5 Reasons to Give Up Meat and Follow a Plant-Based Diet

So back in February, I watched one too many Netflix documentaries and committed to changing my way of eating. First, I eliminated chicken, pork, beef, milk, and cheese.  I was holding on to eggs and seafood, though. Then I read one too many vegan books and could not get past their description of what I was actually ingesting when eating an egg, so I gave up eggs as well (I'll spare you that description because, trust me - it will mess you up too!)

One of the most difficult mental challenges that most individuals confront is that they simply do not feel they can give up meat. It's not very appealing to eat tofu burgers instead of crispy deep fried wings or juicy steak. I don't miss a steak, but I still have to be conscious of not reaching for a deep fried wing when around them! There is also a myth that meat eaters are stronger since meat has more protein. Yet, the animals we consume are essentially intermediaries, as they obtain most of their protein from plants, which are the original source of all protein! In fact, some of the largest and strongest animals on Earth, such as elephants (my fav!), rhinos, horses, and gorillas, are herbivores.

The truth is that a cup of broccoli or kale has more protein than a serving of beef. Most people don't recognize this, and even if they do, eating that sizzling steak appears so much more appealing. However, eating meat has a negative impact on your health. It contains toxins, lipids, and other waste products that are unhealthy for you. India has the biggest proportion of people following a plant-based diet in the entire world. They refer to it as the superior taste and frequently state that "the stamina of a camel, the strength of an elephant, and the beauty of a horse are all sustained on a vegetarian diet." This is very true. As humans, we can benefit from a plant-based diet.

However, simply expressing this may not be enough to persuade most people to make the decision. You could go on over to Netflix and watch a few of their documentaries on it, but meanwhile, let's take a look at why meat is so harmful for you and why you should at least consider reducing your intake if not cutting it out of your diet completely.

Meat is not nutritionally rich.

Vegetables contain more micronutrients, vitamins, and minerals. The nutrients obtained from meat are not nearly as diverse. You mostly acquire protein and fat. Do some research, as there is now information circulating that links fat - not carbohydrates or sugar - to America's and certainly my culture's long-standing health issues with diabetes. The body expends a lot of energy trying to digest meat. Think about that Thanksgiving meal and how afterwards, you may feel lethargic or simply exhausted for no apparent reason.

Meat has significant levels of estrogen and poisons.

The meat production sector is about making money more than it is about being ethical. Animals are treated with hormones not to make them healthier but to make them fatter. The grains fed to the animals are of inferior grade. Those same documentaries I keep mentioning have uncovered many of the meat industry's horrific practices. When you ingest meat, the toxic elements in it and the grains enter your system. The reason more people are suffering from health problems than ever before is that the food we eat is anything but healthy.

High in saturated fat.

Meat is high in saturated fat, period. When cooked using hydrogenated oils, the problem worsens. Saturated fat clogs your arteries, and your body can't break it down properly. Two months into my new way of eating, it was time for my annual appointment, which included all that bloodwork. My total cholesterol level dropped by 15 points!! I've been sold every since and will NOT go back, and yes, the thought of never again having a BLT sandwich or some fried chicken wings leaves me a little wistful, but then I consider what happened in two months and can’t wait to see what will happen after a year!

Increases your risk of contracting harmful diseases.

By now, it should be evident that meat contains poisons. In response, your body will become inflamed. When this occurs, your immune system is impaired, and you may contract more ailments. Many of us are walking around literally burning up inside from inflammation, and we're simply accepting those pains and stiffness as normal and natural aging.

Poor animals.

The meat industry is all about money and profit. Animals are crammed into unclean and deplorable situations. Usually, these animals become ill and are given antibiotic shots to combat infections. Guess where all the hormones and antibiotics end up when you eat these animals? Yes, within you. Thousands of people who have seen videos of the animals' mistreatment and living conditions have immediately stopped eating meat. The shock and awareness were so intense that they made the switch overnight.

So, along with our health benefits, we can also consider the suffering livestock and move to the 'higher taste.' A plant-based diet may be just as tasty and enjoyable as meat dishes if you know how to prepare them properly. As for me, it has put some excitement back into cooking because it forces me to be creative. I consider myself a "foodie," so I don't eat just to fuel up - it must also taste good! Give it a try today, and you might find that you appreciate and even enjoy some vegetarian cuisine. I've always said to my kids - now adults - You don't know until you go!