Instructions
Vegetarianism is increasing in the UK as more and more British people are deciding not to eat meat and animal products. According to the Vegetarian Society, 2000 people are giving up meat and ‘going veggie’ in Britain every week. There’s even a ‘National Vegetarian Week’ organised every year to encourage people to try a meat-free lifestyle.
Vegetarians and vegans
In 1989 a poll indicated that 3% of the UK’s population was vegetarian. A more recent poll estimated that 5.7% of the population were vegetarian. In numbers this means there are over 3 million vegetarians in the UK today and vegetarians (people who don’t eat meat), and vegans (people who don’t eat or use any animal products) are becoming increasingly common in UK culture. Visit a British supermarket and you will see a wide range of vegetarian ingredients and prepared meals on the shelves including vegetarian sausages, vegan cheese (it doesn’t contain milk!) and meat-free burgers.
A healthy diet
So why are Brits cutting out meat from their diets? Many vegetarians and vegans choose not to eat meat or animal products for ethical reasons. They are unhappy about the bad treatment of the animals and the effects of meat and fish production on the environment. Worries about food safety (for example BSE or ‘mad cow disease’ as it is commonly known) cause many people to stop eating meat. Others choose to change their diet in this way to improve their general health. According to the UK organisation, the Vegetarian Society, a meat-free diet could help reduce the risk of certain cancers and the possibility of heart disease, as well as other health problems such as obesity and high blood pressure.
Organic farming
Another rising trend in the UK’s food culture is related to how our food is produced. Many people are rejecting GM (genetically modified) food and intensive farming procedures. They want their food to be organically farmed. What exactly does ‘organic’ mean? Organic food is produced in a more 'natural' way. Organic farmers use no, or very few, chemicals, pesticides or fertilisers. Organic farming isn’t only concerned with plant crops, animals can also be farmed organically. Organic meat is produced without the use of drugs and antibiotics. Organically farmed animals also have better living conditions, for example more space and more nutritious food.
Organic food
According to the Soil Association, the UK’s leading organisation for organic food and farming, three out of every four households in the UK now buy some types of organic food. Some people buy organic meat, fruit and vegetables from farmers’ markets, where local farmers sell their products directly to the consumer. Others have a box of organic mixed fruit and vegetables delivered to their homes each week. Many people buy organic produce in their local supermarket. As with vegetarianism, people choose organic foods for health reasons or because of concern for the environment. Although it’s often more expensive, fans of organic food say it tastes much better!
Worksheets and downloads
Discussion
Do you think the world would be a better place if people ate less meat? How much meat do you eat in your diet?
Comments
I just recently learned that meat, dairy and eggs are leading contributors to heart disease, some cancers and diabetes. I do not think it is healthy. See for yourself at nutritionfacts.org or watch Forks Over Knives on Netflix or What The Health.
I think it's necessary to eat meat in moderation, becuz meat contains certain elements that fruit and veggies don't
No, i think the meat is good for you and healthy. In my house we eat meat every day
No i don't. I like meat
I think the meat is rich and healthy and also is very important , in my house we eat meat 2 times per week
No, I don´t think so, I think the world will not improve because we eat less meat. I eat meat 5 or 6 time a week.
I think the meat is very important and healthy.I eat meta 3 ir 4 times a week
I dont Think So.
Because the meat is very important for my.
I eat meat four or five time a week, at lunch and dinner
Do you think the world would be a better place if people ate less meat? I think that eat meat is important, but I prefer eat fruits, pizza and salads.
How much meat do you eat in your diet? I eat meat two times a week.
I think the meat is very important and healthy, rich in proteins too. In my house we eat meat 4 or 5 times a week.
No, i don´t think the world would be a better place if people ate less meat, But is healthy, in my diet eat it 3 times at the week.
I think people 's lives would be better if they didn't eat much meat and there wouldn't be endangered animals . I don't eat much meat daily.
Hey Toby1
Ha ha ha! We usually eat edible meat such as beef, pork, chicken, fish, rabbit, which is not meat of endangered animals such as a giant panda, polar bear and a komodo dragon...! Oh no!
＼(◎o◎)／！
Yes i think, in my diet i eat meat in the weekend.
In my opinion the meat is good but is necesary eat vegetals.
No, I don't think the world would be a better place if people ate less meat. I eat meat two times at week.
No, for me the meat is very important.
I eat a lot of meat in my diet.
No, i don`t think world would be a better place if people ate less meat, because it`s very important to feel healthy, but we should eat moderately.
In my diet, eat meat almost every day of the week.
I think the meat is good and healty. It's important to eat meat. I often have lunch meat!!
No, I don´t think so, because the meat is very important. I eat meat 3 or 4 time a week
No, I think that meat is healthy and very important for our alimentation. I usually eat meat every day.
No, Meat is very important and healthy, i eat meat twice at the week
I think the world would not be better if you did not eat meat. in my house eat meat every day
No, I think that the world could not improve in the lifestyle of people. I eat meat always.
I love meat, has many proteins, would not fail to eat.
No I do not think the world would be better without meat , because it is necessary for our body and to help in nuetro development.
I don't diet. I like eat meat
No, I don´t diet. I like eat meat.
No, i don´t think the world would be a better place if people ate less meat, is very important and healty. I eat meat four days at week.
No, i don´t think the world would be a better place if people ate less meat, i eat meat every days at launch.
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