Products like "no-chicken chicken nuggets" aren’t as healthy as they may seem. “Often, these substitutes are high in sodium,” Michalczyk says. Check the label: if something has 400 mg or more of sodium per serving, that’s a no-go.
You should also watch out for artificial ingredients, preservatives, and processed oils. Products "that contain a lot of preservatives are most likely are low in every other nutrient vegans need (protein, vitamin B12, minerals like iron, etc.)," says Michalczyk.
Look for packages that list beans or legumes as the first ingredient, she says. Beans and legumes are two healthy sources of pure plant protein, as well as quinoa and hemp. Quinoa is great because it contains the amino acid lysine, which makes it a complete plant-based protein, and hemp is packed with protein and fiber to fill you up.
For a healthier alternative, Michalczyk likes Beyond Meat grilled chicken strips ($27.86 for 9 oz.).
