After decades of a growing appetite for meat, U.S. consumption is finally dropping after hitting "peak meat" a decade ago. But while many people are eating less meat, giving it up totally is much harder. Few people stick with their decision to become vegetarian or vegan. 
 
 In an attempt to move animal-free diets "from the margins more towards the center," the Humane Research Council just put out the first study to put numbers to the lapsed vegetarian phenomenon. Their main takeaway is essentially what people have said for years: getting people to reduce their meat and dairy intake will be more effective overall than demanding "purity," or complete elimination of animal products from their diet. 
 
 According to their research, drawn from a representative sample of more than 11,000 adults over age 17 in the U.S., while only 2% of the U.S. population is currently vegetarian or vegan, another 10% used to be. Put another way, they found that only 1 in 5 vegetarians and vegans maintains their diet; a full 84% eventually revert back to eating meat or other animal products. 
 
 The study also shows how and why many people lapse. Most former vegetarians and vegans (65%) said they first transitioned to their veg diet in just a few days or weeks, while fewer current vegetarians (53%) transitioned that quickly, suggesting that perhaps a slower approach leads to longer-lasting results. They also found that the "window of opportunity is limited," when it comes to getting people to stick to their diets: A third-of people abandoned their animal-free diets in three months or less, and more than half abandoned it within the first year. 
 
 Reasons for quitting varied, but perhaps intuitively, a lot comes down to relationships. A third of all former vegetarians lived with a non-vegetarians or non-vegan partner when they went back to eating meat. The study also found that current vegetarians were more likely to cite multiple reasons for being vegetarian—such as animal welfare, environmentalism, and personal health—while many former vegetarians (58%) cited health as the main motivator. In other words, from the advocacy group’s perspective, health can be an effective "foot in the door" approach to increasing the number of vegetarians and vegans, but often not enough to keep people animal-free for the long-term. 
 
 The Humane Research Council also says advocates need to change the culture around being vegetarian or vegan and acknowledge its challenges. More than 60% of former vegetarians/vegans disliked sticking out from the crowd because of their diet, and 58% did not see their diet as part of their identity. Nearly 50% said they found it too difficult to maintain a "pure diet." 
 
 "The latest findings once again show that a message focused on reduction instead of elimination of animal products may be more effective to create an overall decline in animal product consumption," the report says. "Advocates would be well advised to soften their appeals to avoid suggesting the choice is all or nothing." ||||| Photo: Benbatt, Getty Image 1 of / 32 Caption Close 
 
 Image 1 of 32 An Italian baby fed a strict vegan diet was on the edge of survival when he arrived at a hospital in Milan on July 2, 2016. (This is a stock image meant to represent the story.) An Italian baby fed a strict vegan diet was on the edge of survival when he arrived at a hospital in Milan on July 2, 2016. (This is a stock image meant to represent the story.) Photo: Benbatt, Getty 
 
 Image 2 of 32 What's the difference between vegan and vegetarians? Click through to see. What's the difference between vegan and vegetarians? Click through to see. Photo: Leander Baerenz, Getty Images 
 
 Image 3 of 32 Vegetarians and vegans don't eat meat. Ever. Not even on Thanksgiving. Vegetarians and vegans don't eat meat. Ever. Not even on Thanksgiving. Photo: Leander Baerenz, Getty Images 
 
 Image 4 of 32 Folks who opt out of red meat, pork and poultry and eat mostly veggies but still choose to eat fish are called pescatrians. Folks who opt out of red meat, pork and poultry and eat mostly veggies but still choose to eat fish are called pescatrians. Photo: Adam Gault, Getty Images 
 
 Image 5 of 32 Those who choose to stick to poultry but opt out of pork and red meats aren't vegetarians or vegan either, they're just considered health-conscious. Those who choose to stick to poultry but opt out of pork and red meats aren't vegetarians or vegan either, they're just considered health-conscious. Photo: Oli Kellett, Getty Images 
 
 Image 6 of 32 Vegans and vegetarians often utilize tofu, a soy product, to imitate meat. Vegans and vegetarians often utilize tofu, a soy product, to imitate meat. Photo: Jessica Boone, Getty Images 
 
 Image 7 of 32 Serious vegetarians and vegans view cooking tofu as an art form. It's also a great source of protein. Serious vegetarians and vegans view cooking tofu as an art form. It's also a great source of protein. Photo: Annabelle Breakey, Getty Images 
 
 Image 8 of 32 While vegetarians don't eat meat, they still may partake in other animal products like dairy, eggs and gelatin. While vegetarians don't eat meat, they still may partake in other animal products like dairy, eggs and gelatin. Photo: Chris Stein, Getty Images 
 
 Image 9 of 32 Vegan's, on the other hand, don't drink milk, or consume any dairy for the matter. They will search out milk alternatives such as soy, almond, flax and coconut "milk." Vegan's, on the other hand, don't drink milk, or consume any dairy for the matter. They will search out milk alternatives such as soy, almond, flax and coconut "milk." Photo: Jamie Grill, Getty Images 
 
 Image 10 of 32 Chia seeds, popular among vegans, can be soaked in water until they reach a gelatin consistency and then whipped into baked recipes as an egg substitute. They are comparable to eggs as a source of protein. Chia seeds, popular among vegans, can be soaked in water until they reach a gelatin consistency and then whipped into baked recipes as an egg substitute. They are comparable to eggs as a source of protein. Photo: Kristin Duvall, Getty Images 
 
 Image 11 of 32 Beans are also a huge protein source for non-meat eaters... Beans are also a huge protein source for non-meat eaters... Photo: John Block, Getty Images 
 
 Image 12 of 32 ...as well as nuts. ...as well as nuts. Photo: Plush Studios, Getty Images 
 
 Image 13 of 32 Both vegans and vegetarians eat wheat, rice, pasta and grains like quinoa, often using them to construct meat substitutes like meatballs. burgers and "sausage." Both vegans and vegetarians eat wheat, rice, pasta and grains like quinoa, often using them to construct meat substitutes like meatballs. burgers and "sausage." Photo: BRETT STEVENS, Getty Images 
 
 Image 14 of 32 So whether it's in the name of animal rights... So whether it's in the name of animal rights... Photo: David Aubrey, Getty Images 
 
 Image 15 of 32 Or for the health benefits... Or for the health benefits... Photo: Cultura Science/Sigrid Gombert, Getty Images 
 
 Image 16 of 32 Vegan and vegetarians alike steer clear of meat and get pretty creative with their fruits and veggies. Vegan's are just a little pickier than vegetarians about everything else. Vegan and vegetarians alike steer clear of meat and get pretty creative with their fruits and veggies. Vegan's are just a little pickier than vegetarians about everything else. Photo: Maximilian Stock Ltd., Getty Images 
 
 Image 17 of 32 Kristen Bell 
 
 
 
 The actress is open about her 
 
 The actress is open about her healthy vegan lifestyle Kristen Bell 
 
 
 
 The actress is open about her The actress is open about her healthy vegan lifestyle 
 
 Image 18 of 32 Beyonce 
 
 
 
 The superstar is kind of a vegan. In 2015, she announced she is a part-time vegan but 
 
 The superstar is kind of a vegan. In 2015, she announced she is a part-time vegan but still eats meat Beyonce 
 
 
 
 The superstar is kind of a vegan. In 2015, she announced she is a part-time vegan but The superstar is kind of a vegan. In 2015, she announced she is a part-time vegan but still eats meat 
 
 Image 19 of 32 Russell Brand 
 
 
 
 The comedian has been a vegetarian most of his life, and switched to a vegan lifestyle in 2011, 
 
 The comedian has been a vegetarian most of his life, and switched to a vegan lifestyle in 2011, which he credits as helping him beat his heroin addiction. Russell Brand 
 
 
 
 The comedian has been a vegetarian most of his life, and switched to a vegan lifestyle in 2011, The comedian has been a vegetarian most of his life, and switched to a vegan lifestyle in 2011, which he credits as helping him beat his heroin addiction. Photo: Alan Chapman, FilmMagic 
 
 Image 20 of 32 Jessica Chastain 
 
 
 
 The actress was PETA's 2012 Sexiest Vegetarian and recently 
 
 The actress was PETA's 2012 Sexiest Vegetarian and recently bought her mom a food truck so she can turn veganism into a business. Jessica Chastain 
 
 
 
 The actress was PETA's 2012 Sexiest Vegetarian and recently The actress was PETA's 2012 Sexiest Vegetarian and recently bought her mom a food truck so she can turn veganism into a business. 
 
 Image 21 of 32 Bill Clinton 
 
 
 
 The former POTUS went 
 
 The former POTUS went vegan for health reasons years ago. Bill Clinton 
 
 
 
 The former POTUS went The former POTUS went vegan for health reasons years ago. Photo: Matt Rourke, Associated Press 
 
 Image 22 of 32 Ellen Degeneres 
 
 
 
 The comedian has been open about her vegan diet, but recently came under fire for l 
 
 The comedian has been open about her vegan diet, but recently came under fire for l aunching a line of leather goods Ellen Degeneres 
 
 
 
 The comedian has been open about her vegan diet, but recently came under fire for l The comedian has been open about her vegan diet, but recently came under fire for l aunching a line of leather goods Photo: Kevin Winter, Getty Images 
 
 Image 23 of 32 Al Gore 
 
 
 
 The politician announced he had gone 
 
 The politician announced he had gone vegan in 2013 Al Gore 
 
 
 
 The politician announced he had gone The politician announced he had gone vegan in 2013 Photo: Chris Jackson, Getty Images 
 
 Image 24 of 32 Ariana Grande 
 
 
 
 The singer made headlines when she The singer made headlines when she licked a donut at a pastry shop, but she usually stick to a vegan diet. Ariana Grande 
 
 
 
 The singer made headlines when she The singer made headlines when she licked a donut at a pastry shop, but she usually stick to a vegan diet. Photo: Jon Shapley, Staff 
 
 Image 25 of 32 Woody Harrelson 
 
 
 
 The actor 
 
 The actor told Esquire Magazine that a random encounter with a girl on a bus when he first moved to New York City made him go vegan. Woody Harrelson 
 
 
 
 The actor The actor told Esquire Magazine that a random encounter with a girl on a bus when he first moved to New York City made him go vegan. Photo: Evan Agostini 
 
 Image 26 of 32 Jared Leto 
 
 
 
 The actor musician was 
 
 The actor musician was PETA's Sexiest Vegetarian of 2014 and has been a vegan/vegetarian for over 20 years. Jared Leto 
 
 
 
 The actor musician was The actor musician was PETA's Sexiest Vegetarian of 2014 and has been a vegan/vegetarian for over 20 years. Photo: Michael Buckner, Getty Images For Fast Company 
 
 Image 27 of 32 Tobey Maguire 
 
 
 
 The actor is a long-time vegan. He even once 
 
 The actor is a long-time vegan. He even once sent back a Mercedes that has leather seats. Tobey Maguire 
 
 
 
 The actor is a long-time vegan. He even once The actor is a long-time vegan. He even once sent back a Mercedes that has leather seats. Photo: Charles Sykes 
 
 Image 28 of 32 Ellen Page 
 
 
 
 The actress was named 
 
 The actress was named PETAs 2014 Sexiest Vegetarian Celebrity alongslide Jared Leto. Ellen Page 
 
 
 
 The actress was named The actress was named PETAs 2014 Sexiest Vegetarian Celebrity alongslide Jared Leto. Photo: JABIN BOTSFORD, STF / Washington Post 
 
 Image 29 of 32 Joaquin Phoenix 
 
 
 
 The devout vegan has 
 
 The devout vegan has spoken out against eating turkeys on Thanksgiving. Joaquin Phoenix 
 
 
 
 The devout vegan has The devout vegan has spoken out against eating turkeys on Thanksgiving. Photo: Jordan Strauss 
 
 Image 30 of 32 Natalie Portman 
 
 
 
 The actress publicly went vegan in 2010, writing an editorial of the The actress publicly went vegan in 2010, writing an editorial of the Huffington Post. Natalie Portman 
 
 
 
 The actress publicly went vegan in 2010, writing an editorial of the The actress publicly went vegan in 2010, writing an editorial of the Huffington Post. Photo: Francois G. Durand, Getty Images 
 
 Image 31 of 32 Alicia Silverstone 
 
 
 
 The actress claims she started her vegan lifestyle out of animal compassion, but now 
 
 The actress claims she started her vegan lifestyle out of animal compassion, but now raves about veganism and weight loss Alicia Silverstone 
 
 
 
 The actress claims she started her vegan lifestyle out of animal compassion, but now The actress claims she started her vegan lifestyle out of animal compassion, but now raves about veganism and weight loss ||||| In 1995 I decided to stop eating meat. I could never really quite explain why, I think it was something to do with watching a documentary where they cooked a cat and partly because I had a really crap job working for Wolves Poly and felt my life was slipping away. It definitely wasn't anything to do with any 'vegetarian month'. 
 
 I did a number of weird things. I experimented with stopping washing my hair (it got greasy), I stopped watching TV after catching Newsnight really stoned and deciding that Jeremy Paxman was fundamentally a comedian so there was little difference between the news and Beadle's About. I also stopped eating meat. 
 
 First it was just red meat. I said goodbye in a Birmingham Burger King; the sandwich was greasy and unpleasant and I thought 'good riddance'. 
 
 I found eating only white meat was hard. People didn't know what to cook for me - they'd tell me I was just being awkward. They were right, so there was only one thing for it, cutting out all meat altogether. 
 
 So I simply stopped putting it in my mouth. It was that simple. I didn't feel any different and what I cooked didn't really change as I was a complete povvo and didn't bother buying much meat anyway. 
 
 To be honest, I was the world's worst vegetarian. You see - I didn't really like vegetables very much. I'd spent most of my childhood terrified of them - horrid bland mushy things. It's only as an adult I realise that part of the problem is my mother's cooking - she hates using salt and has a tendency to over boil things. Thanks, Mum. 
 
 So there we are. A vegetarian who hates vegetables and mostly lives on pasta and cheese. Healthy. 
 
 Fast-forward nearly 15 years and I'm a father of two and increasingly aware of my diet. My wife stopped her vegetarian ways when pregnancy brought cravings for meat. 
 
 With her help (this makes her sound like my sponsor in Fussy Eaters Anonymous) I'd managed to eat more vegetables - by the time our second child was in the womb she was having spinach cravings and I didn't complain once about having to eat boiled green leaves every day. For six months. So I was doing better with a wider diet but still no drinking from the meaty cup. 
 
 My four-year-old son has the restricted palate that children often have. He mostly refuses to eat anything that isn't sausages or fruit, so dining out was becoming difficult. There was the small circle of cheesy carbs I'd eat, and the intersection with the circle of sausages that my son wants to eat was - well, if you understand your Venn diagrams you'll know there wasn't much in the middle. 
 
 It was a trip to Hastings that finally did it. At a fish 'n' chip shop pretty much the only thing on the menu I could eat was a microwaved cheese pasty. I simply couldn't face it and ordered fish. 
 
 Can't say I particularly enjoyed it. I found the portion of thick white flesh alarmingly large and I didn't want to think about the skin at all. However it did leave me feeling satisfied in a way that I haven't felt in a long time. Every cell in my body screaming "protein - that's what you need." 
 
 My wife was very impressed with me. She asked me what I wanted to try next and the thing that had been filling my thoughts since deciding to allow meat back into my life was pepperoni pizza. Those little toasted cups of fat that make for a party in the mouth everyone can afford. Although to ponce it up a bit we ate it in Hampstead. Lardy dah. 
 
 Bacon. Let's talk about bacon. There's no meat more glorious than bacon. You can add it to pasta instead of cheese. You can stick it in a sandwich, er ... instead of cheese. Or even rub it on to attract men (a top tip there ladies). 
 
 On telling my friends I was eating meat, one looked proud and said, "Welcome back to Man Club." Although my new macho credentials were severely dented by the admission that largely I'd been eating chicken - "Chicken? Why, us men class chicken as a vegetable." 
 
 I still haven't tried real meat. I can do a spag bog or even a burger but no steaks. I'm still a bit frightened of them. All too fleshy. 
 
 Many people must have had a similar experience. If you're a lapsed vegetarian (or a resurgent meat eater), what was it that made you fall off the vegetarian wagon?
– It seems becoming a vegetarian and staying a vegetarian are two very different things. A whopping 84% of vegetarians end up eating meat again, and most people shift back within a single year, according to a new study. Specifically, 53% of vegetarians are meat-eaters again within 12 months, while more than 30% go back to meat within three months, the Huffington Post reports. Of the 11,000 people studied, 2% were vegetarians, 10% former vegetarians, and 88% lifelong meat-eaters. A major reason for lapsing, it seems, was social: Those who returned to being omnivorous didn't have enough support among friends for their vegetarian lifestyles. Earlier research points to health issues from staying meat-free, the Smithsonian reports. Some 35% of respondents to a separate survey of lapsed vegetarians said their own poorer health drove them back to animal flesh, Skeptoid reports. "I will take a dead cow over anemia anytime," says one respondent. And in the Guardian, a lapsed vegetarian writes about the inconvenience of avoiding meat, as well as the feeling of "every cell in my body screaming 'protein—that's what you need.'" Perhaps the writer would agree with the conclusions of the new study, as Co.Exist reports them: "A message focused on reduction instead of elimination of animal products may be more effective to create an overall decline in animal product consumption." (Read about a veggie burger that "bleeds" like meat.)