Cutting out meat

The popularization of plant-based diet

As we progress into the 21st century, so does the popularization of eating plant-based diets. Our rapid growing awareness of diet and health coupled with environmental concerns result in people taking action and changing the way they consume food. Back in 198O, the term, plant-based diet was created by a scientist named Dr. T. Colin Campbell. Much like it sounds, a plant-based diet refers to a diet that is built upon on plant products versus animal products. Being completely plant-based is called vegan, which means no animal products at all, such as milk, eggs, or meat in any form. More commonly there are vegetarians, semi-vegetarians, pescatarians, which excludes certain meats but continue to consume minimal or some animal products, like cheese and eggs. Regardless of the degree of limitations these plant-based diets have recently started sprouting up around the world at a rapid rate. According to https://www.fooddive.com/ 57% of households in the United States last year purchased plant-based foods.

People are tuning into the idea that eating excessive amounts of meat can be bad for their bodies. It is commonly believed and medically recognized that a large consumption of meat can cause heart disease, obesity, cancer, strokes and many more health problems.

The other incentive for people to switch to a plant-based diet is the environmental concerns. The meat industry is considered to be a significant contributor to climate issues. Livestock farms are thought to rival the air pollution created from planes, cars and other forms of transportations combined. Cows produce an abundant amount of methane gas which traps heat in the atmosphere, hence contributing to global warming. Cattle ranches are also blamed for deforestation and depletion of ecosystems.

Regardless of all the health and environmental benefits, there is still a lot of resistance to becoming a plant-based eater. Most people are wary and hesitant to participate in plant-based diets mainly because they are fearful of malnutrition. Many of our vitamins, healthy fats and proteins come from eating animal products. Though this is a valid concern, there are still many ways for people to get the nutrition they need through other sources like, beans, soy, spinach, kale, quinoa, tofu, vitamin supplements, etc. We are also now seeing prepared and nutritionally fortified foods sold in our local supermarkets and restaurants. One of the more known companies of fortified, plant-based foods is Beyond Meat, which is now sold in international groceries stores and restaurants.

If today’s plant-based diet trend continues to grow, because of animal rights, concern for the environment or concern for our health, it will be an interesting subject to revisit in ten years. Only then can we measure the true impact of a diet trend via cutting out a major food group, which can play a long-term role in the quality of our lives.

By Maria Figueirinhas year 10