If you're looking for some meal inspiration, why not try some plant-rich recipes? Cattle and sheep release a very powerful greenhouse gas called Methane as part of their digestive process. Reducing meals with beef or lamb just once per week for a family of four is the same as taking the average car off the road for up to 1,500 miles.
This month, Sustainable Leaders in Action is focusing on Eat Lower Down the Carbon Chain as our Youth Action through the Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge.
Reducing your family's beef or lamb consumption by one or more meals per week can have a big impact! Eating less red meat can improve your long-term health. Recent studies have shown that substituting one serving per day of red meat with other foods like fish, poultry, nuts, legumes (beans), low-fat dairy and whole grains could lower the risk of premature death from heart disease, cancer or other causes by 7-19%. Eating protein sources lower down the carbon emissions chain not only helps protect our future from climate change but also helps protect your future!
Changing up your dinner time routine can also be fun! Talk with your family and get ideas for what you would like to substitute for beef or lamb. To start, find recipe ideas with Meatless Monday. You can also skip that step and consider looking for new alternatives at your favorite restaurant. There are many great plant-based proteins like beans, lentils, quinoa, and tofu or animal proteins like chicken, fish or turkey to try adding in. These alternatives to beef are often less expensive and can save your family money on food as well.
The choices we make with our diet are highly personal, so choose what is best for you and your family.
Keep reading for our tips to switch out a few meals with beef and lamb for plant-rich recipes!
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