How much meat do you eat?

[lanya]

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.

I went vegan (from being veggie for years) about 7-8 tears ago. It was really easy what with oat milk being so good - I know my climate footprint is about 50% the size of an average UK person.

Did a few other things to do that, bought a cheap second hand electric car and don;t fly - but not eating meat makes a huge difference.

Also - it's really crappy on the animals - none of them get a good life and most of them are tortured to death, oh and it's good for your health :)

Probably more beef at the moment as have just had one of our own heifers slaughtered and in the freezer.

Third option: we’ve reduced meat because of financial and health reasons. My dad still wouldn’t consider a meal a meal without meat, whereas we have it probably less than half of our meals now.

We've reduced it, but for health and bank balance reasons!

None I’ve been a vegetarian for 9 years.

I don't eat any meat. It's too expensive, especially for one person.

Most meals contain meat for me

I don’t think it’s just climate, it’s cost, health etc. I prefer to buy less, but spend the money on organic, free range meat instead.

Sorry I didn't think to put health/ finance reasons in my OP - but those are very valid reasons as well!

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.

hear hear!

Absolutely I agree

All meals contain some form of meat in this household!

I've not noticed anyone cutting back on meat in my circles - we've all been hosting roasts / bbqs / going for meals (which all include meat!).

We might actually be eating more meat now as I've been upping my protein intake and trying to have less takeaways when I think about it.

Reduced it a bit but nothing to do with climate, more cost. Had lasagne for supper yesterday, roast chicken tonight. Probably fish tomorrow, but definitely meat on Sunday and probably sausages on Saturday.

I've had to increase meat as I've been diagnosed with a protein deficiency.

So, doubled up on the amount of meat I'd normally eat.

5 suppers a week. I supper is fish and 1 supper is veggie.
Breakfasts & Lunches are normally veggie or with fish (sardines, crab sticks, mussels).

But I buy better quality meat. Almost no beef but venison, lamb & duck instead.

Most people who you've noticed have recently changed will probably be doing it mainly for the cost of it, I would imagine. My primary reason is my family's health - with environmental impact a very close second, then animal welfare and the cost of it. We now have at least two vegetarian dinners a week and one fish dish. I've been veggie for 35 years, so doesn't apply to me.

Yes you're probably right re: the cost of living.

I'm quite interested in how many people are actively thinking about climate in their food choices.

It seems to be very much on the radar of most people I know, but most of us move in bubbles in our own social circles don't we?

As a woman raised in a culture where meat is the centerpiece of every meal, I find it increasingly bizarre how deeply ingrained this norm is, despite the glaring drawbacks. It's proven that high meat consumption can lead to health issues, strain our finances, and, undeniably, cause tremendous suffering to animals. Shifting away from this tradition isn’t just a personal health choice; it’s a moral and economical imperative. Why do we cling to a habit that harms so much? It’s time we rethink our norms and embrace alternatives that are better for our health, our wallets, and our conscience.

Thanks but I'll trust the nutrition advice I have received from my dietician and endocrinologist.

Ok, so what happens to pigs, cows, sheep, chickens etc when every one goes vegan? Meat doesn't have to be cruel. I'm sat in my lounge with a chicken that we rescued two years ago from a battery farm (4 original girls, 3 have died and it would be very unfair on Maggie to get anymore she would be bullied). She's preening day in my chair, I'm on the sofa about to check for eggs. I eat organic or farm assured meat and eggs from my girls

Probably every day.