Have You Taken The Veg Pledge?

By Moira Chisholm

Pic: Susie White

We know you know you ought to eat more fruit and veg. But we reckon if you really understood why, you wouldn’t think twice about ditching the extra thick bacon and upping the curly kale. Turns out, going veggie just a couple of times a week could help us feel better, stay fitter, and even live longer. Don’t believe us? Let’s look at the facts.

At Goodlife, we love veg (well, it’s kind of our thing). But it’s not just us. Professionals and nutritionists have been singing the praises of balanced, veggie-rich diets for years, and recent research has shown meat isn’t quite so good for us as we’d hoped. Our resident nutritionist, Mike Murphy, has been gathering the evidence – and we think you’ll be taking the Veg Pledge before you know it.

Mike Murphy

Why eat less meat?

Carcinogens

In 2015, the World Health Organisation labelled processed meat carcinogenic and red meat as probably carcinogenic. They put both in their Group 1 bracket along with tobacco and asbestos. Yep, really. And unsurprisingly, it gets worse.

Top view on fried sausages in a black frying pan on a black stone table

Pic: iStockphoto

A review of over 800 scientific studies showed direct links between red meat and prostate and colorectal cancers, as well as between processed meat and stomach cancer. They also showed that for every 50g of processed meat we eat a day, there’s a 17% risk increase of colorectal cancer (or 18% for 100g of red meat). Maybe taking a day off from bacon and sausages every now and again wouldn’t be so bad, eh?

Sustainability
It’s not just our health we’re harming when we eat meat. It’s the planet, too. Livestock farming is behind 15% of human-generated greenhouse gases and up to 85% of deforestation. The UK’s Chief Medical Officer has also warned that if we don’t start choosing organic over traditional meats, antibiotic resistance could become “apocalyptic”. Eek, scary stuff.

And why more veg, nuts and beans?

Pic: iStockphoto

Magnesium

Did you know that more than half of us don’t get enough magnesium? It’s needed to activate over 300 different enzymes in the human body, and without it we’re at risk of type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety, insomnia and migraines.

To top up, we need plenty of green veg – Mike says ideally one or two portions a day, though most people only eat that much a week. Good news is, you’ll also find lots of magnesium in peas, lentils, nuts and grains, which are all big players in the Goodlife range.

Other good stuff
Beans and peas bring us stacks of protein, fibre, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, essential fats and amino acids. They’re great at lowering cholesterol, balancing blood sugar, supporting digestion and reducing cancer risk, which is why we pack peas, chick peas and beans of all shapes and sizes into so many of our products.

Last but not least, the small but decidedly mighty nut. It’s one of the most nutritionally dense food sources on earth and eating just a handful a day could reduce your risk of an early death by a jaw-dropping 20%. People who eat them regularly tend to weigh less and have healthier hearts, and you’ll find plenty of them in the Goodlife nut burgers.

On board? Take the Veg Pledge!

Pic: Susie White

One pledge. Two days. So many benefits.
As Mike says: “So many studies show that people who eat more plants enjoy greater health and less disease.” That doesn’t mean ditching the dishes you love forever. Instead, take the Veg Pledge.

The Veg Pledge is simple. Vow to eat veggie two days a week to start reaping the benefits of lower meat intake and better nutrition. Not sure where to start? Try Goodlife. Our delicious burgers, sausages, and other veggie delights are filled with virtuous veg, mouthwatering flavours and nutritional goodness. Even better, they’re easy to cook, right from the freezer, in 30 minutes or less. From classic Falafel with Cumin and Coriander to Vegetable Protein Balls with Spinach and Kale, you’ll find lots of tasty products at goodlife.co.uk.