9 Keys To Stop Eating Meat, In A Clever Way

Here we give you the keys to stopping eating meat in a smart way so you can maintain a healthy, balanced diet.

9 keys to stopping eating meat, in a wise way

If you want to stop eating meat but still eat dairy products, eggs or fish, you will not have problems with B12 deficiency. However, if you do not eat animal products at all, you will need to take a dietary supplement.

People who decide to stop eating meat, for one reason or another, often get a lack of nutrients when they change their diet. If not done properly, it can have serious consequences for your health. You may be deficient in certain nutrients or even gain weight fast. Here we give you the keys to stopping eating meat in a smart way so you can maintain a healthy, balanced diet.

Stop eating meat without endangering your health

Becoming a vegetarian will not necessarily affect your health. But decision – whether for moral or health reasons – should make you more aware of what you eat and what nutrition you need. Stopping eating meat does not equate to becoming 100% vegan.

If you just drop the meat but continue to eat eggs, fish or dairy products, then you can change your diet without endangering your health.
That said, it’s always a good idea to follow the advice of a dietitian.

1. The wonderful effects of the egg

Eggs are a complete superfood that can completely replace any meat protein. For years back we were warned against eating too many eggs. But today you can eat them daily if you do not have problems with cholesterol. Eggs are especially good for people who do not eat meat.

They are an excellent source of protein and healthy fats. We recommend eating organic eggs. You just need to open an organic and a conventional egg, to see the difference.

2. Caution with dairy products

Many people who stop eating meat consume too many dairy products such as milk and cheese. But these foods are more harmful than you might think. They increase your cholesterol levels and can cause digestive problems. You can advantageously use some of the plant milk that is now carried in the shops. You can combine them with more easily digestible dairy products such as yoghurt or ghee.

The risky flour

Another mistake made by people who want to stop eating meat is to overdo the intake of flour, whether it is in pizza, pasta or sandwiches. It happens because it is quick and easy. But it is not a wise choice as it can make you put on weight quickly, without giving the body quite a lot of nourishment.

What you need to eat more of are vegetables, salads and vegetable juices. It will give you enough vitamins, minerals and fiber which will make you feel full.

Also read: 7 Reasons Why You Should Eat More Eggplant

do not overdo flour and bread when you want to stop eating meat

4. Choose your fish carefully when you want to stop eating meat

If you do not eat meat, but like fish, then we recommend that you omit or limit your intake of large, oily fish (salmon, tuna, swordfish). These fish can contain large amounts of heavy metals. It is potentially harmful to health, especially for children and pregnant women. However, you can eat small oily fish (sardines, mackerel), and white fish.

See also: 3 easy and delicious fish recipes

5. Other sources of calcium when you want to stop eating meat

Milk is not the only source of calcium available, and many dietitians are not even sure it is that healthy. You will find good amounts of calcium in the following foods :

Sesame seeds
seaweed
Broccoli
Almonds

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 deficiency is only a problem if you do not eat any animal products. In that case, you should take a dietary supplement.

The vitamin is also found in:

Egg
Dairy products
Fish
Seafood

7. Iron is important when you want to stop eating meat

Iron supplements should only be taken in consultation with a professional. If you do not suffer from anemia due to iron deficiency, you can get an adequate dose of the mineral by eating the following:

Spinach
Nuts, eg pistachios
Parsley
Beets
Lenses
Brewer’s yeast
Whole grains, eg oats
Broccoli

food without meat does not have to be boring

8. Really good vegetable proteins

There are many plant-based foods that are rich in protein:

Nuts and kernels
Legumes
Whole grains, such as oats and quinoa
hemp seeds
Brewer’s yeast
Spirulina
Peas

9. Whole grains, nuts and seeds

In your varied, meat-free diet, you do not get around whole grains. They are stuffed with nutrients and fiber. Also, do not forget nuts (whether raw or roasted) and seeds, which can also be sprouts, with extra nutrients.