Heart disease is the leading cause of death among Americans; high cholesterol is a major factor in this pandemic. According to the CDC, a staggering rate of 1 in 6 Americans has high cholesterol. It’s no secret that one of the many benefits of a plant-based diet is maintaining low levels of cholesterol, and well, that’s good thing.

It can be difficult to know where to start if you’re a meat eater looking for plant-based alternatives, but you need not look further! Below are 5 delicious plant-based alternatives that any meat eater will say, “YES!” to.

(Need some inspiration for going vegan/plant-based? Click the ‘Inspiration’ link below each entry.)

1. The Chicken Patty Sandwich

An 88g chicken patty packs a whopping 260 calories (149 of which are from fat), 16.5g of fat (and not the good kind), and has 48mg of cholesterol. These numbers don’t even include all the fixings! Well, thank goodness there’s tofu!

Try this Baked Tofu recipe and use the baked tofu slices as you would in a chicken patty sandwich. Just add all of your favorite fixings! This recipe is excellent because it allows you to use the baked tofu in a variety of different ways, and not just as a patty.

Inspiration

2. The Burger

Want to enjoy a burger with all the extras, but without the “extras”? Trade in the 180 calories of a 3oz burger, for the slim 80 calories of a 3oz serving of tofu. With 39% less fat and 100% less cholesterol, you can’t beat the benefits of going beefless. This Vietnamese Banh Mi Sandwich will help you to discover just how delicious tofu can be.

Not in the mood for Vietnamese fare? No problem. Try this delicious recipe for a Reuben (and a beer). Or, if you want to skip the tofu all together, try this recipe for The Ultimate Veggie Burger.

Inspiration

3. Italian Sausage

A single serving of the average sausage link is 190 calories (143 are fat calories), and 47mg of cholesterol (among other unhealthy values). You don’t need to be a health enthusiast to know that those numbers aren’t good for you. Why not go with a plant-based and cholesterol-free alternative? Your heart will thank you! Try this lean and clean Homemade Italian Sausage. Put it on your pizza, or eat it with your toast in the morning. This versatile guilt-free alternative can be used in many ways.

Inspiration

4. Breakfast Burritos

Breakfast has never been the same since the breakfast burrito made its way to fast food joints. But who really wants a heavy breakfast to weigh them down throughout the morning? Wrap this Tofu Scramble in a flour tortilla and viola! Breakfast on the go is served!

It will give you the taste and satisfaction of a meat-based burrito, but without all of the excess fat, calories, or cholesterol. It’s definitely a hearty breakfast one can feel good about eating. Just add your favorite hot sauce!

Inspiration

5. Seafood

Pescetarians, take note! Now you can truly call yourselves vegetarians! With these two recipes you can have your crab cake and eat it too!

These Tofu Scallops are excellent. Just add them to any dish that you would add scallops to. Not a fan of scallops? Try these Crab Cakes (because who doesn’t love the spices and flavor of crab cakes). You’ll never have to awkwardly say, “I’m a vegetarian, but I eat seafood.” Now, you can proudly say, “I’m a vegetarian!”

Inspiration