
The 8 emotional stages of going meat-free
By Ella Walker. Published 2020-05-12
BOLD-FoodNational Vegetarian Week: Tempted to cut down on your meat consumption? This is what you might feel during the process…
Awareness around the ethics of scoffing animal products, and the drive to reduce the amount of meat we eat to more sustainable levels, has arguably never been more prevalent.It’s a topic that can lead to awkward conversations between those partial to a bacon sandwich, and those who no longer find eating whatever they want entirely compatible with doing their bit to help fight climate change. But when David Attenborough says, “We can’t go on eating meat at the rate we have been,” it does make you think.Going from full-on carnivore to happy leaf-eater though, is a process. If you’re considering it, here’s what you could expect to go through…
Your mates ate a lamb roast at the pub, a pepperoni pizza appeared even though you’d ordered the aubergine, and your fry up didn’t look right without a rasher or two of streaky bacon – your resolve is wavering. But just about holding firm… for now.
Optimism
Deciding to cut out sausages can simultaneously help reduce your carbon footprint, save the lives of pigs (who are both intelligent and cute) and boost your health (processed meat: not great for you). It’s an all-round win! How could it have taken you so long to go veggie?! You’ll never hanker after a pork chop again!Determination
You’ve done the big shop and begun the new regime. The fridge is stocked with heads of cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower (apparently you can make cauliflower ‘chicken’ wings?), Quorn in various guises and 12 types of lettuce. You are ready to go.Smugness
So far, eating lentil spag bol instead of the version derived from cow, is an absolute doddle. You actually feel confident about tackling climate change again. You’ve even bought oat milk, because if being veggie is this straightforward, how much harder can it be to go vegan?Wobbly
