(GRE) REDUCING MEAT CONSUMPTION

Reducing portion sizes has been the most effective strategy to reduce meat intake in the UK, a new study has found.

Meat consumption fell to its lowest levels in the UK last year, driven by the cost-of-living crisis and a growing awareness about the health and environmental detriments animal proteins bring.

Experts and advocacy groups have been figuring out ways to help Brits cut back on meat even further, promoting dietary changes, meat-free days, or eating meat more occasionally. But none of these have proven to be as effective as portion control, according to a new study by the University of Edinburgh’s Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Systems.

Published in the Nature Food journal, the researchers found that meat consumption dropped by 15% from 2008-19, and 52% of this reduction was attributed to smaller meal portions. It joins previous research showcasing the potential of portion control to reduce food waste and improve public health.

In comparison, fewer meat-eating days contributed to 24% of the share and fewer daily meat-eating occasions were responsible for 7%, while the reduction in the proportion of meat-eaters lowered consumption by 17%.

“By reducing portion sizes, we see a sustainable and achievable approach to cutting down meat consumption, especially for those less inclined to adopt meat-free days,” said Prof Lindsay Jaacks, one of the study’s authors. “This strategy presents a practical path forward for both improving health outcomes and addressing environmental concerns.” More of this article (green queen) - link - more like this (food) - link - more like this (diet) - link