In ancient times before modern-day refrigeration, meat was a luxury. After an animal was slaughtered, families would enjoy what they could immediately, before preserving the meat by drying, pickling, salting, smoking or fermenting it for later use1. The same accounted for milk, they would turn it into hard cheese which could be consumed much later1. It was normal to go days with just eating plant-based foods or whatever was available in the area and in season. Today, we are spoilt for choice. If one’s fridge is empty, the store just down the road has a wide variety of meats in all different cuts to choose from and eat in every meal as many of us so please. Many now regard a meal without meat as incomplete. The question is, do we truly understand the impact of this on our health and the planet?
Reasons to eat less meat
For your health:
Eating too much meat can have an impact on your health. Cut down on those burgers, steaks, fried chicken and hot dogs. Observational studies have shown that too much meat can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke and certain cancers2. It also increases acidosis in the body. An acidic body is one which is confused, lethargic, sleepless, prone to headaches and shortness of breath.
Fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, wholegrains, and legumes are not only a good source of fiber for a healthy gut, but also contain antioxidants and phytonutrients which have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body3. These are nutritional powerhouses that, when eaten together, contain all the amino acids that we need, including the 9 that our body cannot produce itself. Furthermore, you will be getting high doses of vitamins and minerals that feed your cells to support the organs and systems of your body. Feeding your body with more plant-based foods which balance the pH of your body help to improve your mood, energy and potentially reduce the risk of serious health issues.
For the planet and its inhabitants:
Interesting fact, did you know that the ocean is responsible for every two breaths that we take? Incredible hey! Unfortunately, the state of our oceans is heartbreaking. 2.7 Trillion animals (fish and by-catch) are pulled from the sea each year by techniques that are damaging ecosystems. Our appetite for meat is affecting the waters, and in turn, ourselves too.
“But it’s only one day a week, can it really make a difference?”. Yes! Eating less meat for one day a week can reduce your carbon footprint significantly and save the lives of up to 29 animals4.
The internet is flooded with free resources, how-to guides and recipes to ensure your meat free Mondays are nutritious, simple and most importantly, so delicious you won’t miss the meat! Have a look at Meat Free Mondays for all Meat Free News and awesome recipes, and try the ‘impact calculator’ which shows just how many bathtubs of water, fish in the ocean, and tennis courts of forest you saved, and how many greenhouse gases you avoided, chickens are still crossing the road, cows are still mooing and hungry people you fed. Awesome!
Need some inspiration?
- Jamie Oliver, a loved name in millions of homes (https://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/category/special-diets/vegan/).
- Sarah Graham, mom of 3 and lover of wholesome, delicious recipes (https://sarahgraham.co.za/recipes/healthy-favourites/vegetarian/).
- Woolworths Taste (https://taste.co.za/recipe-dietary/vegan/).
- abiteofvegan, Georgia Roux – hip, happening, 19 and based in the Mother City (https://www.abiteofvegan.com). Warning, these recipes might leave you wanting to lick your screen.
Meatless Mondays are an adventure, it’s the perfect occasion to dip into new flavours and ingredients which you just don’t know you love yet. Plant based meals are hearty, yummy, fuss free and leave you and the entire family feeling satisfied and content, not craving something else. Best of all, you can significantly improve your personal and planetary health.
Sir David Attenborough highlights the mass destruction of man on this planet in his latest documentary, A Life On Our Planet. The legendary naturalist said,
“We must change our diet. The planet can’t support billions of meat eaters.5” “Half of fertile land on Earth is now farmland, 70 per cent of birds are domestic, majority chickens. We are one third of animals on Earth. This is now our planet run by – and for – humans.5
“There’s little left for the world. We have completely destroyed it.” “Human beings have overrun the world.5”
However, Attenborough also believes there is hope, we just have to change our habits and mindsets. “If we act now, we can put it right. We have one final chance to create the perfect home for ourselves and restore the wonderful world we inherited. All we need is the will do so.5”
Let’s get started.
References and additional reading:
- Discovery Magazine, How Did Ancient People Keep Their Food From Rotting? (https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/how-did-ancient-people-keep-their-food-from-rotting), 2020
- New York Times (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/15/well/eat/red-meat-increases-risk-of-dying-from-8-diseases.html), 2017
- Healthline (https://www.healthline.com/health/phytonutrients#outlook), 2018
- Meat Free Monday (https://www.meatfreemondays.com)
- David Attenborough, A Life On Our Planet (Documentary), Netflix