How many days do you think you can go without eating meat?

Question

bolverk · Accepted Answer

I've Lived for months Eating a vegetarian diet when I've worked on engineering contracts in societies where it is the norm, those that I was working for were concerned that they would not be able to supply a diet that I'd be happy with, I just made sure that I tried for the most balanced diet I could get, but I'd also have these 7 supplements with me as heavy physical labour depletes them and they are not readily available in a vegetarian diet, better to be safe than sorry ;

1. Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that’s almost exclusively found in animal-sourced foods, such as fish, meat, dairy products, and eggs. Also known as cobalamin, it’s a water-soluble nutrient involved in developing red blood cells and maintaining nerves and normal brain function. Studies have shown that without supplements or enriched foods, vegetarians are at a high risk of vitamin B12 deficiency.

The symptoms and risks associated with vitamin B12 deficiency include:

weakness, fatigue, impaired brain function, neurological disorders, psychiatric disorders, megaloblastic anemia

To get sufficient amounts of vitamin B12, people following a vegan diet must take supplements or eat food that has been fortified with this nutrient. Vitamin B12 is only found in animal and fortified foods, as well as in small amounts in certain types of seaweed. People following a vegan diet should supplement with a vegan vitamin B12 supplement.

2. Creatine
Creatine is a molecule found in animal foods. Most of it is stored in your muscles but significant amounts are also concentrated in your brain. It functions as an easily accessible energy reserve for muscle cells, giving them greater strength and endurance. For this reason, it’s one of the world’s most popular supplements for muscle building. Studies show that Creatine supplements can increase both muscle mass and strength.

3. Carnosine
Carnosine is an antioxidant that’s concentrated in the muscles and brain of humans and animals. It’s very important for muscle function, and high levels of carnosine in muscles are linked to reduced muscle fatigue and improved performance. Carnosine is only found in animal-based foods. However, it’s considered nonessential, since your body can form it from the amino acids histidine and beta-alanine. Carnosine is a nutrient found only in animal-derived foods. It’s important for muscle function. Beta-alanine supplements increase the levels of carnosine in muscles.

4. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient with many important functions. Also called the sunshine vitamin, it doesn’t have to come from your diet. Your skin can produce vitamin D when it’s exposed to sunlight. However, if your sunlight exposure is limited or you live far from the equator, you must get it from food or supplements.

There are two types of dietary vitamin D:

ergocalciferol (D2), found in plants
cholecalciferol (D3), found in animal-based foods
Of these types, cholecalciferol (D3) increases blood levels of absorbable vitamin D much more efficiently than ergocalciferol.

Cholecalciferol (D3) is a type of vitamin D found in animal-sourced foods, especially fatty fish, and it’s more effective at raising blood levels of vitamin D than the plant form of vitamin D (D2). Vegan vitamin D3 supplements can be purchased online.

5. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
DHA is an essential omega-3 fatty acid that’s important for normal brain development and function. Deficiency in DHA can have adverse effects on mental health and brain function, especially in children. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an essential omega-3 fatty acid found in fatty fish and fish oil.

6. Heme iron
Heme iron is a type of iron found only in meat, especially red meat. It’s much better absorbed than non-heme iron, which is commonly found in plant foods. Heme iron also improves your absorption of non-heme iron from plant foods. This phenomenon is not entirely understood but is called the meat factor.

7. Taurine
Taurine is a sulfur compound found in various body tissues, including your brain, heart, and kidneys While its bodily function is not entirely clear, it appears to play a role in muscle function, bile salt formation, and antioxidant defences Taurine is found only in animal-sourced foods, such as fish, seafood, meat, poultry, and dairy products Taurine isn’t considered essential in the diet, since your body produces small amounts. Still, dietary Taurine may play a role in maintaining your body’s taurine levels.

rigmarole · Accepted Answer

No reason to. If it is available at the store at a reasonable price I will buy it. If it's not available at a reasonable price or not available at stores due to industrial sabotage I'll just go fishing a couple times a week, hunt every once in a while, and raise animals on my farm.

Screenwriter · Accepted Answer

The fact is you don't need much meat to survive or thrive. You can be a vegetarian and be perfectly healthy.

It's better to eat less meat, since the production of cattle creates about 15% of the US's greenhouse gases, and feeding them uses crop space that could be dedicated to feeding people. Only 7% of cows are involved in dairy production. So, that percentage is not the big issue. It's beef production.

Half of the current world's land is used for agriculture. And 75% of that is used for farm animals. Shocking, isn't it? I didn't know that myself. So, better to eat less meat and more vegetables.

This doesn't mean you have to give up meat entirely. But cut it back.

We can all help save the planet. It's a matter of changing some habits. IT needs to be done.

PBandJ_Nerd · Accepted Answer

Honestly, I'm not sure. While I wouldn't mind it, I'd then have to face me losing weight, which would be terrible for me. But I'll gladly take plant-based products like veggie burgers, corn dogs, cauliflower wings, etc. Sure, I've learned to like lots of meats this year, but I still do love my veggies and veggie products.

DizzyDesii · Answer

I only crave meat like twice a week

PositiveFlight · Answer

Maybe a week. It’s wise to eat meat sparingly. But a person can be excessive either way. Eating meat always isn’t good for you, and eating meat never and being vegan is also extremely unhealthy because a person who does not consume meat, eggs, and other items is highly devoid of extremely critical nutrients and healthy animal fat, all of which is essential. I have my own ranch in the mountains and therefore source my own meat whether that be chickens, or cattle. I know it’s much more healthy because there hasn’t been growth hormones and vaccinations involved. And I know that the animals are free range, organic, and treated humanely.

ManOnFire · Answer

I've done it for a week before, only eating veggies. It's not bad, but the only problem is that you don't feel as energized, you're hungrier, and your brain doesn't seem to be as sharp. I don't understand how vegans do it but I guess they must get used to it.

Adventurer23 · Answer

I have no idea. To me, the challenge wouldn't be how long I could go without eating meat, but instead it would be trying to figure out a new way of cooking that ensures that I get a healthy enough balance of protein. But I already often eat meals without meat.

SotiCoto · Answer

I went for 3 months once without consuming any solid food whatsoever. I just drank smoothies and coffee for the entire duration.

It didn't have anything to do with meat in particular, but it still technically counts. I'd never just give up meat. I'd rather give up everything else. I could totally live on steak AND smoothies and coffee for a while.

goaded · Answer

I voted a week, because that's usually how long I'd go, but I COULD go much longer. I have a wide range of vegetarian and vegan recipies, but I do like the odd bit of bacon, ham, or beef. Long gone are the days when I'd eat half a roast chicken in one meal!

RingOfFire · Answer

I go nuts after a day or two... have to have chicken or beef or I feel weak and useless. As soon as I have some of that, it makes me feel like I got my strength back. I eat a lot of fish, but that doesn't do it either. Chicken just barely does it. Beef does it the best... instant strength. Clearly humans were made to eat meat and have been doing so for millions of years. Woolly Mammoth anyone?

Don't get me wrong, I love animals! ... they are delicious! 👍

Miristheiss · Answer

If I can eat eggs and nuts then probably several weeks to maybe over a months.

If eggs count as meat (muscle from a killed animal vs. an unfertilized germinal disc that was never alive) and I can just eat nuts maybe a couple of weeks.

Anonymous · Answer

I was once in this physical training program where I was not allowed meat, sugar, or caffeine for 6 weeks. First three weeks were hell, and then I kind of got into it, but knowing it was going to end was the best part.

MiddleAgedClimbee · Answer

I'm sure I could handle the rest of my life. Plenty of other caloric options. They might not taste as good, but it wouldn't be the end of the world

Levin · Answer

Well, I haven't eaten any meat since 2014. Although to be fair I still feel like I need some animal products. I eat a little bit of fish, dairy and eggs. I'm quite happy 90% plant based.

aceleon · Answer

2-3 days, a week is my limit cause i am a carnivorous creature and %90 or even more of my diet is meat.

DreamCrescent · Answer

I went months. Not on purpose. I wouldn't recommend it. Go ahead and source meat responsibly and cook at home, but do eat meat :)

Smashingdoozy · Answer

I was vegetarian for like 5 years. If I was taking a shit load of supplements I'm sure I could do it again but doesn't sound like a good time

Xoirwinkan · Answer

Meat is often the most satisfying part of a meal, so unless I want to eat disappointment a lot, max 2-3 days.

strateguy632 · Answer

from after lunch Monday until lunch wensday, about 47 hours. one lunch cheese instead of animal flesh.

Yannae · Answer

A month or more. If I had no choice. I'm flexible. But I will say this question made me crave meat. On top of that my friends invited me to come eat spareribs this evening.

midnightmoon05 · Answer

I or 2 days. I like meat, seafood…I don’t want to torture myself.

Paris13 · Answer

Many if Need be. I am Dieting a Few More Pounds Before Christmas. lolxxoo

TrueConfection · Answer

I could live without meat, but I'd miss seafood.

Anonymous · Answer

Like six months, I barely eat it. A lot of processed meat is so bad for you and gives you erectile dysfunction. I like my sex life and healthy heart.

Radiate143 · Answer

Can't say for sure but if I could only eat it once a week I would be fine. I prefer fish and seafood tbh.

Drumlin2001 · Answer

If I really had to I could. But eat meat everyday, usually at least twice a day. I wouldn't choose to stop.

deus_ex_sisyphus · Answer

I like how I feel after eating meat, so I eat meat everyday

loveslongnails · Answer

What's my incentive or reward? It all depends on that!

Anonymous · Answer

Probably as many as I need to, but I'm not terribly interested, so I'll stick with zero to 1.

IslaTheWitch · Answer

Not very long I assume :D

ArrowheadSW · Answer

Just one day.

Apple1996 · Answer

I'm already vegan

FreyaRed · Answer

24 hours

Chandelier8 · Answer

If I can eat fish, then months to years.

NathanDavis · Answer

if I really had to... I could go weeks

rosemilk · Answer

so far, 7+ years lol

AviatorTom · Answer

long time... i could live on carbs

Olgaaa22 · Answer

Maybe a week I am a meat lover

exitseven · Answer

A month or so.

The-Stud · Answer

Can't go without Chicken or fish for a day

IknowthatIdontKnow09 · Answer

I think that Consuming meat occasionally isn't bad

Anonymous · Answer

Only few days. Love meat!!

Luckycharms12 · Answer

One two max I like meat

DreamGlow · Answer

Forever! I am vegetarian 🌱

Likes2drive · Answer

Probably a week if I put my mind to it

LiamJHayden · Answer

Could? The rest of my life if needed.

Flower7 · Answer

MAYBE a week.

doggylover64 · Answer

Already vegetarian!

Brady · Answer

a dy.

Iron_Man · Answer

One week

LavLavLuv · Answer

A few months

Kingofkings1992 · Answer

Zero.

Gezbelle · Answer

Over a week

Anonymous · Answer

A week

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