You鈥檝e probably heard that eating too much red and processed meat is associated with a range of adverse health effects, including increased risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, and even a higher risk of dying early. You may have also heard that producing dairy and red meat (particularly beef, lamb, and goat) stand out for their disproportionate impact on our planet鈥檚 health as well.
It鈥檚 clear that reducing red meat in our diets can improve our own health and the health of the planet. However, if you鈥檝e grown up (or have grown accustomed to) having beef, pork, and other red meats on your plate at most meals鈥攕uch a change may seem daunting. But you don鈥檛 have to completely cut it out to make a difference; even a partial shift away from a meat-centered diet can be a step in the right direction.
If you鈥檙e not quite sure where to start, here are four key approaches to cutting back the red meat while keeping your meals filling and flavorful. Simply find your 鈥渟tarting point鈥 and move forward with the strategies that work for you.
Eat a little less red meat, any way you can
Swap out red meat for healthier meats
Consume less meat, enjoy more variety
