The Benefits of Moderate Meat Consumption (And How It Won’t Ruin the Planet)
Meat, Moderation, and Not Ruining the Planet: A Dude’s Guide.
In the debate over sustainable diets, meat often gets a bad rap. Let’s get one thing straight: you don’t have to give up meat completely to be kind to the planet. (being kind to animals is a different question – one for another day).
Sure, some folks say we should all be munching on kale and tofu to save the earth, but here’s the good news—you can still enjoy your steak without feeling guilty. Yes, it’s true; medical research does say that a vegan diet is best for your health. The latest article from Frontiers In Nutrition shows that the vegan diet reduced dietary age by 73% and weight by 6Kgs versus the Mediterranean diet, at least in the short term. But let’s face it; being a vegan is hard and time-consuming and a long way from being equally available to meat and fish dishes in social environments. And again, what you do to your own body is not the same question as what eating meat is doing to the planet. Even Greenpeace agree that we could consume an average of 300g a week each without the need to continue cutting down the rainforests. The key, as always, is moderation meat consumption. So, let’s dive into why eating meat (in reasonable amounts) won’t spell the end of the world and might even have some surprising perks. As an introduction to the topic, watch this Ted Talk from 2018 by two guys who used to own a burger bar in Fulham, London, before jumping the fence to start THIS.CO (plant-based and meat-free products).
Consider several factors before ditching meat completely if that’s your jam. At 50 Shades, we believe in sustainability, not deprivation or extremism. Our aim is to find ways to live our lives without harming the planet, other people, or the profits that are essential to human prosperity.
Here are some of the reasons why maintaining some level of meat consumption is good for the the 3P’s
1. Protein Powerhouse
Let’s face it—meat is a nutritional beast. It’s packed with protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins, all of which keep you strong, energized, and ready to tackle whatever life throws at you. While plant-based diets can give you these nutrients too, they often require a lot more effort (although it is getting easier to bypass the cos)—think mixing and matching foods like a culinary jigsaw puzzle. If you want to keep things simple, a moderate amount of meat in your diet does the trick without any fuss.
2. Supporting the Good Guys
Not all meat comes from evil, planet-destroying factories. Plenty of farmers are doing things the right way—raising grass-fed, pasture-raised, and organic livestock that’s easier on the environment. By eating meat in moderation and choosing these sustainably sourced options, you’re putting your money where your mouth is and backing the good guys. This supports better farming practices, healthier animals, and a greener planet.
3. Less Waste, More Taste
Moderation in meat consumption isn’t just good for the environment—it’s a great way to reduce waste, too. In many cultures, no part of the animal goes to waste, from steaks to stews made with lesser-known cuts. That means you’re not just eating meat; you’re respecting the whole animal. Bones? Turn them into a killer broth. Scraps? They can become something delicious. When you eat meat mindfully, you make the most of what you’ve got and avoid tossing good food in the trash.
4. Meat and the Wild Side
Believe it or not, livestock can actually help keep nature in check. Grazing animals help manage land, prevent overgrowth, and keep ecosystems balanced. This isn’t just about mowing the grass—they’re playing a role in reducing wildfire risks and supporting healthier soil with their poop. So when you’re chowing down on a burger made from sustainably raised beef, you also support a balanced ecosystem that benefits the planet.
5. Moderation is the Name of the Game
Here’s the bottom line: it’s all about balance. Eating meat in moderation doesn’t mean cutting it out completely. It’s about enjoying your favourite foods without going overboard. Too much of anything isn’t good, and meat is no exception. You can keep your diet balanced and your conscience clear by keeping things moderate and making smart choices about where your meat comes from.
5 Manly Moves to Master Moderation in Meat
So, you’re ready to enjoy your meat without wrecking the planet? Nice. Here are five easy ways to dial back your meat consumption without feeling like you’re missing out on anything important—like flavour or gains.
1. Make Meat a Sidekick, Not the Star
Instead of letting meat dominate your plate, consider it a sidekick to your main act. Load up on veggies, grains, and other good stuff, and let a smaller portion of meat add that extra kick. You’ll still get your protein fix with a balanced meal that’s easier on the environment. The type of meat is essential; chicken and pork don’t produce methane like cows, and grass-fed beef is better in quality and impact than grain-fed beef.
2. Go for Quality, Not Quantity
Think of meat like you would a fine whiskey—quality over quantity. Skip the cheap, mass-produced stuff and invest in sustainably sourced, high-quality cuts. Sure, you might pay a bit more, but you’ll be supporting farmers who are doing things right, and the flavour payoff is worth it.
3. Flex Your Culinary Muscles
Challenge yourself to cook up some killer meals where meat isn’t the main ingredient. Think hearty veggie stews, bean-based chilli, or a protein-packed salad with a sprinkle of bacon for flavour. You’ll discover that meat doesn’t have to steal the spotlight for your meals to be satisfying.
4. Meatless Monday (or Whatever Day Works)
Pick one day a week to go meat-free. It’s a simple way to cut down on your meat intake without making a big deal out of it. Plus, it’s a good excuse to try out new recipes you wouldn’t normally consider. By the end of the week, you won’t even miss it. Check out our meatless recipes to make this a pleasure, not a chore.
5. Get Creative with Leftovers
Stretch your meat further by making the most of the leftovers. Turn last night’s steak into a badass sandwich, or throw some leftover chicken into a stir-fry. You’ll get more meals out of the same amount of meat, saving you money and reducing waste—talk about a win-win.
The bottom line is you don’t need to go full vegan to be a friend of the planet. By eating meat in moderation, choosing sustainably sourced options, and making sure nothing goes to waste, you can enjoy all the benefits of meat without feeling like you’re single-handedly destroying the earth. It’s all about balance—on your plate and for the planet. So go ahead, fire up the grill (responsibly), and enjoy your (small) steak, knowing you’re doing your part.
And know that others are doing their part too.
