#NationalVegetarianWeek - Why Should I Reduce my Meat Consumption?

This past week (May 13th-19th) it has been the UK's National Vegetarian Week. One in eight people living in the UK would identify themselves as a vegetarian or vegan and one third of people in the UK are actively trying to reduce their meat consumption [1]. This post is to explore and clarify what it means to be a vegetarian or vegan but it is NOT to force you to become one!!! (I would be a hypocrite otherwise!). Instead I want to present to you the benefits about reducing meat consumption, but not necessarily rule it out of your diet.

DEFINITION

To clarify, a vegetarian diet can include: Vegetables and fruits, grains and pulses, nuts and seeds, eggs, dairy products and honey. It does not include: Meat or poultry, fish or seafood, insects, gelatine or animal rennet and stock or fat from animals. In addition to this, a vegan diet does also not include eggs, dairy products or honey. [2]

THE CURRENT IMPACT

In a Yougov survey [3] in which 1,819 British adult respondents, it was reported that:

25% British public have cut back on meat in the past year
34% are willing to consider eating less meat
There has been a significant increase in the awareness of the environmental impact of eating meat, from 14% in 2007 to 31% in 2013
Animal welfare was the primary concern for people considering eating less meat
There is a growing market for meat-free eating

REASONS TO REDUCE YOUR MEAT CONSUMPTION

1) Health

Public Health England [4] express that it is important to eat a diet low in saturated fat and high in whole grains and fresh fruit and vegetables. By eating a balanced diet based on whole grains, pulses, vegetables and fruits, nuts and seeds you should easily exceed the guidelines for eating 5-A-Day and your meals will be naturally high in fibre and low in saturated fat.
A diet high in red meat or processed meat consumption correlates with an increased risk in developing colorectal cancer. This is one of the highly evidenced facts out there, in terms of reducing meat consumption and NHS.gov recommends that adults who eat over 90g red or processed meat a day should reduce their consumption to 70g or less. You can find helpful advice on how to do this on their website [5]
However, one of the biggest concerns people have about vegetarian or vegan nutrition is where to get the nutrients that typically come from meat and fish (such as protein, iron, calcium, zinc, vitamin B12, and omega 3). There are plenty of alternative options out there, check out the eatwell guide below!

2) Environment

Reduce Carbon - The whole food production process of food coming from the farm to our plates, totals 30% of all global greenhouse gas emissions [6]. It is also well known that our planet is heating up so by replacing meat with vegetarian sources of protein (such as nuts, seeds, beans and lentils), we can reduce carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions.
Save Land and Water Usage - More agricultural land is required to raise cattle than all other domesticated animals and crops combined. By reducing meat consumption or eating a vegetarian diet, requires 2.5 times less the amount of land needed to grow food, compared to a meat-based diet [7]. Livestock in the UK eat more than half of the 20 million tonnes of cereal grown (which is over 50% of wheat and 60% of barley [9]).

3) Money

Consuming less meat will ultimately save you money. The average cost of chicken breasts per pound is £4, whereas alternative protein sources such as dried beans and lentils average at about £1 in cost per pound.

THE BENEFITS OF MEAT CONSUMPTION

Meat contains a large amount of protein, which is said to improve the overall health and well-being of one’s body. This is because it promotes repair and building of body tissues as well as the production of antibodies that will protect the body from infections, which strengthens the immune system [10].
Meat is rich in nutrients such as iron, zinc and selenium. Medical daily says, "while iron helps in forming haemoglobin that transports oxygen to different parts of your body, zinc helps in tissue formation and metabolism as well as selenium breaks down the fat and chemicals in the body" [11].
Meat is also high in Vitamins A, B and D , which promote good vision, stronger teeth and bones but it also support the central nervous system, resulting in promoting one's mental health.
Unknown by a lot of people, consumption of fish is a very sustainable way of getting your required protein. This is because fish do not require the land and water usage that other land animals require, so it has a very small carbon footprint. In order to ensure the fish you are purchasing is fished in a sustainable way and is not subject to over-fishing - look out for the MSC label on the fish packets [12].

TIPS

1) If you are thinking of going vegetarian or vegan, ensure to get all key food groups and nutrients into your diet (see the vegetarian eatwell guide).

2) Reduce your red meat consumption to white meats (such as chicken and turkey).

3) Buy sustainable fish by purchasing products with the MSC label.

4) Get involved with popular meat free campaigns such as 'Meat Free Mondays' to encourage just one day a week of no meat consumption - you'll find there are lots of alternative and tasty meals to be discovered!

4) Remember that meat does have a lot of good health benefits, but too much can cause detrimental effects to your health and to the environment.

Lots of Love

Ruth xxx