As if we didn’t already have enough coronavirus-related problems, now, we’re experiencing a meat shortage because of the coronavirus outbreak in meatpacking plants around the country. Some of the affected plants are even closed indefinitely because so many of the workers are home ill.
This shortage has had a ripple effect across various industries. Wendy’s, for example, has had to take burgers off the menu at several locations because they have no burgers (their brand moto is they serve fresh, not frozen beef). A New York Times article details how grocery store chains like Kroger and wholesalers like Costco are limiting the amount of meat customers can purchase.
If you have ever thought about changing to a plant-based diet or limiting your meat intake, this may be the best time. One of the greatest benefits to a plant-based diet is lowering your risk for heart disease, but as pointed out in an article by the Harvard Medical School, all plant-based diets are not created equal.
IT’S ABOUT THE CHOICES
More and more Americans are reducing their meat intake and that was before the meat shortage. Choosing the correct plants to give you maximum nutrition is key to healthy eating. Dr. Ambika Satija of the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health says the focus needs to be on the quality of plant food.