Yes, I know steak and bacon and ham are yummy. I know that burgers and dogs on the backyard grill is part of the American experience. I also know that the meatpacking industry is brutal to animals and humans alike. Considering Trump’s rollback on inspections, turning over health inspections to meat processing plants many who are based outside of the US, the safety of the meat supply has never been more dangerous. Considering that we have mass virus outbreaks in meat packing plants because of the propensity of profit over safety, now is a really good time to switch to a vegetarian or vegan diet.
Is it hard? Not really. Think of any changes you’ve made for your health or your values. And now thankfully we have far more vegan and vegetarian options in restaurants and super markets.
Will I get enough protein? Yes, plenty of protein especially in nuts, beans and seeds. And humans need far less protein than we imagine, thanks mostly to the indoctrination of the meat industry.
What about my kids? Is it healthy for them? Yes, and some kids (I was one) have an aversion to eating meat in the first place.
What are the benefits? Aside from the cardio-vascular and reduced hormone and anti-biotic health benefits, eating less meat means more food for the world. The food we feed animals to ultimately consume them is less food on the world’s tables. You are what you eat. When you consume meat, you are literally eating the suffering of the factory farmed animals raised in unnatural and inhumane conditions. And you are supporting and industry that doesn’t give a flying pig about life be it animal or human.
Can I give some meat up? Yep, does not have to be all or nothing. You can cut back by ¼ or ½ and do yourself and the world some good.