It’s World Meat Free Day – but what would actually happen if the whole world suddenly went vegetarian permanently?
  • paraphrand@lemmy.worldEnglish
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    28 days ago

    Because we know carbohydrates, when over consumed, are a major factor in obesity and diabetes. Wouldn’t the whole world going meat free drive an increase in carbohydrate eating?

    Isn’t this already a problem for people who avoid meat? I mean, it’s a problem for everyone. But, I’m always curious about this dynamic.

    • decended_being@midwest.socialEnglish
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      27 days ago

      I’m not sure why you’re assuming someone who moves to a plant based diet would replace meats and dairy with bread and pasta. Veggies (beans, peas, corn, spinach, etc.) Have plenty of protein and also fiber, which is what most people, especially in the West, actually need more of.

      Eating plant based is just the food part of vegan though. I also don’t pay for animal exploitation when it comes to my shoes, clothes, accessories, etc. It’s a full net benefit in every aspect.

      • paraphrand@lemmy.worldEnglish
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        27 days ago

        I’m not sure why you’re assuming someone who moves to a plant based diet would replace meats and dairy with bread and pasta.

        Well, I’m thinking poorly of my fellow Americans. I don’t think this outcome would be uniform across the world if meat vanished tomorrow. And I’m fixated on the modern advances in meat replacements that are in stores. They can taste pretty good.

        But it’s become clear now that people are engaging with me that this just isn’t the sort of conversation appropriate for the sub. Because it’s a cliched question, it comes off as drive-by trolling.

        • brendansimms@lemmy.worldEnglish
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          27 days ago

          I think your concern is valid considering that the US “food pyramid” recommendation seemed to suggest LOTS of carbs; however, the pyramid is no longer the official standard and as of 2011 there is a much better (as far as nutrition) guideline called “myplate”. Regardless, most people lack time&money, which are required to transition to a vegan lifestyle (that is: time to learn how to replace daily meals with non-meat options, time to practice cooking new foods, money to try out new foods that you may or may not like). I personally am vegetarian and I know that my food prep time and costs are either the same or lower than for meat-eaters, but the transition from a meat-centered diet to non-meat centered can have difficulties, especially if you’re regularly cooking for more than just yourself. So yea, someone who suddenly didn’t have meat as their meal centerpiece might just load up on bread until theyre full

      • paraphrand@lemmy.worldEnglish
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        28 days ago

        Ok, that’s probally the answer.

        I wasn’t talking about good eaters. I was talking about typical people. And people who would shift to processed foods to replace meat.

        I realize this is probally an old talking point. But I’m not familiar with the discussion. And figured people would discuss it. Instead of yelling, downvoting and just saying no.

        The fact this article leaves out that most people (in the west, etc) would still struggle to eat healthy, and they would end up ingesting more carbs… I think it lines up with the spirit of the article. Unless the concept includes fixing other things before the meat is removed.

        I’m down for meat going away, btw. Let’s go!

        • Teppichbrand@feddit.orgEnglish
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          27 days ago

          Hey, don’t take it personal. It’s just that we’ve heard this a million times and debating carnists can be quite frustrating. Check the Vegan Bullshit Bingo, long-press the tiles for a quick reply. Come back and feel free to asks if you need to. Cheers!

  • JigglySackles@lemmy.worldEnglish
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    27 days ago

    I am curious about how much the carbon reduction from decreased animal cultivation would be offset by the increase needed in plant cultivation.

    • maam@feddit.ukEnglish
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      21 days ago

      You need more plants for meat than directly providing that to people.

    • Lafari@lemmy.worldEnglish
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      26 days ago

      We would decrease plant cultivation as a result of decreasing animal exploitation within the agricultural sector. Far more plants are needed, and land cleared, in an animal based system than a plant based one. There would be no offset. Plant agriculture is, in part, a downstream effect of animal “agriculture”.

  • josefo@leminal.spaceEnglish
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    27 days ago

    Only one to level comment and is misinformation. Fiber, people, plants have them and they are the actual solution for the over assimilation of carbohydrates.