No meat diets are becoming increasingly popular due to health, environmental and animal rights reasons. Eating a meat-free diet can be a challenge, but with the proper guidance is quite possible. Nutrients from meat can be obtained from other sources with careful planning.
History
Although no-meat diets seem to be the latest fad, eating no meat dates back to Plato's time. The International Vegetarian Union reveals that Brahminism, Buddhism, Jainism and Zoroastrianism all advocated flesh-free diets. Beginning in the 1800s, the first modern movement toward vegetarianism began. According to the Vegetarian Society, in 1807, the Rev. William Cowherd, founder of the Bible Christian Church in Salford, advanced the principle of abstinence from flesh-eating. His followers migrated to the United States and started the Vegetarian Society. Over the years, other vegetarian foundations have been established. Today, organizations such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) advocate for vegetarian lifestyles.
Types
A meat-free diet typically means refraining from eating any meat. This is called vegetarianism. Some vegetarians choose to eat eggs and dairy, making them ovo-lacto vegetarians. A pescetarian does not consume meat, but eats fish and seafood. A person who eats no meat, fish, eggs or animal products such as dairy is called a vegan.
Benefits
A no-meat diet can have positive effects on the body. According to the American Cancer Society, population studies have linked vegetarian diets with a decreased risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and colon cancer. Diets high in meat tend to be high in cholesterol. Meat also has a higher amount of calories per serving compared with fruits and vegetables, which would be consumed more frequently in a meat-free diet. This also leads to an increase of necessary vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in the body. Eating more fruits and vegetables also increases the pH of the body, making it more alkaline. Many diseases are thought to thrive in an acidic environment. The entire body benefits from a meat-free diet.
The benefits of eating no meat are not just personal, but have been tied to environmental causes. Meat is not produced the way it used to be. Factory farming has become more prevalent, and according to PETA, factory farms produce massive amounts of dust and other contaminants that pollute the air. Carbon dioxide and other harmful gases pollute the air through beef production. Daniele Fanelli, author of "Meat is Murder on the Environment," says producing a little more than two pounds of beef causes more greenhouse-gas emissions than driving a car for three hours and uses up more energy than leaving your house lights on for the same period of time.
Warnings
A meat-free diet can be unsafe if it is not properly planned. Many vegetarians do not get enough protein, as meat is such a huge protein source. According to the Northwestern Health Sciences University, the average person needs 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. To consume enough protein, vegetarians can eat other protein sources such as beans, soy,and tofu. Products such as whole wheat pasta are also higher in protein than their white pasta counterpart. Dairy is an easy way to consume protein for a vegetarian. Vegans need to plan more carefully.
Vitamin B12 is only found in meat, eggs and dairy. Vegans and vegetarians who do not eat eggs or dairy are at risk for Vitamin B12 deficiency, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Vitamin B12 supplements can replace the B12 lost by eating no meat.
Misconceptions
Many misconceptions hover over a meat-free diet. Some people believe that not eating meat means just eating vegetables. Plenty of options are available when choosing to eat meat free. The Internet is an unlimited source for meat-free recipes and tips. Another misconception is that vegetarians eat fake meat. Many faux meat products are on the market, but not all meat-free people eat these products. A meat-free diet can be accomplished without the help of meat substitutes.
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