Abstract
Red meat consumption in the United States has reached excessive levels over the past fifty years, maintaining an average level of consumption twice that of the rest of the world's population. Red meat consumption has been linked to a profound amount of health issues, and has been noted as one of the primary facilitators of premature death in association with higher levels of consumption. Conventionally accounting for more than half of the average American's caloric intake, the imbalance of a conventional diet leads to nutrient deficiencies as well as a substantially high fat intake. Reducing meat consumption and replacing its caloric value with minimally calorie dense foods that are high in protein should present a substantial change in the American diet and should contribute to general wellness with an increase in dietary diversity.