Consumption of too much red meat has been linked to many health-problems, The World Health Organizations mentions bone-loss, kidney stones, cardiovascular disease and cancer among others in its report on protein requirements in human nutrition. Science Daily also reports that growing cattle, especially in large-scale livestock operations creates tremendous environmental problems, from land degradation and air and water pollution to loss of biodiversity. It takes a lot of water and grain to grow an animal for food. Meat production creates a lot of methane gas, accounting for nearly one fifth of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Cutting down meat consumption can be easily achieved by changing the portion size and moving meat into the role of a side dish. Eating better-quality meat, even though less, can be a lot more satisfying than eating large quantities of processed meat that contain preservatives, some of them carcinogenic. Having one day a week meat-free is also an easy way to start that will have an added benefit of saving money. To find more inspiration (and meat-free recipes), join Meatless Monday - an international movement that helps people to improve their own health and the health of the planet.

Meat is a good source of protein, yet cutting down on it isn't likely to leave us protein-deficient. WHO recommends that men and women get 5% of their calories as protein. This quantity of protein is impossible to avoid when daily calorie needs are met by unrefined starches and vegetables and the average protein intakes of populations consuming the mixed diets of developed countries will usually be considerably in excess of recommended intakes, especially for meat-eaters.

It is a good idea to choose fish, poultry and beans over beef, lamb and pork. Substituting red meat for vegetables or white meat can also help cut caloric intake, so it's an easy way to get on track to lose weight.

When eating meat - any red meat, poultry, fish - choosing organic and/or grass-fed over corn-fed can have a huge impact on the environment and the eater's health. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, animals grazing on pastures are healthier and leaner, such agriculture is more sustainable and humane. If available, local food should be chosen to reduce hauling and support the farmers in the area.

Ideally, protein should be eaten early in the day to give body some time to burn off the saturated fat before bed-time. When cooking meat, baking, poaching and broiling are healthier than frying or charbroiling. At the same time, fruits and vegetables can often be eaten raw, so it's a good idea to make it a habit to reach for them instead of meat.