Learn about the 5 benefits of eating less meat
It seems everywhere we look these days we find information about diet and how eating (and not eating) certain foods can improve our health. And one food type that has undergone much research in its relation to our health is meat. While the thought of going vegetarian or vegan may seem like an impossibility to you, there are reasons to consider cutting down on your red meat intake or adding some meat-free meals to your week. Whether you have thought about eating less meat to lose weight or are seeking to prevent certain diseases in the future, let’s take a closer look at the 5 benefits of eating less meat:
- Cut your risk of cancer – Did you know that numerous studies have shown a link between consuming red meat and processed meats on a regular basis and having an increased chance of getting certain types of cancer? The Forks Over Knives documentary was based around this type research on meat and rates of cancer, also known as the China Study led by Dr. T Colin Campbell. Other research, such as the journal JAMA Internal Medicine suggested that people who consume a vegetarian diet have a 22 percent lower risk of developing colorectal cancer over meat eaters.
- Help with weight loss – Have you thought about eating less meat to lose weight? It can help and here is why. Plant-based meals are less energy dense, meaning you can eat more of it and you will feel fuller, longer. A 2013 study by The Obesity Society found that people who were overweight/obese, who followed a vegetarian diet, lost more weight than a group of overweight/obese people who ate meat, even though both groups took in the same daily calories.
- Lower your risk of getting diabetes – A study from the American Diabetes Association found that people who ate a vegetarian diet had a lower risk of getting metabolic syndrome, multiple risk factors that often lead to Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
- Save money – Did you know that consuming vegetarian or vegan meals tend to be cheaper than meals containing meat products? Not only can you slim down your waist but also fatten up your wallet by adding some meat-free meals to your regime.
- Your recipe folder will grow – Tired of eating the same meals every week? By adding meat-free meals, you can discover a new world of main and side dishes and explore foods you have never tried before.
If the thought of eating less meat intrigues you but you aren’t ready to give it up entirely, you might want to consider the flexitarian diet. Sometimes called the casual vegetarian diet, the flexitarian diet is full of items such as lentils, beans, chickpeas, tofu, veggies, fruits and whole grains. While there are some meat, fish or poultry items included, it is a good way to cut down on your weekly meat consumption and reap the benefits of plant-based meals.
To learn more about healthy recipes that do not contain meat, or find additional ways to cut your risk of getting diabetes and other health conditions, browse our site.
