Cutting back a lot on meat. Help?

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Israeli has a lot of meat-free but protein-rich dishes using lentils, chickpeas, avocados, eggplant and even teff...an Ethiopian grain that is very high in protein and vitamins/minerals. Joan Nathan's great cookbook "The Foods of Israel Today" has a lot of meat-free recipes, many of which originated when Israel was very poor and meat was scarce. The cuisine is extremely varied, since Israel has such a diverse population. The side benefit is that many of these ingredients are not only nutritious and natural, they are also fairly cheap!

Moderation in all foods... A little of this and a little of that is best, in my opinion. I eat red meat at least twice a week, same as chicken/turkey, and vegetable proteins. The only thing I don't eat is fish, because I can't stand the stench of it. Otherwise I'd also eat that occasionally.

In my own experience, and being a member of the bodybuilding community, I don't believe it's healthy to omit red meat entirely. It has some properties which you cannot get in other sources of food.

Charles

Wow, I'll have to check out that cook book!

I fast once a week and eat a variation of the Mediterranean diet. North African style couscous (imported from Israel) is a staple of mine... Generally, I eat meat once a week, maybe a bit more during barbeque season.

I eat lots of veggies and beans (lentils, chickpeas, black beans) and round out my protein intake with nuts, hard cheese, and yogurt.

The diet is cheap, easy and works great for me.

I just made a lentil and veggie curry--it was fantastic. It certainly wouldn't have been improved by meat!

There's no magical nutrient found only in animal products, let alone only in meat.
Only in RED meat, specifically?
Lulz.
Unless someone knows something the American Dietetic Association doesn't.

Meat involves killing animals. As one with empathy issues, it's worth considering. There is so much sensory pleasure in food. Variety, freshness and reduction in processing are key to me.

Meat involves killing animals. As one with empathy issues, it's worth considering. There is so much sensory pleasure in food. Variety, freshness and reduction in processing are key to me.

I'm also a great believer in listening to your body, and I think it will pay off for you, especially as you get older. I'm 46, and I joke that I can hear my body saying "thank you, thank you!" with every bite of broccoli or whatever.