Cynthia Schuck Paim & Wladimir J. Alonso

This short book was written in late March 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic that has shaken humanity out of its routine. As we write these lines, we join billions of people in the hope that the losses brought about by this crisis in the coming weeks, and months, be as low as possible. This book also addresses this pandemic, but it does not contain formulas or advice on how to overcome it. What we do, in the following pages, is to take the opportunity to foster a discussion on how to reduce the chances of this type of catastrophe occurring again in the future, and how each of us can play an active role in this regard. The good news is that - as the reader will see - even when discussing the threats posed by emerging pandemics, epidemics, and infectious disease outbreaks, there is reason to be hopeful and optimistic. Fortunately, reducing many of the risks posed by new pathogens and other global health challenges depends on human action. And humanity has already proven to be ingenious enough to successfully overcome even more difficult challenges when we rise to the occasion. We hope you enjoy the book,

Cynthia and Wladimir
{fastsocialshare}

Abstract: Concern for the environment when making dietary choices has grown as the contribution of the food sector to global greenhouse gas emissions becomes more widely known. Understanding the correlates of beef eating could assist in the targeting of campaigns to reduce the consumption of high-impact foods. The objective of this study was to identify the demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral correlates of disproportionate beef consumption in the United States. We analyzed 24-h dietary recall data from adults (n = 10,248) in the 2015–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Disproportionate beef consumption was defined as an intake greater than four ounce-equivalents per 2200 kcal. Associations of this indicator variable with gender, age, race/ethnicity, education, family income, diet knowledge, and away-from-home meals were assessed using logistic regression, incorporating survey design and weighting. Disproportionate beef diets were consumed by 12% of individuals, but accounted for half of all beef consumed. Males were more likely than females (p