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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

How much meat do you eat?

379 replies

lanya · 16/05/2024 16:01

Recently I've noticed in my circles that pretty much everyone is cutting back on meat due to environmental/ climate reasons.

Most people I know aren't vegetarian, but are more aware/ more careful about the amount they eat, e.g. only once or twice per week.

I am wondering whether this is the case generally across the UK, or if most people are carrying on as normal?

YABU: We are eating the same amount of meat as we always have.
YANBU: We have reduced our meat intake over the last few years for climate reasons.

Disclaimer: This isn't any kind of brag or meant to be condescending - I'm just curious.

OP posts:
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10
catlady7 · 16/05/2024 19:54

DaisyChain505 · 16/05/2024 19:11

You’re saying you won’t be told what to do as if you’re a child being told to go to bed.

Youre an adult who is being told about the horrific cruelty to animals yet saying basically you don’t care because someone is telling you and you’ll just keep on being complicit to the abuse?

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I love animals. Love to cuddle and eat them 🤷‍♀️

ITsExpected · 16/05/2024 19:53

I dislike beans and lentils, so I'd be abit screwed if I had to eat a bucket load.

Just eaten a turkey bolognese, and throughly enjoyed it. Nobody is perfect, I'm sure all of the sanctimonious posters on this thread arent either! I personally think there are very few people who practise what they preach in it's entirety, and never contradict a single thing.

I knew as soon as I read the OP, this was going to get judgement.

ITsExpected · 16/05/2024 19:50

BiologicsBeforeIdeology · 16/05/2024 16:36

Exactly - it's just not true you need meat or any animal proteins to be able to breast feed

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The poster might just fancy meat while she's is breastfeeding, each to their own!

minipie · 16/05/2024 19:46

God the sanctimonious, preachy vegans on this thread confirm all the stereotypes. Suspect they may be the same person under different names mind you.

Whereinharrogate · 16/05/2024 19:43

Reduced due to cost, I think we eat meat about 3x per week, then fish or veggie the other 4. Although cost is the reason the other benefits (health, environment) are a nice side bonus!

Kalevala · 16/05/2024 19:39

BiologicsBeforeIdeology · 16/05/2024 16:06

Adopting a vegan lifestyle isn’t just about diet; it’s about taking a stand against the cruelty inflicted on animals in the food industry. It’s heartbreaking to learn about the conditions animals endure—overcrowded, unnatural living spaces, and often cruel handling. These practices are not only unethical but completely unnecessary. As a human, I believe in defending the vulnerable and speaking out against injustice, and the treatment of animals in much of the food industry is just that. By choosing veganism, I refuse to support such despicable practices. It’s a way to demand better treatment for animals and promote a kinder industry.

I mostly eat wild venison, and some local ex dairy beef.

notedbiscuits · 16/05/2024 19:36

Want to be veggie but roast beef and smoked salmon are my downfalls

Auburngal · 16/05/2024 19:34

BiologicsBeforeIdeology · 16/05/2024 16:39

Thatjust means you ate really poor meals - not that you need meat

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I had variety of meals. Loads of veg and pulses, grains, pulses. There’s very few vegetables I don’t like - savoy cabbage, spring greens. Took extra iron. Still was ill.

Yet knew of someone who only ate potatoes, carrots and I think peas and she is a veggie and always had colds

Mygliderdoesaloop · 16/05/2024 19:31

Everyday pretty much. Meat or fish.

I had sausages for lunch today.

Had chicken Monday and Tuesday. Probably have beef mince tomorrow.

Meat is probably my favourite food esp on the bone!

caringcarer · 16/05/2024 19:21

Me and ds eat meat for my main meal virtually every day. I also eat a cooked breakfast most days so 1/2 fat sausages and bacon too. DH is vegetarian though.

AmpleFatball · 16/05/2024 19:18

I’ve been vegetarian for a few years and have cut down on dairy (no milk, no fresh eggs, less cheese) but haven’t transitioned to vegan (yet, at least).

Jk987 · 16/05/2024 19:13

Reduced definitely. I could happily be vegetarian.

Original poster
lanya · 16/05/2024 19:12

@DaisyChain505 I don't think there is any point in you trying to hammer home a point with someone who is obviously committed to eating meat. You cannot change everyone's minds.

Your efforts might be better spent with people more open to change.

OP posts:
Onelifeonly · 16/05/2024 19:11

I've always liked vegetarian and vegan food. If I was single, I'd eat it more often. But as a family we have cut down, especially on red meat, but mainly for health reasons, though environmental concerns play a part too.

DaisyChain505 · 16/05/2024 19:11

catlady7 · 16/05/2024 18:31

How am I being proud? Where have you got that from my comment.

I will not get told what to do. Thank you. Very much.

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You’re saying you won’t be told what to do as if you’re a child being told to go to bed.

Youre an adult who is being told about the horrific cruelty to animals yet saying basically you don’t care because someone is telling you and you’ll just keep on being complicit to the abuse?

Original poster
lanya · 16/05/2024 19:08

Jellyx · 16/05/2024 19:07

What about all the crop fields that destroy some other animals habitats?

Or the airmiles on your avocados or almonds?

Maybe buy from local farms only?

I love meat - because I think it's healthy (non processed).

It is true about those two issues you mention, but both are minimal in comparison to the impact of meat.

OP posts:
EndoEnd · 16/05/2024 19:08

KnittedCardi · 16/05/2024 16:17

Furthermore, numerous other plant-based foods are rich in protein. Legumes like lentils, chickpeas, and various types of beans not only pack a substantial protein punch but are also rich in fiber and other nutrients. Tofu, tempeh, and edamame, all derived from soybeans, are among the richest plant-based protein sources and can easily rival the protein content in meats. Seeds and nuts, along with their butters, are not only versatile and delicious but also excellent protein sources

All very laudable, but none grown in the UK, therefore not seasonable nor sustainable. We need to move towards a more homegrown diet, and that includes meat, as much of the land in the UK is only suitable for grazing.

In fact, you can grown edamame, lentils and chickpeas in the UK.

Jellyx · 16/05/2024 19:07

What about all the crop fields that destroy some other animals habitats?

Or the airmiles on your avocados or almonds?

Maybe buy from local farms only?

I love meat - because I think it's healthy (non processed).

Original poster
lanya · 16/05/2024 19:07

@NoSquirrels @MotherOfCatBoy
Anyone making efforts to eat locally sourced meat and/ or eat more vegetarian/ non-dairy foods (even if they are imported) is making a positive impact, compared to those who eat supermarket meats multiple times per week. You're both doing great - carry on please! :)

OP posts:
Unforgettablefire · 16/05/2024 19:04

Auburngal · 16/05/2024 16:37

My meat/fish intake remains pretty much the same over the last few years. Sometimes, I have a meat free day - not planned but just happens on what I fancy. Like today - breakfast - cereal, lunch - cheese and crackers. Evening meal - gnocchi with salad.

I was a vegetarian for about 9 months aged 16-17 and even with extra vitamins, I felt tired, prone to colds and not with it. After introducing meat back into my diet gradually - a ham sandwich upwards. Within a few weeks I was back to myself. From what I remember vegetarians lack in iron which helps pump oxygen around your blood.

Notice past couple of years Veganary isn't a big thing anymore as we get more vegan stuff in January and as a code checker, reduce more of this. Is it the price? Is it the minging looking meat alternatives? Veggie bacon looks minging.

Depends on what you like, everyone has different tastes I love all the veggie stuff including the bacon, you say minging like it's an insult and you're defensive well it must sell or it wouldn't be on the shelves.
Some of us find slabs of bloody flesh on the shelves minging but each to their own.

Do you not find worms in just about every fish minging?

NoSquirrels · 16/05/2024 18:57

Yes, we are agreeing @MotherOfCatBoy Grin

Most of what’s wrong with pretty much everything in terms of global food production is because we’ve industrialised and set up very efficient but disastrously ecologically-unsound processes, each one having a knock-on effect on something else. If we all ate more locally and sustainably, back to the days when meat was a treat, not a right, and so every part of an animal was appreciated and utilised, we’d all be much better off.

MotherOfCatBoy · 16/05/2024 18:51

@NoSquirrels I think we’re agreeing!

I just want to emphasis that ethical, local meet is not a large scale option. It is a small scale option, which I think is what you’re saying too. Just as long as everyone realises that as the quality increases, the sheer quantity has to come down.

Allthehorsesintheworld · 16/05/2024 18:49

Vegetarian for 50+ years. No idea what meat or fish taste like.

NoSquirrels · 16/05/2024 18:47

BiologicsBeforeIdeology · 16/05/2024 16:38

After it's dead? No. But you don't eat roadkill do you, you don't eat wild animals that just dropped dead. You specifically go out of your way to kill a sentient creature. Knowingly .

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Ha! You’ve never lived rurally where a roadkill pheasant is totally fair game. And humans have hunted for meat since forever. Yes, it’s going out of your way to kill a sentient creature. But I’m OK with that if the death is caused with as little suffering as possible. We don’t have to agree, though.

Nobodyknowsitall5 · 16/05/2024 18:45

You are a judgemental arsehole

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