I have cut back big time on red meat the last six months after getting a blood test. The blood test said I my cholesterol was getting high and I was getting into the pre-diabetic stage of diabetes.
I did some research and found some excellent documentaries on Netflix about the benefits of eating vegetarian. “What the Health” which is free to watch on YouTube as well. It showed me that I had essentially been taught to eat red meat through advertisement my whole life, but in actuality it really didn’t fit with my values and was likely giving me these poor numbers at the dotor.
Another documentary I really enjoyed was “Game Changers” on Netflix, that also stressed many of these same points. I have always been an athlete and when I tried eating vegetarian felt depleted. The documentary follows the journey of a several athletes who document their transformation following eating a vegetarian diet. The results were impressive for both health and gains in strength and stamina.
Full vegetarian is still pretty tough, but I try to keep it full vegetarian for at least half the week with veggie burgers and meat substitutes making up the protein sources for the day and I have to say I feel much better. I have lost a lot of fat since the summer when I started this journey and physically am in really good shape.
I can run better, lift longer, recover faster, and maintain a healthier weight just by making a few simple changes. I still love eating chicken and shrimp so those are my treats, but I try to prepare them in ways that minimize the fat intake. My kids have started eating healthier by default since my partner and I have made this change, which is a definite positive outcome as well.
In the future, I hope to go closer to full vegetarian, especially as I get older and my body begins to breakdown. The health benefits can be immense from a full vegetarian diet.
Top Ten Reasons to Stop Eating Red Meat
Here are ten reasons to stop eating red meat, with links to supporting information:
- Increased Cancer Risk: Red meat, especially processed varieties, is linked to colorectal and other cancers due to carcinogenic compounds formed during cooking and processing. Learn more at MD Anderson Cancer Center and Cancer Research UK.
- Heart Health Concerns: High in saturated fats, red meat can raise LDL cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. See insights from the American Heart Association and Mayo Clinic.
- Environmental Impact: Red meat production contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water use. Find details at The Guardian and FAO of the United Nations.
- E. Coli and Foodborne Illness: Beef is a common source of E. Coli, a bacterium linked to severe foodborne illnesses. Read more at CDC and Food Safety News.
- Water Scarcity: Producing beef requires vast amounts of water compared to plant-based foods, putting strain on global freshwater resources. Learn more from the Water Footprint Network.
- Obesity and Weight Control: Red meat’s high calorie and saturated fat content contribute to weight gain and obesity-related health issues. See advice at Mayo Clinic and Eat Right.
- Improved Longevity: Plant-based diets are linked to reduced mortality and better overall health compared to diets high in red meat. Check out research from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
- Digestive Health: Red meat can increase the risk of diverticulitis and other digestive disorders due to its impact on gut health. Learn more at WebMD.
- Ethical Considerations: Factory farming raises concerns about animal welfare, motivating many to reduce red meat consumption. Explore perspectives at ASPCA and PETA.
- Easier Transition to Healthy Diets: Reducing red meat helps integrate plant-based proteins, whole grains, and vegetables, improving diet quality. See tips from Mayo Clinic and USDA Dietary Guidelines.
These reasons show how cutting back on red meat can benefit your health, the environment, and ethical living.
Top Ten Websites for Changing to a Vegetarian Diet
If you’re looking to transition to a vegetarian lifestyle, there are excellent resources available to guide and support you. Here’s a list of ten websites that can help with recipes, nutritional advice, and tips for making the change sustainable:
- Forks Over Knives – Focuses on whole-food, plant-based diets with recipes, meal plans, and advice on health benefits. Visit Forks Over KnivesVegetarian TimesForks Over Knives.
- Vegetarian Times – Offers beginner-friendly tips, recipes, and meal prep ideas for transitioning to vegetarianism. Visit Vegetarian TimesVegetarian Times.
- I Love Vegan – Provides step-by-step guides for going vegetarian or vegan, along with tips for grocery shopping and meal ideas. Visit I Love VeganI LOVE VEGAN.
- The Minimalist Baker – Known for simple vegetarian and vegan recipes with minimal ingredients, making it accessible for beginners. Visit Minimalist BakerVegetarian Times.
- Oh She Glows – Features wholesome vegetarian and vegan recipes, focusing on health-conscious eating. Visit Oh She GlowsI LOVE VEGAN.
- Plant-Based News – A platform that covers health, ethical, and environmental news related to plant-based living. Visit Plant-Based NewsVegetarian Times.
- Nutritional Research Foundation – Offers evidence-based advice on the health benefits of plant-based diets and resources for making the switch. Visit Nutritional Research FoundationForks Over Knives.
- Veganuary – Perfect for those trying out vegetarian or vegan eating in January or anytime, with free guides and meal plans. Visit VeganuaryVegetarian TimesForks Over Knives.
- The Happy Herbivore – Specializes in quick, budget-friendly plant-based recipes and lifestyle advice. Visit The Happy HerbivoreVegetarian Times.
- World Resources Institute – Food and Land Use – Provides insight into how plant-based diets benefit the environment, complementing the ethical aspects of vegetarianism. Visit WRIVegetarian TimesForks Over Knives.
These resources can guide you through meal planning, understanding plant-based nutrition, and exploring delicious recipes. Whether you’re a beginner or looking for advanced advice, these websites have you covered.
Top Ten Sources for Great Family Vegetarian Meals
Here’s a list of ten great websites for vegetarian recipes to inspire your plant-based cooking journey:
- Love and Lemons – Offers a wide range of beautifully photographed vegetarian and vegan recipes, including soups, pastas, and creative salads. Their focus is on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Visit Love and LemonsLove and Lemons.
- Oh My Veggies – A fantastic resource for both beginner and seasoned vegetarians, featuring easy and creative dishes such as Moroccan stews and baked tofu recipes. Explore Oh My VeggiesOh My Veggies.
- Minimalist Baker – Known for its simple, plant-based recipes requiring ten ingredients or less, this site offers everything from hearty mains to quick snacks. Discover Minimalist BakerCookie and Kate.
- VegWeb – One of the largest collections of vegetarian and vegan recipes online, ranging from comfort foods to gourmet options. Check out VegWebVegWeb.
- Cookie and Kate – Focused on healthy and approachable vegetarian recipes, their dishes are made with whole, fresh ingredients. Visit Cookie and KateCookie and Kate.
- Vegetarian Times – A long-standing favorite, this site offers a vast archive of recipes along with tips for transitioning to a vegetarian lifestyle. Explore Vegetarian TimesCookie and Kate.
- Plant-Based on a Budget – Perfect for those looking to eat vegetarian or vegan without breaking the bank. Recipes are cost-effective and delicious. Visit Plant-Based on a BudgetCookie and Kate.
- The Spruce Eats (Vegetarian Section) – A mainstream cooking site with a dedicated section for vegetarian recipes, covering a wide range of cuisines. Explore The Spruce EatsCookie and Kate.
- BBC Good Food (Vegetarian) – Offers a variety of global vegetarian recipes, including quick meals and indulgent desserts. Visit BBC Good FoodCookie and Kate.
- Epicurious (Vegetarian) – Features curated vegetarian recipes that are flavorful and easy to prepare, perfect for food enthusiasts. Explore EpicuriousCookie and Kate.
These websites cater to diverse tastes and preferences, making them excellent resources for exploring vegetarian cuisine.
Thanks for stopping by my blog and reading, “Top Ten Reasons To Stop Eating Red Meat Right Now“. I hope you had a fantastically wonderful stupendous holiday. Likes, follows, and subscribers are always appreciated!
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