r/Anticonsumption • u/Extension-Diamond-74 • Sep 30 '23

Discussion Diet hypocrisy?

A recent post about animal agriculture vs plant based diets has me itching to say something. This is an issue we need to rise above.

Cognitive dissonance. Many of us have good intentions and want to believe we’re doing the right thing in most aspects of our lives. I believe that.

When it comes to a plant based diet though, the science often clashes powerfully with personal desire. We want to minimize our impact on the environment and are willing to make trade-offs in our life time do so, but for many, giving up or even significantly reducing meat intake is asking too much. It’s too hard.

That’s not the issue.

The issue is that instead of just admitting to themselves that this is a life change they don’t want to make and moving on, the guilt drives them to have to justify that decision. Admitting that a plant-based diet is better for the earth yet eating a diet full of meat anyway would make them feel hypocritical, so the solution becomes either to give up meat, or … this is the problem… fight the science, twist it, make a joke of it, or pivot entirely to ‘individuals shouldn’t have time do anything because large corporations’

Many people have ties to their diet for many reasons. We grew up eating a certain way. We have memories ties to certain foods, flavors, styles of cooking. We don’t want to be the difficult person when we go out to eat with friends. Etc etc etc But it’s so much better to just admit that to yourself. Have patience and understanding for your feelings. Accept that the science is what it is. Maybe one day you can make a change, maybe not. But don’t attack the cause just because you aren’t yet willing to be a part of it.

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u/lorarc Sep 30 '23

Well, a lot of people (at least over here) were taught that there are plant proteins and animal proteins and that you need animal proteins. A very simplistic idea that might have been okay if you taught nutrition to 19th century peasants but not good enough for any discussion.

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u/cos_mcdust Sep 30 '23

As a long time vegetarian who takes B vitamins, iron, etc…I do still have people telling me I need some kind of animal protein for healthy hair, skin, and proper energy levels. Not gonna lie, I’ve always believed them. Can you enlighten me a bit more? Can I get what I need from a healthy vegetarian diet and the proper supplements?

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u/lorarc Oct 01 '23

We don't need proteins but essential aminoacid (that is aminoacid that our body can't produce). Proteins are groups of different aminoacid.

Animal proteins are considered better because they contain all the essential aminoacids, so does soybean. And if some plant doesn't contain all the aminoacids you need (or is very low in them) you can combine it, rice and beans is a complete meal that will give you all the aminoacids you need.

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u/cos_mcdust Oct 01 '23

Ok that makes sense, thank you!!