Did you know that the average American eats half a pound of meat per day? That’s 180 pounds per year. While meat is a great source of protein for the body, many foods are just as effective. More and more people are beginning to understand the benefits of limiting meat intake throughout the week. Reducing global meat consumption could improve health, the environment and the economy; it’s a win-win situation for all. Improve overall health:
Reduce heart disease and stroke, limit cancer risk, fight diabetes, curb obesity, longer longevity -- sounds great, right? These are some of the many health benefits you may experience by incorporating a low meat diet into your life. Adopting this diet can be a fantastic entry into experiencing better health.
Help the environment:
“There has never been a better time to go green by eating green.” We all want (or we should want) to help the planet, but how can we as an individual do this? It is easier than you think -- cut out meat, even just once a week, from your diet. By going vegetarian, we can reduce the impact of climate change and pollution while saving water and other resources. Did you know that raising animals for food produces more greenhouse gas emissions than all of the cars, planes and other forms of transportation combined? Food for thought: If the world ate 15 percent less meat, it would be like taking 240 million cars off the road each year.
Save money:
Reducing meat consumption could save you tremendous amounts of money each year. Due to meat’s high per-capita healthcare costs the country could save $180 billion if the population ate according to recommended nutrition guidelines. Though it may seem challenging to serve healthy meals on a budget, going meatless once a week can help conserve money for more fruits and vegetables. Aside from cutting your weekly food bill (meat costs a lot of money), it will also curb healthcare spending. In the United States chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes cause seven in ten deaths each year and account for 75 percent of the $2 trillion spent on medical care. Red meat, especially processed meat, contains ingredients that have been linked to increased risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease. Spare your wallet and your health by consuming less meat.
Bottom Line: Consuming meat is not a bad thing or something to judge others for doing. Whether you’re thinking of going vegan, vegetarian or simply reducing your meat intake, there are plenty of great reasons to lower your consumption. Give it a try.
Written by: Leigh Hullett, Wellness Workdays Dietetic Intern
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