In 2016, China updated its national dietary guidelines. Among the advice, the guidelines suggested a modest daily amount of meat, roughly 40 to 75 grams. News reports at the time said that if people followed the advice, meat eating could fall by about half, and climate campaigners hoped it might help reduce emissions.
Why eat less meat?
Many health guidelines around the world suggest eating plenty of plant foods and keeping red and processed meat moderate.
The environmental side
Producing meat, especially beef, generally uses more land and water and creates more greenhouse gases than producing plant foods.
Not all or nothing
Eating less meat doesn’t mean giving it up entirely. Small changes, like a meat-free day each week, can add up.
Respect for different choices
People eat meat or avoid it for many reasons: culture, health, budget, taste and belief. Each choice deserves respect.
Simple ideas
Try beans, lentils, eggs or tofu in some meals. Traditional dishes from many cultures are naturally light on meat.
If you already follow a special eating plan, keep to it and let these ideas fit around it.
How little is enough
Choose one meal this week to make with less meat or none.
For more, read Meat and the human diet: what we know and what’s debated.
If you’d like a little more help at the table, there’s a gentle guide to everyday eating on the Guides page.