Aug. 19, 2025

355: Feel Like You Need Vegan Meat Substitutes? Here’s What No One’s Told You (Until Now)

You're trying to eat healthier. You're on board with whole food plant-based eating - and maybe even excited about the way it could completely change your life. But when it’s time to eat… it feels like something's missing. Maybe it's the texture. The nostalgia. Or just the feeling that dinner isn't "right" unless there's a meaty center on the plate. That’s where fake meat sneaks in. It looks like the answer. It’s familiar. Comfortable. "Close enough.” But here’s the concern: If you're relying ...

You're trying to eat healthier. You're on board with whole food plant-based eating - and maybe even excited about the way it could completely change your life.

But when it’s time to eat… it feels like something's missing.

Maybe it's the texture. The nostalgia. Or just the feeling that dinner isn't "right" unless there's a meaty center on the plate.

That’s where fake meat sneaks in. It looks like the answer. It’s familiar. Comfortable. "Close enough.”

But here’s the concern: If you're relying on fake meat to feel satisfied with your meals… it could be the very thing holding you back from feeling your best.

In this episode, we're unpacking how we've all been conditioned to believe that "meat is the meal"—and how that belief can keep you stuck, sick, and feeling like plant-based eating just doesn’t satisfy.

Here’s what you'll discover:

✅ Why your brain craves something “meaty”

✅ How food marketing made you believe animal protein (or its imitation) must be the star of every plate

✅ What to look for instead—and how to find real satisfaction with whole plant foods

✅ The Big Key that make plant-based eating not only doable—but joyful

You’ll walk away feeling empowered and inspired to ditch the fake stuff and find the satisfying meals that nourish your body PLUS taste absolutely amazing.

What you’re eating affects so much more than your plate—it touches your energy, your goals, and your ability to show up fully for the calling you’ve been given.

✨ Ready to go deeper and make this lifestyle stick? Learn more about our step-by-step coaching program, Accelerator, where we walk hand-in-hand with you to make plant-based living simple, satisfying, and sustainable: 👉 poweronplants.com/accelerator

💚 Want the simplest, most enjoyable WFPB recipes? Grab our go-to favorites here: poweronplants.com/cookbook —

the easy, flavorful meals that help you naturally crowd out the stuff that’s getting in the way of your healing so you can 10x your productivity!

You don’t have to settle for fake versions of what you used to love. There’s a better way—and thankfully, it actually tastes better, too. 🙌🏼

Send us a text

💃🏻 Ready to learn how to actually enjoy eating whole plant foods so you can finally feel great and fully experience life? Inside Accelerator, we'll take you by the hand & walk you step-by-step through our proven 5-Step WFPB Framework so you can heal naturally & actively live your God-given dreams. Join the Waitlist Here... the Doors are Opening Soon!

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00:00 - Debunking the "Meat is the Meal" Myth

05:43 - Where Does Protein Actually Come From?

07:49 - Making Simple Meat Substitutes at Home

11:22 - Finding Your New Favorites

13:29 - Quick Plant-Based Recipe Successes

14:49 - Hope for Your Health Journey

WEBVTT

00:00:00.059 --> 00:00:01.987
Only meat has protein in it.

00:00:01.987 --> 00:00:07.128
So it's just been this pervasive message and it drives me nuts because it's a fallacy.

00:00:07.128 --> 00:00:10.227
We don't need meat for protein.

00:00:10.227 --> 00:00:11.291
I mean, think about it.

00:00:11.291 --> 00:00:13.569
Where is your protein getting its protein?

00:00:13.569 --> 00:00:18.710
I share this with patients all the time and they have this aha moment, like I did several years ago.

00:00:19.460 --> 00:00:22.411
Hey sister, welcome to the Power on Plants podcast.

00:00:22.411 --> 00:00:27.769
Are you tired of staring into the fridge wondering what to eat so you can just feel better?

00:00:27.769 --> 00:00:33.171
Do you want to avoid spending hours in the kitchen making complicated meals in the name of health?

00:00:33.171 --> 00:00:39.432
Would you love to leave fatigue behind and finally have the energy to do all the things you want to do?

00:00:39.432 --> 00:00:47.113
Hi, we're Jared and Anita Roussel, christ followers, health care professionals, parents of four and big fans of great tasting food.

00:00:47.113 --> 00:00:59.325
We, too, tried exercising more, eating natural and clean foods, but we still found ourselves struggling with what we thought were changes that come with age or bad genes, and we weren't finding answers the traditional route.

00:00:59.325 --> 00:01:06.581
So we dug into the research and created our secret nutritional weapon sustainable plant-based living.

00:01:06.581 --> 00:01:10.370
The truth is, you can eat more whole plant foods and it's not hard.

00:01:10.370 --> 00:01:11.912
You just need the way.

00:01:11.912 --> 00:01:15.528
That's realistic and delicious, so you never feel deprived.

00:01:15.528 --> 00:01:23.765
If you're ready to enjoy your meals, no longer be held back by your health struggles and actively live your life, then you're in the right place.

00:01:23.765 --> 00:01:29.052
So grab your favorite plant-based cup of happy pop in those earbuds and let's get started.

00:01:29.052 --> 00:01:43.646
Hello sunshine, welcome to the Power on Plants podcast, where we show you how to eat more whole plant foods in the way that's simple and exciting, so you can heal naturally, finally feel good and increase your productivity to fully enjoy living your God-given dreams.

00:01:43.966 --> 00:01:47.823
In this episode we're answering part two of a question that we were asked.

00:01:47.823 --> 00:01:57.091
The question that was asked is this what are your tips for people who feel like they need a fake meat substitute with every meal?

00:01:57.091 --> 00:02:06.248
So in the past episode we answered as if the person was asking us this, because they wanted to help a friend or a family member stop eating fake meat substitutes.

00:02:06.248 --> 00:02:13.889
This week we're talking to you as if you're asking us this question for yourself, because we weren't really sure which the person was asking.

00:02:13.889 --> 00:02:20.967
So we wanted to answer both because we felt like, as we read, that both answers are super important for you to know how to deal with.

00:02:20.967 --> 00:02:29.211
So let's assume this person is asking for themselves what are your tips for me, because I feel like I need a fake meat substitute with every meal.

00:02:29.211 --> 00:02:40.169
So first we would say you have to start understanding that you've been conditioned to meat being the meal, and I want Jared to tell a little more about that, because he's passionate about this point.

00:02:40.460 --> 00:02:40.860
Absolutely.

00:02:40.860 --> 00:02:45.384
Most people think meat is the meal I know we did for years.

00:02:45.384 --> 00:02:48.568
We ate this way for the first 25 years of our marriage.

00:02:48.568 --> 00:02:59.201
I remember thinking that whenever I was younger, like we would have seven steak or we'd have roast, and then we have some veggies along the side, a little bit of veggies, just some token veggies.

00:02:59.201 --> 00:03:02.146
Or, being down from Louisiana, some rice.

00:03:02.146 --> 00:03:07.414
Anita I think had more potatoes, but that's a whole different podcast episode Yum still love them.

00:03:08.860 --> 00:03:13.372
I love potatoes too, but there's just something homey about rice, because we ate it for almost every meal.

00:03:13.840 --> 00:03:14.985
Potatoes for the win.

00:03:14.985 --> 00:03:16.887
Back to the main message here.

00:03:16.887 --> 00:03:18.800
You don't want to argue right now about rice and potatoes.

00:03:19.742 --> 00:03:21.769
No, because we're talking about meat.

00:03:21.769 --> 00:03:22.110
Oh yeah, okay.

00:03:22.129 --> 00:03:22.771
Talking about meat.

00:03:25.139 --> 00:03:25.561
Let's get back to it.

00:03:25.561 --> 00:03:29.931
We'll stay on topic here, but it's just the messaging that we're given time and time again.

00:03:29.931 --> 00:03:32.647
You see it around the Thanksgiving table.

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What do you see?

00:03:33.169 --> 00:03:36.069
This big giant turkey and then some other fixings.

00:03:36.069 --> 00:03:41.812
Well, on our Thanksgiving table it's all the fixings, no turkey, and we absolutely love it.

00:03:41.812 --> 00:03:46.466
But you hear advertising slogans like beef, it's what's for dinner.

00:03:46.747 --> 00:03:47.128
That's it.

00:03:47.128 --> 00:03:49.461
It's the advertising We've been conditioned through that.

00:03:49.461 --> 00:03:52.048
Think about even the food guide pyramid when we were growing up.

00:03:52.048 --> 00:03:58.543
It has meat in there, so it's one of those things you have to have right Because it's a part of the pyramid, and if you don't have it, the pyramid falls.

00:03:58.902 --> 00:04:00.164
It's an essential nutrient.

00:04:00.164 --> 00:04:03.110
You must have it and only meat has protein in it.

00:04:03.110 --> 00:04:08.283
So it's just been this pervasive message and it drives me nuts, because it's a fallacy.

00:04:08.283 --> 00:04:11.330
We don't need meat for protein.

00:04:11.330 --> 00:04:12.393
I mean, think about it.

00:04:12.393 --> 00:04:14.725
Where is your protein getting its protein?

00:04:14.725 --> 00:04:19.886
I share this with patients all the time and they have this aha moment, like I did several years ago.

00:04:19.886 --> 00:04:22.370
Where's your protein getting its protein?

00:04:22.370 --> 00:04:25.208
Cows aren't eating meat of any kind.

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They're eating plants, and plants are the original source of protein.

00:04:29.108 --> 00:04:31.168
But it's just so much advertising.

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You go through any store and all these products about protein.

00:04:35.271 --> 00:04:49.644
You see images where, if there's a plate, there's a big hunk of meat, and we've just been led to believe that meat is the meal and that vegetables or plants of any kind are garnishes or less than, and that's just not true.

00:04:50.040 --> 00:05:05.512
So I think your point here with the fake meat substitutes then is we have to have a meat, and if we can't have a meat, then we need some kind of fake meat that looks exactly like meat, tastes exactly like meat and we forget to turn it over and look at the ingredients label.

00:05:06.295 --> 00:05:07.899
Yes, that is very important.

00:05:07.899 --> 00:05:12.348
But yes, now that you're describing that, maybe I got off on a little side rant there.

00:05:12.634 --> 00:05:14.081
No, it ties in perfectly.

00:05:14.314 --> 00:05:34.221
But we've been conditioned to think that we need meat, and so since we're not doing that but we still have that mindset of meat being the meal, then we're wanting a fake meat substitute, never really thinking beyond that point, that point, and I promise you you are going to get to a point where you don't even need meat or a meat sub in a meal.

00:05:34.240 --> 00:05:39.298
But when you're first starting, it is okay to transition, even with some of the fake meats.

00:05:39.298 --> 00:05:52.939
But what I want you to start doing is to turn that puppy over, read the ingredients label what is actually in there and then ask yourself are these ingredients going to bring me the future that I want?

00:05:53.119 --> 00:05:57.896
That's an excellent question, and I've even heard people say how do they get plans to look like meat?

00:05:57.896 --> 00:06:02.918
That's in that same vein of what are these ingredients that I'm reading on this list.

00:06:03.117 --> 00:06:03.319
Right.

00:06:03.319 --> 00:06:09.000
So now you're at the beginning of your transition, or maybe at the middle, but you still just miss those meaty things.

00:06:09.000 --> 00:06:21.062
Well, it's important for you to learn simple substitutes you can make that will automatically crowd out the fake meat, just like it crowds out real animal meat.

00:06:21.062 --> 00:06:24.009
We call this finding your new what?

00:06:24.009 --> 00:06:27.427
If you've been around here a long time, you should be really screaming right now.

00:06:27.447 --> 00:06:28.874
Tell us you should be screaming at us.

00:06:28.894 --> 00:06:32.357
Your new favorites, finding your new favorites.

00:06:32.357 --> 00:06:34.422
If you said favorites, listen, you're right.

00:06:34.422 --> 00:06:35.124
Now we get it.

00:06:35.124 --> 00:06:39.100
So many of us feel this way, like I couldn't possibly give up meat.

00:06:39.100 --> 00:06:42.048
I grew up in a barbecue restaurant For crying out loud.

00:06:42.134 --> 00:06:53.639
It's exactly why we take the time to answer our favorite ways to substitute meat, because you need meat substitutes in the beginning and sometimes kind of far into your journey.

00:06:53.639 --> 00:06:57.497
But that doesn't mean you have to eat fake meat substitutes with the nasty ingredients.

00:06:57.497 --> 00:07:04.877
There are so many options for simple meat substitutes that you can make yourself at home.

00:07:04.877 --> 00:07:06.944
And maybe you're thinking, anita, I don't have time for that.

00:07:06.944 --> 00:07:08.156
I don't have time for it either.

00:07:08.156 --> 00:07:20.302
That's why every one I make is super quick, super easy, and that's exactly why we share our favorite ways to substitute meat inside our five-step course and coaching program Accelerator.

00:07:20.302 --> 00:07:32.644
So if you're at a point and you're like, look, I need someone to walk me step-by-step to plant-based, the enjoyable way so I can finally feel my best, I want you to go right now and get on the wait list at powerandplantscom forward slash accelerator.

00:07:32.644 --> 00:07:51.726
This is the program that is going to make things so much quicker and easier for you, because we walk you step by step through developing the right mindset and setting up your environment for success, as well as how to make healthy, plant based eating delicious, rapid and simple, and that includes finding your new favorite meat substitutes.

00:07:51.726 --> 00:08:02.024
I list out all our favorites for you and show you how to do that inside this Quartzland coaching program so you can find out more at poweronplantscom forward slash accelerator.

00:08:02.163 --> 00:08:09.166
So, to wrap things up, you have been conditioned that meat is the meal over time, but it just doesn't have to be that way.

00:08:09.166 --> 00:08:15.773
Once you know how to make whole food, plant based eating, filling and really enjoyable, I promise you you are not going to miss it.

00:08:15.773 --> 00:08:22.737
Also, consider whether those fake meat ingredients are going to bring you to the future that you're dreaming of.

00:08:22.737 --> 00:08:27.035
Are the ingredients they're using in that fake bacon going to make your energy come back?

00:08:27.035 --> 00:08:48.602
Are they going to help you reverse your type 2 diabetes, your high cholesterol, your high blood pressure, your autoimmune disease, your IBS, your rheumatoid all the things that we consistently see people reverse when they learn how to make meat substitutes the simple, enjoyable way, using whole plant foods right in their home, in like 10 minutes or less, wrap your mind around how that would change your life and if they're ones that you actually enjoy.

00:08:48.602 --> 00:08:49.865
They actually taste good.

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You don't dread eating them.

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You're not eating them, still dreaming for the other stuff, because this tastes just as good or even better than your old favorites.

00:08:58.035 --> 00:09:09.879
And if, right now, you can't see past Beyond Burger or Impossible Meat, you don't know what you don't know, and that's why we're here sharing this valuable information with you week after week.

00:09:09.879 --> 00:09:12.123
That's why we're here sharing this valuable information with you week after week.

00:09:12.123 --> 00:09:18.711
It is possible to replicate textures and flavors without having to use fake meats and the overly processed foods that you see.

00:09:21.735 --> 00:09:32.277
You can do it with whole plant ingredients and we show you exactly how to do things like make healthy burger meat and burgers and meaty sauces and plantbased sauces and chicken nuggets that are out of this world.

00:09:32.277 --> 00:09:34.461
We just released that recipe, Tarla.

00:09:34.461 --> 00:09:37.596
My members and they're all freaking out about how good this tastes.

00:09:37.596 --> 00:09:46.462
Even the non-plant-based eating members, like some of the spouses, are just flipping over this new chicken nuggets recipe.

00:09:46.462 --> 00:09:52.923
It will blow your mind and they are going to totally flip out when I release the next recipe, which is lettuce wraps.

00:09:52.923 --> 00:09:54.125
That are going to blow their mind.

00:09:54.485 --> 00:10:00.988
This was a big life changer for us recently when I discovered how to make these lettuce wraps Super simple, super delicious.

00:10:00.988 --> 00:10:03.301
I will never miss my all favorite lettuce wraps.

00:10:03.301 --> 00:10:06.336
You know that famous Asian chain where you get your lettuce wraps.

00:10:06.336 --> 00:10:11.125
Well, I used to love those things and I will tell you I will never, ever miss them again.

00:10:11.125 --> 00:10:18.609
That is what I'm all about helping you find your new favorites that are quick and easy to make so that you never miss your old favorites again.

00:10:18.609 --> 00:10:20.693
This is how you make this lasting.

00:10:20.693 --> 00:10:22.504
This is how you make it sustainable.

00:10:22.865 --> 00:10:50.581
I cannot overemphasize the importance of finding your new favorite meat substitutes, Because when you do that, you'll automatically be crowding out all the health sabotaging options that are pre-made and available in the store for you and you'll start feeling better every single day, empowering yourself to fully live the active life that God has created you to enjoy by eating more and more plant foods every single day and loving it.

00:10:50.581 --> 00:10:51.986
This is what we're all about.

00:10:51.986 --> 00:10:59.549
This is what lights us up, because we see life change every day, learning how to do this the simple, enjoyable and delicious way.

00:10:59.549 --> 00:11:03.326
Sunshine, we are so happy you've joined us for another episode of Power Implants.

00:11:03.326 --> 00:11:05.981
If this doesn't change your life, I don't know what will.

00:11:06.182 --> 00:11:13.287
You need to walk away from this episode with some massive hope that you do not have to stay where you are in your current health struggles.

00:11:13.287 --> 00:11:16.402
There is hope and you can feel better.

00:11:16.402 --> 00:11:23.746
Just take one step today, one thing you've learned, put it into practice from this episode and, day by day, you're going to start feeling better.

00:11:23.746 --> 00:11:25.370
Then get the cookbooks.

00:11:25.370 --> 00:11:27.263
Start trying the new recipes.

00:11:27.263 --> 00:11:29.511
Our cookbooks will change your life.

00:11:29.511 --> 00:11:32.261
You can grab those at powerandplantscom forward slash cookbook.

00:11:32.261 --> 00:11:37.984
Then the next step is get inside accelerator and learn the exact formula, step by step.

00:11:37.984 --> 00:11:40.450
Fast pace yourself to plant based joy.

00:11:40.450 --> 00:11:45.809
Fast pace yourself to all the dreams that are waiting for you on the other side of learning how to do this in the way.

00:11:45.809 --> 00:11:47.121
That is actually exciting.

00:11:47.121 --> 00:11:55.668
Start today, take the one step and then the next step is going to build upon the last, and before long you'll be actually living the life that you could only dream about before.

00:11:55.668 --> 00:12:02.001
Sunshine, we love you, we care about you, Know that you are prayed for and we can't wait to see you again very soon.

00:12:02.001 --> 00:12:09.167
Thank you.