Why Fake “Meat” Isn’t Going to Save the World (or your arteries)

There are certain “foods” in the grocery store that drive me crazy. But nothing makes me cringe more than the onslaught of fake “meat.” And I’m not talking about veggie burgers made with beans, grains, and real vegetables. I’m talking about “beef” burgers and “chicken” nuggets made in a lab.
Personally, I don’t eat a vegan diet. And I don’t believe veganism is necessary for optimal health or a healthy planet. But, as a nutritionist, I’m happy to support my vegan clients. I truly believe you should eat in a way that feels good to you, whatever that may be.
But if you think eating “meat” made in a lab is best for your health and the planet, think again.
Have you seen the ingredient list of the Impossible Burger?
Water, Soy Protein Concentrate, Coconut Oil, Sunflower Oil, Natural Flavors, 2% or less of: Potato Protein, Methylcellulose, Yeast Extract, Cultured Dextrose, Food Starch Modified, Soy Leghemoglobin, Salt, Soy Protein Isolate, Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E), Zinc Gluconate, Thiamine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B1), Sodium Ascorbate (Vitamin C), Niacin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin B12.
The main ingredient is genetically modified soy. And not whole soybeans. Heavily processed soy. In other words, soy that no longer resembles soybeans.
Plus, sunflower oil is high in omega-6 fatty acids, which are inflammatory when consumed in excess. And guess what? Inflammation is the root cause of heart disease (not cholesterol build-up).
Now, do you know what the ingredients of a real beef burger are?
Beef, salt, pepper.
So the argument about fake “meat” being healthy is off the table. There’s no comparison. Especially since the science against red meat is flawed.
Also, grass-fed beef is lower in inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids, higher in omega-3 fatty acids, and bursting with bioavailable nutrients. Heme iron, carotenoids, vitamin E, glutathione, zinc, potassium, and phosphorous to name a few.
Now let’s talk about the environment.
I’ll be the first to admit that factory farming is bad. Really bad. For many reasons. And it needs to stop.
Plus, most people eat way too much meat. There’s no need for a 16-ounce rib-eye steak. Healthy portion sizes range from 3 to 4 ounces. And meat doesn’t need to make an appearance at every meal.
But one of the biggest problems we face is the health of our soil. And if we don’t have healthy soil, we can’t grow enough plants to feed the world for years to come.
So that’s the problem we really need to solve. This is why eating less meat and supporting regenerative agriculture is the way to go.
Raising livestock and growing plant foods together as part of a closed-loop system. Grazing animals and cover crops help restore the soil. And healthy soil produces hearty plants that are naturally more resistant to pests and more nutrient-dense. Healthy soil also retains more water and sequesters carbon.
Plus, successful regenerative farmers have reported that they’re able to manage more livestock on smaller plots of land, produce higher yields, and actually earn a living wage.
On the other hand, what does fake meat do? Other than making venture capitalists rich?
Well, some argue it stops people from eating meat. And if we stopped eating meat, we could save the world.
I believe it’s true that some people who wouldn’t normally stop eating meat might jump on board if they had a meat alternative that tasted just like meat.
But what about the soil? How does fake meat improve the soil? And what would happen if we all stopped eating meat and relied on soy as our main source of protein?
Large scale soy cropping isn’t kind to the environment either. It depletes the soil of nutrients and living organisms. It also contributes to erosion and soil compaction.
It is true that most of the soy grown today feeds livestock. About 50% is used to feed chickens, about 25% is fed to pigs, and the remaining 25% is left for cows and pet food.
So some argue that if we didn’t eat meat, we could solve two problems at once. The environmental impact of factory farming and deforestation. And this is important because soy farming is now the second-largest contributor to deforestation behind beef.
But again, what about the soil?
The truth is regenerative farming solves many more problems, including human disease.
Just to be clear, I’m not saying everyone should eat meat. And I’m not saying that eating soy is inherently bad. But the health and environmental arguments for fake “meat” along with all the other heavily processed soy-based vegan foods don’t hold up.
So if you want to eat only plants, go for it! But leave the fake “meat” on the shelf. Instead, I encourage you to eat mostly plants in their whole form. Whole grains, legumes, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and fruits.
And if you’re craving a burger that bleeds, consider finding a farm practicing regenerative agriculture that can offer you 100% grass-fed beef. Because supporting regenerative farms is better for your health and our planet than supporting genetically modified soy cropping and big food manufacturers. Plus, voting with your dollars will help drive out factory farms and monocropping, which both are bad for the environment.
P.S. If you’re looking for an easy recipe for a real vegetable burger, here’s one of my favorites.
