To think I am not going to whither away?

[wavecurlnoidea]

Soooo, my BIL tells me today that I am destined to suffer sarcopenia and muscle loss when older because I only eat meat 3 times per week. Even worse, my chosen meat is fish.

i just prefer that, although I do like poultry every now and again. I don’t care about following a diet, it’s how I like to eat. I mix this with lots of whole grains, lentils, beans and dairy. I also like a bit of sugar for treats. I eat tons of veg. But I understand that I need more than that.

His theory is I won’t get enough protein and fish is inferior. And only eating it 3 times a week is encouraging muscle loss.

I am 50 and fairly fit, normal weight and feel ok. Health check recently just fine.

is he or am I the arsehole?

You do know that all vegans die before the age of 55 due to their protein-free diet?

No?

Because it isn't true, protein comes from many sources including fish and plants, and your brother in law is an idiot.

Get one of those t-shirts that says "Keep calm! Plants have protein"

Wear it whenever you see BIL.

God knows what he’d tell a vegan!

He’s ignorant. You don’t need to explain nor justify yourself to him.

Was fed up to be honest as I hadn’t thought about what I eat. Sick of people trying to find fault in everything lately.

Your BIL should mind his own business, or at least research nutrition.

Next time he mentions it, just call him an uneducated moron and laugh in his face.

The big eejit.

Do I eat enough meat though? I thought fish was fine .

Vegans survive and thrive. As long as you get enough protein the source doesn't really matter.

Apart from ethically but that's a whole other kettle of fish

Yes you eat “enough” meat as zero is enough meat. As per vegetarians and vegans. There is no recommended minimum amount of meat that anyone should be eating.

If you are curious, and not because your BIL is giving you grief, you could track what you eat for a week and then look at your protein totals. That’s protein from any source, not just meat.

To avoid muscle loss, as well as eating enough protein (from any source) you could also be doing weight/strength/resistance exercises if you are not already.

Fish, tofu, dairy products, chickpeas, cheese, beans, lentils, nuts, processed "fake meat" products - what does "enough meat" mean? Enough protein? Sounds like you're eating plenty of protein.

I think I get enough protein, but I was sidetracked by his stuff about muscle loss and amino acids. I have no idea.

many people eat meat 3 times per day so I suppose my intake is low?

As long as you're getting protein then it's ok

There's plenty of advice online about how to do this without meat, or with limited amounts of it

He's being a pathetic dick. Ignore him

It doesn’t matter if your “meat intake” is lower than other people, as meat isn’t a required part of anyone’s diet. As per vegetarians and vegans.

There’s no recommended minimum intake of meat. So whether you eat none at all, or eat meat 3 times a day doesn’t matter.

Could you have eggs and nuts occasionally? That would be enough with the fish. Plant sources of protein, like the lentils, are fine. I've started getting the protein weetabix and extra protein flat breads etc. I've also been doing the likes of this recipe. We should all be having more beans, pulses, lentils etc, for heart health.
www.eatingwell.com/spinach-white-bean-egg-bake-with-feta-11898404

I listened to a piece on Irish radio on this topic, and found the advice quite sensible. Here's the link: https://www.rte.ie/radio/radio1/clips/22588629/

I don't know anyone who eats meat 3 times in one day - that's overkill.
No pun intended.
You may have a B12 deficiency if you never eat red meat or be anaemic.
I would get a blood test just to check.

B12 deficiencies result in a greater likelihood of coronary artery disease.

Of course it is. There are populations whose diet is almost entirely fish based due to location. Somehow they manage to survive. You will too.

Nobody I know does this. Even my carnivorous DD who loves a nice steak. 3 times a DAY? No way

I'm vegetarian. I feel weak and drained all the time. Saying that my diet isn't great. My dinner was a bowl of buttered pasta. I do try to eat a good breakfast- eggs, spinach, avocado. Lots of orange juice and yogurts. I'm constantly deficient in folic acid and iron. I take vitamins and supplements

I eat meat 3 times per week, with eggs and dairy on top.

i had no idea a lack of red meat caused heart disease. News to me! Tell the nhs!

Maybe you should alter your diet?

I really should. It's part financial, but part laziness as well

Legumes and healthy fats are cheap. Cheese, eggs etc.
I often mix leftover veg with a tin of lentils and some barley to make good soup. Celery, onion, carrots, whatever,many can be from cheap frozen. I do use bone broth though!

egg frittata with potato and mozzarella, courgette, mixed veg.