There are several reasons to cut meat out of your diet. In today’s America, we often over consume meat beyond its nutritional value. It has become an expected part of each meal. It is a common misconception that meat is the only way to get essential vitamins like iron and protein, however this is not the case. Beans, quinoa and leafy greens are full of vitamins! Apart from a nutritional perspective, there are the animals. Society has normalized the abuse of animals in the name of the highly profitable, meat industry. Here are some things to think about while making the transition:
1. Meat Substitutes are your friend.
It is common for people to associate vegetarianism with tofu. It is my pleasure to announce that there are more options out there (although when cooked correctly, tofu can be quite tasty!). Whether you like burgers, meatballs, sausages or even chicken tenders, there is a substitution out there for you. Try not to think of your diet as restricting, but rather replacing. You can buy plant based options at most grocery stores nowadays.
2. You don’t have to go “cold turkey.”
Start with one day a week. When you go out, browse your favorite restaurant’s meatless options. Making large meals that last a few days is also helpful. Think of it as a game to try new foods! Cutting down on meat a little at a time will not only help reduce your environmental footprint, but help others around you may also begin to catch on and make larger-scale impact.
3. Do your research and practice empathy.
Sometimes, the best motivator for cutting meat out of your diet is being aware of the dark truth behind the meat packing industry. Our culture creates a hierarchy of empathy for living things and although it values the lives of domesticated animals like cats and dogs, livestock such as cows, pigs and chickens are considered an asset.
By gradually cutting meat out of your diet, it is more than possible to get all essential nutrients, without harming animals.