GOING MEAT FREE
We’re told cutting back is good for us and the planet, but what difference can it really make?
I recycle, take public transport and grow my own veggies. Do I also have to give up my turkey, ham and stuffing at Christmas?
It’s not so much about giving up meat but rather eating less of it and, whenever we do eat it, choosing higher welfare meat, such as organic or grass fed. Choose a high-welfare turkey and have plenty of vegetable dishes. Meat stuffing can be replaced with a vegetarian alternative.
What’s the best way to eat less meat?
Embrace Meat Free Monday by having one meat-free day a week. Intensive meat production generates very high greenhouse gas emissions and uses huge amounts of water, so eating less meat is an easy way to make a difference to the environment. About 33 per cent of our total arable land is used to grow animal feed, land we could use to grow food for ourselves instead.
Are there any health benefits?
Meat, especially red meat, can be high in saturated fats, which can increase cholesterol and the risk of developing coronary heart disease. High meat consumption has also been linked to cancer, type 2 diabetes and chronic inflammation. Eating too much meat can contribute to weight gain, not only because of the fat content but also because meat contains no fibre. In contrast, vegetables, fruit, wholegrains, pulses and beans are loaded with essential nutrients and fibre, which are beneficial to our health.
Can cutting out meat prevent illness?
In 2015, the World Health Organisation linked high consumption of processed and red meat to certain types of cancer. For example, eating 50g of processed meat daily increases the risk of colorectal cancer by 18 per cent.
My family is resistant to change. How can I convince them?
Many people assume that vegetarian or vegan cuisine is tasteless, but it can be delicious, so invest in a few meat-free cookbooks. There are plenty of tasty vegetarian or vegan alternatives to many meat-based dishes such as curries, pies and Bolognese. You can also start reducing the amount of meat in certain dishes such as lasagne, moussaka or pasta by using half meat and half pulses for the filling or sauce.
You can read Annabelle’s blog at theflexitarian.co.uk. For recipe ideas, visit meatfreemondays.com