Reducetarians: the new movement in eating less meat

This year, there has been a spiking trend in eating less meat, with popular campaigns such as Veganuary and meat free Monday’s. 

Now, we have the Reducetarians – a movement of people who establish personal goals for reducing meat consumption, to benefit themselves and the environment.

Are you part of the movement or are you wondering how it could benefit your family?

Why eat less meat?

There is credible concern about sustaining a growing population of carnivores; the impact of industrial farming on livestock, ecology and ultimately public health.

We all know that the type of meat we eat has an impact on health, with red and processed meats having the worst statistics for our health: research from Cancer Research UK estimates that those who ate the most processed meat had around a 17 per cent higher risk of developing bowel cancer, compared to those who ate the least. (Cancer Research UK)

The livestock sector also generates as much greenhouse gas emissions as the automobile industry and it is making our planet sick. (Greenpeace, UK)

If we care about our carbon footprint, we have to care about what we eat as much as what we drive.

Could there be a win-win solution?

These facts are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the impact on our health and the environment, but I believe it doesn’t have to be an all or nothing solution.

Your family may enjoy meat as a healthy form of protein and energy, it could be part of your cultural identity and heritage or act as the centrepiece to your evening meal.

If this is the case it can be downright intimidating to start thinking of meat-free alternatives that the whole family will enjoy.

There is a way you can make eating meat work for your family and get more enjoyment from it and here are my tips to do so:

• Reduce processed meat first, there is really very little that your body can benefit from eating this low grade product, it is likely to be overly seasoned, poor quality cuts and ultimately very bad for your health. Make this an “out only” food, rather than a family staple. (FYI anything that is cured, salted or smoked is a processed meat)
• Cut down red meat consumption: many households will have family favourite meals such as bolognese, steak and lasagna that they don’t want to give up – you don’t have to but you can find ways of reducing the amount you need and adding in health benefits. Bolognese can be bulked up with cooked lentils and grated carrot and still have the same great taste as its traditional counterpart.
• Eat better quality meat: If you cut down your meat consumption you may be able to afford to buy better quality meat. The better quality you buy, the better it is for your health. Happy, free range animals are leaner, eat a better variety of diet, and are less likely to get sick than their mass farmed counterparts. Support your local butchers so you can be sure your local farming community will also benefit.
• Pick a day (or two) to go veggie: Over the next month I will be releasing some tried and tested vegetarian recipes that your family can enjoy, pick a day a week to try out something new and get your family involved in the process. If you would like these recipes sent straight to your news-feed, then like my Facebook page