The vegan diet is becoming much more popular across the US, but meat remains a fan favorite. There are people who can’t imagine life without red meat and there are people who are appalled even by the thought of any sort of meat. Surely, the majority enjoy eating it.
However, did you know that processed meats like hot dogs, deli meat and bacon, along with red meats, increase the risk of cancer and other diseases due to their high saturated fats?
For the sake of good health, all meat-eaters should consider cutting out meat altogether or try to eat less of it.
Continue reading to find out how your health will improve if you stop eating red meat.
9. Better Gut Health
A diet rich in plant-based foods is vital for building healthy bacteria. The foods that are rich in fiber, especially, activate good bacteria growth in the gut. These bacteria will fight off inflammation, and any disease stemmed from inflammation. Having a diet filled with refined grains and processed foods is not healthy for the gut.
8. Bathroom Frequency
When you incorporate more fiber into your diet, you’ll visit the bathroom more often! There will be more water in your colon, so your stool will be softer. Isn’t that great? For all those who find it hard to go, just add more fiber to your diet. Raw fruits, whole grains and fresh veggies are so much healthier than meat. No more constipated feeling!
7. Lower Diabetes Risks
Here is some bad news for those who love red meat. Research has shown that red meat is linked to a higher chance of type two diabetes.
Experts did a study that revealed a 48% chance of developing diabetes if you eat a half serving of meat each day. A half serving is the size of a deck of cards. So, cut out red meat and lower the risk!
6. You’ll Still Have Energy, If Not More!
Many are afraid to give up meat, as it provides protein and other nutrients. Meat is an essential source of iron. So, when you cut out meat without supplemented nutrients, you are likely to feel tired and lethargic. While it is true that the body will absorb more iron from meat than any other foods, there is no need to worry.
There are other options to receive the same amount of protein and iron that the meat gives. Store up on your green-leafy veggies, like spinach. You can also get immense amounts of nutrients such as iron and protein from eggs, lentils, peas, beans, soy products, seeds and nuts.
5. Lower Cholesterol
Experts say that you should not have more than 10% of saturated fat in your diet daily to maintain good cholesterol. Red meats have more saturated fat than other meats. So, if you must have meat, it is best to opt for chicken or leaner cuts.
TIP: Salmon is a great option as well if you want to get in protein and healthy fats.
4. You Help the Environment
Growing livestock requires much more land and water than plants! Plants power greenhouse emissions and carbon in the environment. So it makes sense that if less meat is being produced, the environment will be healthier.
3. You Save Money
It makes sense that a meatless lifestyle will save money. Quality red meats are more expensive than other meats and vegetarian options by far. High-protein peas, beans, eggs, etc., are far cheaper, yet they provide more health benefits. Buying in the season when things are cheaper can save you money also.
FUN FACT: If you are on a 2000 calorie diet, you can eat your required amount of veggies for less than $3 per day.
2. You May Lose Weight
A plant-based diet is one of the ways to go if you want to lose weight. 15 different studies show people who switched to a strictly plant-based diet lost at least 10 pounds.
Obesity is one of the many lifestyle-preventable problems. When you eat better, you will feel better and end up looking better. There is no denying that losing weight will boost self-esteem. The feel-good attitude you’ll have will lead to a whole new world of possibilities and positive change.
1. Improved Digestion
Red meat is hard to digest and can take up to a couple of days, and you may experience constipation quite often. You may also experience an onset of gas after a huge steak dinner and some pain in the abdomen.
Immediately after the elimination of red meat from your diet, you may experience indigestion. Don’t be too concern–it’ll pass. It’s only the result of the change to a healthy fiber-based diet.
Give it a try!
Red meat might have been your favorite from as far back as you can remember, but change is warranted if it will bring about a better way of life through healthy living. If you are prioritizing your health right now, cutting out red meat could be a great option for you.
