How To Eat Less Meat – tips and ideas for reducing your meat intake and enjoying more meat free meals.
How To Eat Less Meat
There are lots of ways for how to eat less meat without becoming a vegetarian, vegan or following a fully strict plant based diet.
In saying that, during 2019 I was actually strictly vegetarian for about 6 months and went back to eating meat when I transitioned to the healing AIP Diet.
I’ve learned loads about reducing meat from my diet and adjusting meals for my whole family.
You may be wanting to dip your toe into meat free meals after reading studies (like this) about the benefits of eating less meat. (And more vegetables.) Or maybe you saw a documentary about vegan diets, or have noticed the growing plant based trend that’s become difficult to ignore.
How To Eat Less Meat – Start Small
Unless you actually want to jump straight into a veggie diet, starting small is a smart way to find ways to consume less meat.
Start with one meal a week and then consider going meat free for one day a week, like on Meat Free Mondays.
Seek Out Meat Free Inspiration
Follow vegetarian and vegan blogs, YouTube Channels and Instagram pages for meal inspiration.
If you eat out regularly, seek out vegetarian restaurants to try creative veggie meals that you can then recreate at home.
Order a couple of vegetarian cookbooks to page through for inspiration. These are my favorites:
- Bosh! Simple Recipes, Amazing Food – All Plant Based
- Forks Over Knives
- Love Real Food
- Isa Does It
Incorporate More Plant Based Proteins
Experiment with and incorporate more plant based proteins in your diet. These include beans, lentils, whole grains, rice, oats, peas and even nuts.
Find proteins that you enjoy and then find ways to create meals featuring your new found ingredients.
Stretch Meat To Go Further
No, I’m not talking about physically tugging on a piece of steak! Rather, when you’re shopping for beef mince, for example, for a family spaghetti bolognese, opt for the smallest meat portion you can find. Then, bulk out the meal with lentils, peas, mushrooms or grated carrots.
This will help you save money on meat and find creative ways to include more of those plant based protein options in your family meals.
I’ll often stretch a couple of steaks to feed our family of 4 by cooking them, cutting them into strips and serving them with heaps of veggies and pasta for my kids too.
Change Your Plate Ratio
Adjust the ratio on your plate to include less meat and more vegetables. Aim to include a rainbow of vegetables in your weekly shop and then turn to trusty Pinterest to find ways to cook your bounty of produce.
That way, you still get to include meat in your diet – just less of it.
Experiment With Veggie Versions of Old Favorites
Again, turn to Pinterest and look up vegetarian versions of your favorite family meals.
There are recipes for veggie friendly shepherd’s pie, spaghetti bolognese, meatballs, chili and even hearty vegetarian stews.
How To Eat Less Meat – Enjoy The Process
Don’t be hard on yourself, make a plan to reduce your meat intake and just take it one meal at a time.
Regardless of your thoughts on whether you should be eating less meat or not – I’m sure you agree that find ways to get more vegetables into your diet is a good thing. Enjoy the process of finding and creating new meals for you and your family to enjoy.
More Meat Free Inspiration
15 High Protein Vegetarian Snacks
How To Get More Protein As A Vegetarian
Disclaimer – this post is meant for informational post only and should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult with your health professional before making any dietary changes.
Disclosure – this post contains affiliate links.
