by Lauren Hodges, Sunshima blog writer
National Vegetarian Week (10 – 16th May 2021) seeks to highlight just how delicious and varied vegetarian recipes can be, as well as the environmental and health benefits of reducing our meat consumption.
The physical need to eat meat has been under debate for several decades now with some saying it shouldn’t be eaten at all, others saying we should be eating meat every day. Even doctors are split on the subject. There is a general recognition however of the benefits of skipping meat a couple of days per week, and it’s surprisingly easy to do so.
Reduced environmental impact
In a time where we are more aware of climate change, the meat industry is among the leading causes of environmental damage due to factory farming. Intensive livestock farming puts out an extremely high level of greenhouse gases, especially methane, and requires the consumption of water and fossil fuels at a rate which seems excessive compared to other non-meat food production methods. All of these factors play a direct role in global warming, air pollution and deforestation.
Aquafarming and commercial fishing can also have terrible effects on the environment and are the cause of a large amount of the pollution of our oceans. Many of the fish raised in aquafarms are predators, so they naturally eat smaller fish, causing billions of wild fish to be caught to feed the farmed fish. This means that aquafarming not only generates large amounts of waste but also creates more industrial fishing. The United Nations FAO reported that overfishing has reduced the percentage of fish stocks that are sustainable from 90% in 1990 to 66% in 2017 and called for global action to ensure that sustainable fishing policies are adopted around the world.
By limiting how much meat and fish we eat, we can contribute to reducing our environmental impact and help keep our planet safe for us and for future generations.
Reduced risk of physical diseases
Another benefit of eating less meat is to avoid the health risks of eating too much of it. Meat is a source of protein, energy from fat, and vitamins, and has been an important though limited source of nutrition for us throughout our evolution. However, easy access to cheap, intensively farmed meat (including beefburgers) has introduced a level of fat consumption to our diets that is far higher than our bodies need, leading to a variety of physical ailments including,
- Obesity
- Heart disease
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Cancer
- Stroke
- Heart failure
If we decrease the amount of meat we eat every day, or skip meat a few days a week, we can reduce our risk of these ailments and live longer, healthier, happier lives!
Reduced animal cruelty/suffering
Many people choose vegetarianism because they cannot bear the thought of animals in slaughterhouses. In many cases of intensive farming, animals are kept in cages too small for their natural requirements, calves are taken from their mother before they are weaned, and chickens and other poultry are reared in unsanitary conditions. These animals feel physical and emotional pain just like we do, so why we do allow them to suffer when we do not have to?
Reducing your meat consumption means there is less pressure on farmers to use intensive methods to meet the high demand for meat, and choosing free range or organic products can greatly improve the living standards of farmed animals.
Super simple and delicious vegetarian recipes!
These recipes show just how easy it is to make and enjoy vegetarian dishes and there are more on the National Vegetarian Week website.
- Buddha Bowls: High protein and fiber bowls without the need for meat!
- Vegan Chili: Another high protein dish, but since it’s vegan, it can actually be served hot or cold making it lovely even on a spring or summer day!
- Mixed bean salad: A delicious and colorful meal that can be served warmed or straight out of the fridge. Filled with your favorite vegetables and protein sources!
- Mushroom burgers: Ideal for anyone looking for that meaty texture during a summer barbeque!
- Mexican loaded baked potatoes: Filled with carbs and protein, this dish is full of flavor and nutrients that will keep you full and satisfied for hours!