Whoever knew there was such a word as ‘reducetarian’? Thankfully there is such a word, made up though it sounds and it's one that I rather like - because it indicates that someone is trying to reduce some of the less sustainable elements of their diet and make a shift towards something that aims to be healthier and better for the planet.
I try to keep abreast of research into sustainable diets and am always encouraged when I read about the growing demand for meat alternatives and shifts towards vegetarian or vegan diets in the modern world. I believe that soy is the most complete provider of the amino acids - though am always happy to debate this kind of thing! - but I believe we also all know about the environmental damage being done by the soy industry in Latin America.
Nothing comes without a price.
And while vegetarian diets can certainly be maximised to ensure nutritional needs are met, the reality out there in the real world is quite different. In March 2024, I attended British Nutrition Foundation webinar ‘Challenges to achieving nutritional adequacy through a healthy, sustainable diet’ which examined how diets are shifting and the impact this is having on people’s ability to access the micronutrients they need.
A large-scale review across multiple studies, the published article reports that if there were a dietary transition to reduce environmental impacts ‘intakes of zinc, calcium, iodine, and vitamins B12, A, and D would decrease, [but] total iron and folate would increase…Risk of inadequate intakes of zinc, calcium, vitamins A, B12 and D were more likely to increase in the 10 studies that reported nutrient adequacy.’
Why is this the case?
A study on German students published recently with similar findings to the issues discussed in the Nutrition Foundation session. It concluded that ‘UPF consumption contributes to the inadequate intake of many micronutrients by young adults. This is further aggravated by plant-forward eating patterns including the consumption of plant-based alternatives.’
It is clear that people everywhere are making food choices with a growing consciousness of the need to consider the environment. However, they also want to enjoy their food and with busy lives are often drawn to convenient options. This can lead to diets with meat alternatives that actually all into the category of ultra processed dishes. This further challenges the consumer attempting to be healthy by reducing meat.
The website ‘GreenQueen’ features a number of interesting articles on this topic - with a look at the body blows being suffered by Unilever, Nestlé & Monde Nissin leading them to reassess their meat-free ambitions.
A study carried out by the Coop of Swiss consumers bears out the view that meat alternatives seem to be suffering - finding that ‘consumers in Switzerland are reducing their meat consumption, but also buying fewer plant-based analogues, with vegetables and legumes taking precedence among flexitarians”
This leads me to think that perhaps our time is coming - the rise of insect protein nigh at last! Some people are attempting to reduce meat, others are being persuaded to eat more, yet others are not getting the complete ‘nutritional package’ that they need from just vegetables. I believe this is a domain where insects could play a critical role.
While no vegetarian, I am seeking ways to reduce meat consumption. I personally subscribe to a UKEIA member’s deal where I get sent a large bag of cricket powder on a regular basis and add a large spoonful of this to my mid-morning (part of my intermittent fasting routine) breakfast bowl along with an array of other fruit nuts and bits and bobs. I believe this element helps to keep me in good health - and I know that Leo, co-founder at YumBug has at times used insect protein as part of quite a vigorous fitness regime!
I also know that my colleague Jane - who is very open about the need for extra protein during perimenopause - has adopted a similar practice, mixing her powder with blended fruits in porridge or mixing it with peanut butter and banana on toast. Again, studies bear out that ‘associated with menopause are many symptoms and health concerns, particularly body composition, especially changes in muscle…For females, the menopause transition and the associated hormonal changes accentuate the modifications to the aging muscle. The odds of sarcopenia, a condition characterised by a loss of muscle mass and strength, are substantially elevated among post-menopausal females.’
Perhaps, in fact, we could all benefit from the buzz that a little bit of insect protein can provide? I’d love to hear your thoughts - and also any top tips for how you’re taking the reducetarian path and how you’re packing your diets full of the good stuff.
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