Many meat eaters feel pressured into giving it up, poll reveals

Some people claimed that they would even be put off dating someone if they said they were vegan

A few of those polled said they’d even sniffed cured meats to satisfy their cravings (Getty Images)

Millions of meat eaters have been pressured into going meat-free by their own partner, a poll found. 

A survey of 2,000 adults revealed nearly half have felt forced to either reduce or cut out their intake of meat products entirely.

Friends are most likely to be behind the pressure to buy into things like Veganuary and “meat-free Mondays,” as well as partners and parents.

One in five even said their children have insisted they should change their eating habits.

The research, by beef jerky company Jack Link’s, revealed the pressure is not always welcome, with more than a quarter saying that they have argued because of the pushy behaviour.  

Of those who have cut down their meat intake, almost 60 per cent only did it to keep their partner happy, although nearly seven in 10 admitted they wouldn’t have considered it without the encouragement of their partner.

Food Psychologist, Greg Tucker, said: “There are many influences that can have an impact on what we eat and how we eat.

“Meat plays a major part in most meals in everyday life and cutting down is not always something many people will have considered.

“So, while some might have the best intentions in trying to encourage people to reduce or cut out meat from their diet, putting the pressure on others can have the opposite effect.”

The study also found that of those making a meaty sacrifice for their partners, several resorted to extreme measures to still get their fix in other ways.

This includes eating meat-flavoured snacks, cooking meat-based meals but not eating them and even asking someone who is eating meat to talk them through the experience.

A few even said they had gone as far to sniffing cured meats to satisfy their need for meat.

If they were to go on a date with a vegan or vegetarian, just over one third would go meat-free to make their love interest feel more at ease.

Although 42 per cent admitted they would still tuck into a carnivorous feast and some claiming they wouldn’t consider dating a vegan at all.

Of those, some worry it would limit the type of meals they could enjoy together, while others wouldn’t want to feel guilty for eating meat.

Nearly a third of meat-eaters would also consider ending a relationship if the person they were dating asked them to give up meat.

When asked what meat they would miss most stripped from their diet, chicken and beef took the top spots, ahead of other popular choices such as pork and lamb.  

Of those who were talked into giving Veganuary a go, they saw this as an excuse to try something new, keep their other half happy or as a challenge.

However, while  many have managed to make it through the entire month in previous years, the rest only lasted until January 13th, on average, before succumbing to a meaty meal.

And several of those polled admitted it was harder than they thought it would be.  

Greg Tucker added: “Balance is often key to happiness when it comes to food.”

“While it’s great to try things like Veganuary, often balancing your intake of meat can provide a happy medium for everyone, while still being able to enjoy your favourite meals and snacks.”

SWNS