Since December 27 2021, I have not consumed any meat. I am attempting to become vegan, but I am currently vegetarian and consume ghee, fish oil supplements, and occasionally cheese. What brought on my desire to make this change was watching a documentary called “Game Changers” and my sister wanting my family to reduce meat intake to help the planet. The main ideas that resonated with me in the documentary were reduced inflammation and enhanced recovery. This blog will focus on the reduction of meat products.
What Do People Have Against Veganism or Vegetarianism?
Many people believe that completely eliminating meat may not be effective because some vegans have deficiencies in vitamins, especially Vitamin B12, typically found in meat products. It is important to note that some vegans eat a ton of processed and junk food which does not have the nutrients needed in people’s diets. As long as you eat minimally processed whole fruits and vegetables (being the main carbohydrates in someone’s diet) and get things like vegan protein powder and plant-based meat products, you should be okay. Another concern for some people is not getting enough healthy fats. Different types of vegetable oils, nut butter, nuts, vegan ghee, avocados, dark chocolate, chia seeds and more have healthy fats. I would also recommend supplementing for Vitamin B12, vegan omega-3 fatty acids, and other supplements that a blood test can inform you on. I believe that if you get the right amount of nutrients, any diet should be okay. For now, I will continue to monitor myself and see what positive or negative changes will result.
How Should You Reduce Meat Intake?
For most people, asking people to complete eliminate meat is incredibly difficult. A better approach is for people to slowly reduce their meat intake to maybe 3-4 meat servings a week. If you are eating animals on land, try to find animals who are created kindly, grass-fed, pasture-raised, and organic. I would also recommend reducing your red meat intake and eating white meat like fish and chicken instead. People consider red meat the worst meat for people to eat, especially if they eat it frequently. Instead of eating making, you can find plant-based meat substitutes, eat tofu and tempeh, eat more vegetables and fruits, drink smoothies, and experiment with plant foods. Many guides can help you make delicious meals without using any meat. For some reason, I have heard people say that vegans eat a leaf of spinach for dinner. This is an absurd stereotype. There are so many meals you can eat without meat; it is a matter of you exploring to find them.
What Are Some Benefits Of Eating Less Meat?
The benefits I have found so far of eating no meat is that I have more energy, I am sleeping better, I do not have as much stress, and I do not feel as bloated after meals. I also feel better that I am eating meals without directly causing a loss of life to an animal. I used to think that you needed meat to survive, but it is crazy to think this may not be the case. As long as you are careful and ensure you are getting enough nutrients. Healthline’s article “6 Benefits of Not Eating Meat (or at Least Less of It), states that eating less meat supports good overall health and weight management. It is also possible that it could improve the gut microbiome and may help reduce the risk of heart disease. My favourite thing about eating less meat is that it could reduce inflammation, which is incredible considering that muscular dystrophy leads to more inflammation throughout the body.
Please Be Careful If You Go Vegan Or Vegetarian?
While many people think that there are some benefits of going vegan or vegetarian, this is assuming that you are getting enough nutrients and eating minimally processed fruits and vegetables. Being vegan and eating processed foods is not associated with the same benefits and can be more damaging than eating meat. Due to some nutritional deficiencies, some have reported a reduction in bone density, so it is essential to get regular blood tests to make sure you are not deficient in vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and minerals. If you go vegan and notice any side effects, I would recommend consulting a doctor to see what the issue is.
Final Insights About Eating Less Meat
You could enjoy the benefits of eating less meat without eliminating it, so I believe this is the most practical approach for the general population. That way, you avoid the risks of being vegan and can continue to eat some meat and have a more flexible diet where you are not worrying about if something is vegan or not. I will recommend experimenting with what you are comfortable with. If you decide to eliminate meat, make sure you plan and ensure you are getting enough nutrients. Overall, my body feels fantastic with reducing the amount of meat I eat, so I hope you enjoy similar benefits.
