Fasting – mission possible!

Make Lent tastier with Zelen! In this article, you'll find ideas on how to replace meat, dairy, and animal products, without missing them at all.

When it comes to fasting, you might imagine a meager menu, consisting primarily of legumes, fruits, and vegetables. But did you know that it can actually include a diverse and very delicious food that you didn't even know existed?

MEAT SUBSTITUTES
Yes, as strange as it may sound, there is a plant-based alternative to steaks, and it's called seitan. Seitan is made from wheat protein, low in fat. Its taste and texture are so similar to meat that even the biggest connoisseurs would struggle to tell the difference if they didn't know what they were eating. Seitan can replace meat in any recipe! It is sold in the form of "steaks," and there are varieties with the taste and consistency of chicken or pork.

Another meat substitute is tempeh. It is made from whole soybeans, which means it has a rather uneven texture. It contains large amounts of protein, fiber, and antioxidants. Tempeh has a complex flavor that can be likened to a mix of nutty, meaty, and mushroom flavors. You must try marinated tempeh!

If you want to make moussaka or stuffed peppers and are wondering what to replace the minced meat with, use soy meat. This is a product that is not only a good source of protein but also rich in fiber, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B12.

Our personal favorite during fasting is the textured proteins from Dragon Superfoods. They are a vegan alternative to meat, made from pea protein, black bean protein (fava bean), and a pinch of salt. Moreover, they do not contain soy, flavor enhancers, or allergens.

CHEESE AND YELLOW CHEESE SUBSTITUTES
Did you know that you can actually eat cheese and yellow cheese to your heart's content, without breaking your fast? How? By using Violife's plant-based vegan products. They do not contain milk, lactose, GMOs, or gluten. They taste like the familiar yellow cheeses made from cow's milk, melt wonderfully, and have a stretchy texture.

If you want to add cheese to your Lenten menu, then you should stock up on tofu! This is a soy product that will provide you with the necessary proteins and fats. Natural tofu has an almost neutral taste and is suitable for preparing recipes containing cheese, as well as various soups and desserts. If you want something with more flavor, you can add seasoned tofu or tofu with peppers to your salad.

And if you are looking for something that is very close to cheese in both taste and consistency, you absolutely must try Delishu's vegan cashew cheese! Just one package of it will give you a whopping 58 billion Lactobacillus Bulgaricus, 65 billion S.Thermophilus, and 2 billion Lactobacillus Acidophilus. These bacteria help you have a healthy stomach, good digestion, and high immunity.

PLANT-BASED DRINKS
Fortunately, plant-based milk substitutes are becoming increasingly popular and sought after. Today, all kinds of varieties are available on the market, such as soy, rice, almond, hemp, oat, and coconut milk. They are perfect for making shakes and smoothies, breakfast meals, desserts, and even for direct consumption. On our website, you can find an extremely rich selection of plant-based drinks from The Bridge.

DAIRY SUBSTITUTES
As strange as it may sound, there are butters, mayonnaises, and creams made entirely from plant-based products, which in no way lag behind traditional ones.

VEGAN SWEET TREATS
Don't think we've skipped the most important part! During fasting, you won't even have to deprive yourself of sweet treats. Chocolates, pralines, spreads, puddings, and many more – all without milk, lactose, and animal products. The selection of sweet temptations is so rich that you will surely find at least one product you'll want to try again.

To further encourage your desire to fast, we will mention the two main advantages of observing the custom:
 

• You detoxify your body by providing it with the necessary fiber and carbohydrates, which help cleanse fat deposits of accumulated harmful residues from consuming animal products.
• You consistently take holistic care of yourself, simultaneously toning your body and uplifting your spirit and energy.
  
  Fasting doesn't seem like such a big challenge anymore, does it?
  In ZELEN Organic Shop, you will find everything you need to be completely full and happy during fasting – vegan cheeses, plant-based milks, coconut oil, unique desserts, and other delicious treats without any dairy or animal products.