (just stuff in cans) when I went veg 28 or 29 years ago (vegan the past 8 or 9 years). Hell, you had to go to an import store to get "yellow" tofu!
Glad to hear you made the leap, and I stand corrected about Field Roast. Thanks for your note and pointing out that one of the products is relatively low in fat.
Best of luck to you! Mark]
Also, Mark, Field Roast has certain meat selections such as their Field Roast Loaves that are low in fat and void of any added oils. Well, LOL, that isn't much of a selection, but I guess ONE counts.
Posted by: Chaz | 2010.03.07 at 13:17
See? Consumer feedback does make an impact. I need to follow your example more. I also avoid most faux meat products because nutritionally they are not much better than meat. But they are fun to cook with on occasion, and where my mother is concerned, my sister and I can do great things with soy products that honestly is appreciated by the whole family. That can go a long way. As usual, I love your posts, so keep it up, I am always excited to see new Soulveggie posts in my reader!
[Am flattered... I still do faux meats now'n'then (I've been veg for 28 years, vegan the past 8 or so), as long as they are low fat/sodium AND I make sure I'm still getting fresh veggies and lettuces to compensate.
I did contact the author of that article and she's now intrigued about learning more about Howard Lyman (aka, The Mad Cowboy). Be interesting to see what happens. I wanted to praise her unusually thoughtful work.
Best regards, Mark]
Posted by: Lance Mateas | 2010.03.06 at 12:30