Eating Less Meat – The Benifits are Numerous
by How can eating less meat be healthy for you and for the environment. Some benefits to eating less meat. You don’t have to be a vegetarian to benefit from eating less meat.
Image via Wikipedia
Many families are turning to a diet lighter on the meat. Not only is it easier on the pocket book but it can be healthier for you and the environment as well.
The Health Note – Generally vegetarians live very healthy lives and tend to have less problems with obesity. They tend to eat fewer calories, less fat and have more fiber in their diets. When meat is removed from the diet it should be replaced by healthy vegetables, fruits, grains and dairy products (unless you are vegan). Some research shows that vegetarians generally have a lower incidence of heart disease as well.
The Protein Note – Meat is high in protein which your body needs for a healthy balance. When reducing or removing meat from the diet you have to be conscious about balancing your diet with foods that are high in protein like eggs, beans, peas, soy products, seeds and nuts. The average adult needs about 10 – 30% of their daily calories to be from protein sources.
Options to Replace Meat – Although your goal may not be to become a total vegetarian, reducing the amounts of red meats from your diet will help to lower your cholesterol and fat. Replacing red meats with white meats and fish can also help to improve your health and reduce excess weight.
When there is Meat on the Menu – When there is meat on the menu be sure to adjust the serving size to about 3 ounces of meat. This can be done by using meat as an accompaniment, as in a stir fry. Make the focus of the meal on the vegetables and fruits and make them more exciting. Try some new recipes you will be surprised how tasty the vegetarian dishes can be. If you are dining out or at a dinner party serve yourself up larger portions of vegetables, bread, and fruit; therefore minimizing the amount of meat that you eat.
How to wean your self from a high meat diet – If you have been eating a lot of meat and want to cut back for whatever the reason (healthier lifestyle, saving money, etc.) try cutting out meat in two of three meals. Begin slowly, if it feels right then cut back the portion size of your meat. Eventually cut back your red meat to no more than two meals a week – try replacing them with fish or chicken at first. Eventually you will not crave meat like you might at first.
We can afford to live on less meat – If everyone cut back their consumption of meat, the environment would be a better place. Less meat means less cattle and waste run-off from the feed lots into local streams and ponds. There would be less damage to the fields through grazing and less land would be required to grow the grains and corn to feed those cattle, pigs, chickens, etc. These ranch lands could grow a greater variety of foods for all to eat.
Liked it
