It’s National Vegetarian Week here in the UK. This year’s theme is “all celebrating the stories and traditions behind the food we eat. The meal that reminds you of home, the dish that you had the first time you went away, or the food you have when you’re feeling down” as promoted by the National Vegetarian Society. I’ve only arrived at a plant-based diet within the last few years so my food memories are not necessarily vegetarian ones but what I do like to concentrate on during this week are the health-related aspects of giving up (or reducing) meat.

There have been numerous studies done by countries all over the world about the benefits of vegetarian or vegan diets. Here are some of the things they are saying:

Vegetarians and vegans have

lower cholesterol intake than meat eaters
lower mortality from heart disease
decreased cancer rate
lower blood pressure
lower risk of diabetes
greater consumption of fibre and anti-oxidant rich produce
reduced risk of food-borne illnesses
more energy
a more regular elimination schedule

...and at The Preventative Medicine and Research Institute they found that eating a vegetarian diet helps people lose weight and maintain that weight loss.

Of course we have to consider the global impact of reducing or eliminating meat consumption. The National Academy of Sciences reckons that a widespread switch to vegetarianism could reduce greenhouse gas by TWO THIRDS! And did you know that it takes 1,847 gallons of water to produce 1 pound of beef? Crazy.

And if you're still not convinced, Vegetarians save $750 (£500) annually compared to their meat-eating friends.

Do keep in mind that eliminating meat from your diet might mean more planning in terms of ensuring you get those same nutrients from a plant-based diet, for example eating more beans, pulses, nuts, seeds and dark leafy vegetables to maintain protein levels. Also watching your intake of refined carbs and sugar!

I hope you’ll try a meatless meal this week and enjoy it!