Going meatless once a week can have a major contribution to your wellbeing; it will help reduce your risk of chronic conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity. Maybe it’s time you think twice before indulging in that Shawarma from your local kebab shop!
Whether you’re thinking of going full on plant-based vegetarian diet or just cutting down your meat intake, there are plenty incredible benefits to help encourage you to reduce your consumption.
Traditionally, in the old days, most Muslims used to eat meat if they were wealthy; middle class once a week, usually on Fridays and those less fortunate, only on special occasions like Eid. We know that an excess of anything, especially that which already causes risks to our health can be damaging to our body and with an overconsumption of meat that is the case, particularly processed.
Eating more wholesome and nutritious veggies, fruits, beans, lentils, whole grains, nuts, and seeds aside from meat can have huge impacts on your well being, and the planet’s health as well. So, if you’re a meat lover or just looking into feeling nourished and need that boost of motivation, I have 6 good reasons that will help drive you into a healthier, happier you!
- You’re at a super low risk of heart disease
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death around the world today. Switching patients to low meat, high plant-based diet has been shown to not only treat heart disease but to also reverse its progression.
- Healthy weight loss (if you do it right!)
Research shows eating meat is linked to obesity. Reducing your meat intake in turn reduces your saturated fat intake. This too has many benefits: you’ll feel better, look better and save the planet. Reducing meat in your life is one of the more significant things you can do for your health and fitness.
- Improved digestion
More fruit and veggies, as well as legumes and less meat, means a much more fibre-rich diet. As fibre is an indigestible type of carbohydrate, it causes much more regular bowel movements. It provides many health benefits such as lowering diabetes and diverticulitis risks. Whole grains, vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, seeds and lentils are all high in fibre while meat and dairy does not. So all in all, reducing your consumption of meat can ultimately help regulate digestion so that things don’t move too fast through the body.
- You’ll save money
Plant-based meals tend to be less expensive than meat. Beans, lentils and other pulses are all excellent forms of protein and significantly cheaper than meat, making a great basis for a variety of delicious recipes. Maybe try to have one or two veggie meals a week, or if that doesn’t appeal, upgrade your dishes by mixing in more kidney beans, mixed beans, red lentils and less of the meat.
- You’ll help save our planet
Animal agriculture is estimated to produce more greenhouse gases than the whole of the transportation industry combined. Lowering or eliminating your meat intake can have amazing implications on climate change.
- You’ll discover more delicious recipes
Chicken for dinner again? Reducing the meat in your life allows you to expand your food horizons and discover delicious exciting new main dishes. Below are two of my favourite meat-free dishes that pack a punch on taste without compromising on all these body/brain-boosting nutrients you need. Cook up this storm and you will even please the most hardcore carnivores out there!
