A Vegetarian World By 2050?

August 28, 2012 by Heather

A lovely reader brought a typo in yesterday’s workout to my attention. Where it says lateral raises, it should say front raises. Unfortunately, I would have to re-do the entire graphic and I simply don’t have time for that so sub it in, k?! ;-)

Workout

Today began with a great workout. My arms were still sore from yesterday so I switch up my plans and completed the Surfer Girl workout from the Tone It Up Beach Babe DVD. I really do love this workout. It’s just 20 minutes long but totally wipes me out in the best way. There are a few plyometric moves and lots of squats and lunges, both of which are right up my alley while making me honor my bod pod. Love!

Lunch

When I got to work at the clinic this morning, I slid into my chair … and almost fell off it. I’m not sure how I manage to do such things but I did have a good chuckle with myself. Laughing at yourself every day is good for your soul!

After a few hours of working at the clinic, I took out this bad boy.

Apparently, I was feeling like a color-themed salad was in order today. Green and off-white. In the mix:

  • Kale
  • Tempeh
  • Avocado
  • Roasted cauliflower (thanks Mom!)
  • Sauerkraut (still obsessed)
  • Annie’s Lemon-Chive vinaigrette
 

It totally hit the spot. The roasted cauliflower was a fantastic and welcomed addition to my salad. My mouth is actually watering just thinking about it. Yes, my mouth waters for roasted cauliflower.

#CorgiCam

After work, I headed over to Panera to get some work done. It was just me and a nice, cold acai berry iced tea. 

In the middle of working, I was pleasantly interrupted by a tweet from Catherine who informed me of this live #CorgiCam! OH MY GOODNESS. Thanks, Catherine. Now I’m never getting any work done. ;-) Matty is actually the one who got me wanting a Corgi, so I had to tell him about the live #CorgiCam. our conversation went like this:

Me: omgomgomgomgomg LIVE CORGI CAM!!!!! http://www.youtube.com/user/ThePetCollective/featured

Matty: Oh no. It’s bad that I know this exists. 

Me: HOW ADORABLE?!

Matty: Why did you do this to me?

Puppies are his weakness. When it comes to Corgi puppies, FORGET IT. He’s done for! 

A Vegetarian World By 2050?

According to the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), there will not be enough water on our croplands to produce food for the world’s population if the Western nation diet continues to be the norm. Sweden water scientistis estimate the world’s population will reach 9 billion by 2050.

Humans currently get about 20 percent of their diet from animal protein. According to SIWI, people will need to consume about 5 percent of their daily protein from animals by 2050 in order to accomodate our planet’s water deficits. The scientists say that adopting a vegetarian diet is a viable option. According to the article, Orion Jones said that 1/3 of our world’s farmland is used to grow crops that feed animals. He also said that animal foods consume five to 10 times more water than a vegetarian diet. Crazy, huh?

At the end of the day, I do agree that Western nations eat too much meat and dairy products. It is a large (but certainly not the only) contributor to the increased incidence of diabetes, heart disease, obesity, etc. It comes down to educating others on how to access vegetarian foods in a budget-friendly way and showing others how accessible it can be to add some meat and dairy-free options to your life. After all, rice and beans are some of the most inexpensive foods on the market! I do not expect everyone to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle, let alone a vegan one. That being said, it would be nice to see the vegetarian movement gain more positive, mainstream press to get others on-board with incorporating more plant-based foods into their lives.

What do you think of this?

Stay lovely,
Heather 

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33 Comments »

  1. I totally agree. I think people need to be informed of the research and the strong correlations between animal foods and the affluent diseases that people are largely dying from in the Western World rather than only being fed half the information; people can’t make a properly informed decision while they continue to be brain washed by people paid by pharmaceutical companies and conglomerates!

  2. Lea says:

    A vegetarian world would be awesome, it would be so much easier to eat out! But really I think it would greatly benefit the plant if we cut down on our meat consumption. The livestock industry uses an incredible amount of resources to produce meat, far more than what is needed to produce fruits, veggies and other plant-based food. Not to mention westerner’s diets could greatly benefit from a few extra plants.

  3. Danielle says:

    Really interesting study Heather! Thank you for sharing! I definitely think Western culture consumes a lot more dairy than any of us need! If we were to cut out any one food group I think this could be it! I also agree that many people do tend to overconsume meat and often get way more protein than we need which could also be the culprit of some of the obesity problems! Interesting solution to a future problem!

    • Heather says:

      Great comment, as always, Danielle! To be honest, the water supply wasn’t something I ever really focused on – it was always health and animals. The environmental reasons are things I am aware of but not as well educated on. This article really lit a fire under me to get going on that!

  4. As a non-vegetarian (or even remotely close to being a vegetarian) this article is definitely interesting! Makes me think that humans would have trouble sustaining the diet we have currently. Although, I would find it hard to believe that people would voluntarily give up their present diet. I guess we’ll have to wait and see where we end up in 40 years.

    • Heather says:

      It’s definitely a process that needs to (and should) happen gradually. We need more positive reinforcement of the vegetarian / vegan lifestyle in the mainstream world. It’s definitely hard, though, while the meat and dairy industries control so much of our food system.

  5. lindsay says:

    i love tempeh but eat it in moderation cause of the soy. But man is it delicious. Its savory cultured goodness!

  6. Lisa says:

    Yummm to that salad! I’m the same with Lindsay, I can’t eat too much tempeh because of the soy and the havoc it wreaks on my poor tummy. However, I do believe as a nation we do incorporate far too much animal protein into our fiets now-a-days. Especially with paleo diets on the ride, there is a ton of animal protein being consumed in those. I myself can’t imagine eating meat more than once a day, but whatever for someone who’s paleo just clearly doesn’t work well for me ha ha.
    I’m not a vegetarian, but this article is certainly eye opening!

    • Heather says:

      You know, I was thinking the same thing about paleo. There is a lot of meat in that lifestyle. I feel like, eventually (everyone’s bodies are different), people might start to feel lethargic from the constant acidity in their GI tracts. You know?

  7. Emily says:

    After reading this article a few days ago, I’ve been doing a lot more research on the topic and I completely agree with you. I think it’s a matter of educating people (at an early age, preferably) and showing them how easy and affordable a vegetarian diet can be. Not to mention, how much healthier it is. Our bodies weren’t built to digest that much animal protein/cholesterol/saturated fat/etc. but, the meat-eating lifestyle is so engrained in people’s heads, it’s hard to change their views. I think the article will be eye-opening for a lot of people!
    That’s too funny about the typo on your workout- I actually did it this morning and automatically did front raises instead of lateral, haha. I read your mind! It was an awesome routine, by the way! My shoulders are already feeling it. (:

    • Heather says:

      No word of a lie – I TOTALLY thought of you when I read this. I was like, “I bet Emily already read this story!” You’re always so up-to-date on current issues in the vegan world. :-)

      Bahaha that’s so funny how you automatically thought front raises. We really are twins, girl. I’m so happy that you loved the workout!

  8. I need to jump on board with the Tone it Up Beach Babe DVD’s; your enthusiasm has convinced my that I’m missing out! And your salads always look so good. Come cook for me, pretty please? ;)

    This is a thought-provoking study; thanks so much for sharing! I definitely agree that the western world–particularly Americans–over consume meat. It would be fantastic if people began incorporating more veggie-based meals into their diets. Even though I believe that eating meat (in small amounts and from organic, non mass-produced sources) is the most natural way for humans to eat, I do think that it’s impossible for us to continue eating the way we currently do (ample amounts of commercially raised meat, refined grains etc). What it really comes down to, in my opinion, is education. If people realize the impact of their decisions, they’ll be more mindful about the choices they’re making (or at least, I hope!). There is far too much apathy and lack of desire to understand the food system. Sigh. One of my daily prayers is that this trend will shift. I guess that’s where we can play a small, albeit inspiring role. It starts with grass-roots efforts!

    Love you! xoxo <3

    • Heather says:

      You DEFINITELY should purchase the TIU Beach Babe DVD. It’s amazing! And I would LOVE to cook for you, girl. Anytime, any day.

      I totally agree with you. We’re on the same page, girl! Education, to your point, is KEY. I think the manner in which we deliver is so important too. People feel like information is sort of being shoved down their throats, you know? You’re so eloquent in your writing, Sarah! I love you so much! <3

  9. Hilary says:

    Hi Heather,

    Loved this post! And very jealous of the salad, it looks delish. I get pretty excited about roasted cauliflower too haha

    I heard about this article yesterday and I was so excited to see the link for it on your blog! In my opinion appealing to the environmental side of veganism is really great. I think that a lot of people really hesitate with the animal rights side of things, but can relate more to the negative impact it has on our planet. I will be sharing this article with people for sure!
    Great post!

    • Heather says:

      Glad to hear you share my sentiments about roasted veggies. They’re just so comforting and delicious!

      Thanks for your thoughtful comment about today’s topic of choice too. You raise some really great points. I think if the media focused less on the ” radical crazies” out there, veganism would become more accepted in mainstream media. Thanks again for commenting, girl!

  10. Kristin says:

    Umm..Corgi cam is my favorite! I probably should have sent you this link long ago! It’s going to be my hw entertainment this year haha

  11. Caitlin says:

    Your mouth watering for roasted cauliflower is no surprise to me. After all mine waters for roasted Brussels. This is why we are friends.
    I do think the Western world has this idea that a meal is not complete without meat. I do enjoy eating meat but I also usually end up eating it only with dinner, just as a natural thing. During the day for lunch I so enjoy having a big salad with beans and eggs as my protein. I don’t think the lunch is incomplete without meat because I’m getting my protein in other ways! Good point about beans being cheaper too. I feel like many with less money to spend on groceries could benefit from the knowledge of beans’ benefits!

  12. I agree that too much meat and dairy is consumed but I don’t think it is possible for everyone to go vegetarian unless forced to do so. People have the knowledge and tools now and still don’t. Very interesting article though, thanks for sharing!

  13. I always fall off my chair. It’s totally normal. I love that you love the corgi cam. I’ve never heard of it but I just watched it for like 5 minutes straight. I also love that 590 people are watching right now ha ha that cracks me up.
    I believe that we probably do consume too much meat and dairy. I know for a fact I eat WAY too much dairy. I just love it and I can’t imagine ever cutting it out even though I have to take lactaid pills for me to digest it properly. I should probably try it out and see what happens. When I was a pescatarian, I took the time to make other protein sources for dinner. Now, I usually eat meat almost every lunch and dinner. I love vegetarian food though, so I should start getting creative again!

    • Heather says:

      Ahh Brittany I literally thought of you while I was watching that Corgi Cam!!! How precious?! #weareeasilyamused

      My recipes are always at your disposal! ;-)

  14. Mary says:

    I did your shoulder workout and it was great!! I substituted downward dog pushups for mule kicks because I’m having some knee pain so had to cut down on the high impact. My parents just went to Trader Joe’s since we don’t have one here and they picked me up hummus, lentils, tri colored quinoa, peach salsa, and the peanut dressing you mentioned awhile back. So excited to try all of it :)

    Side note: I made tempeh the other night and it tasted/smelled AWFUL right out of the package…expiration date was fine. Any idea what the reason is? I ended up throwing it out…

  15. Whitney says:

    Thank you for sharing that article! It is very interesting. I’m a southerner, have been all my life, and meat (and fried things!) are a massive portion of the diet here. I was always so unhealthy and I tipped the scale at about 320 lbs. when I was a teenager. I’m 22 now and although I still have some toning up to do from the “dark days,” I can’t tell you what a difference eating healthier makes. Exercise isn’t enough, and it’s not eating meat for three meals a day that makes me truly feel GREAT! I do still consume meat in my diet, but it’s white meat chicken breast 99.999999% of the time, and only ever for one meal per day at the maximum. It feels great and it’s nice to know it has a positive impact on more than just my body :)

  16. I feel the same way as you – I know it’s unrealistic for everyone to just turn vegetarian. I’ve managed to cope with that one haha, but I want people to try and be a little more veg friendly, even if that means cutting one meat meal a week! I think it’s an easy, easy task!

    I’m so thankful to my husband who said yesterday, “I don’t think I could ever eat a cow again” after witness a baby cow running in the field. He melts my heart (and so does the baby cow!). He’s been off meat for a while anyways since I am vegan, but things like that just makes me appreciate who he is so much more! (Yes, I realize I went off topic of what you asked haha.)

  17. Kim says:

    A vegetarian world is a beautiful ideal, I would love that. However it doesn’t seem likely, but i do like the fact that the vegetarian lifestyle is being seen in a more accepted and better light now! I definitely agree that people need to slow down on their animal protein consumption for the sake of the planet, I just wish more people were aware!

  18. Ali says:

    Re: The Surfer Girl Workout:

    “I really do love this workout. It’s just 20 minutes long but totally wipes me out in the best way. There are a few plyometric moves and lots of squats and lunges, both of which are right up my alley while making me honor my bod pod. Love!”

    My thoughts exaaaactly. :)

  19. Meg says:

    Great post sis! As always ;)

    I definitely LOVE when you share your convo’s with Matty :) Thank you :) Muuuuch appreciated because their ADORABLE.

    As for vegetarian eating… You know I want to eat MORE plant proteins and LESS animal proteins, so hey – I’m A OK with reducing my consumption

    You are my inspiration you know?? ;)

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