.jpg){kind=spacer}
I am not too sure if the appeal to eat meat is really all that strong in my life anymore. I can think back to when I was young, and it's funny because we really do change when we grow older. Not because of age, but because of priorities, learning, and the influences we let into our lives.
Like I had said in an earlier blog post, I used to eat junk food. And lots of it. Meat was something I really enjoyed eating; bacon, pork, sausages and whatever over processed meat you can think of, I ate it.
All has changed, and I can honestly say I don't really desire to eat many animal products. I know you men out there will be thinking that part of your manliness will be violated if you are not consuming some large piece of meat, and for good reason you think that. Our culture is told that meat is a manly hunter gatherer food. And you know, there is something very cool about hunting and gathering. But NEWS FLASH! Here is the problem: we don't hunt any more, nor do we gather. The most gathering some of us will do is go to the grocery store and pick up some frozen dinners.
Meat is something that makes a meal complete. Or at least we think that anyways.
I am not going to say you should be a vegan or a vegetarian. I think meat has its place. Granted not one that is frequented. I believe we should consume meat the same way we should consume everything else: in balance. Here this the deal though, sometimes the balance will seem lopsided. You will eat more veggies than meat and eat less meat than whole raw nuts.
Farming is not the same as it was 50 years back, nor anywhere close what it was 100 years ago . The meat industry ( especially the meat industry ) is more like a giant corporation out to make a buck. While they are making their money, they are ignoring quality, practicing animal cruelty, and not thinking one second about the consumer. But let me add this : not all meat farmers are bad, and not all are out for the big pay cheque. There are many farmers out there who take pride in the quality of their production and produce. It can be tricky to find them however. So Here are a couple tips while out shopping for meat.
- Hormones and additives. This is one of the biggest concerns with todays meat supply. Many of the meat companies are using hormones like estrogen and testosterone to beef up their meat supply. These hormones are then passed on to us! The consumer. Choose meat that is hormone and additive free. Meat companies that practice this will more than likely always put it on their packages. There is organic meat, but this supply will be a little pricier. This may help you cut back on how much meat you eat... which in turn could be a good thing!
Also if you haven't noticed, there isn't an ingredients list on meat. Let us not be so naive to believe that meat is the only ingredient. Think again!
- Quality. This is probably my biggest reason for feeling that meat is overrated. I have seen many films about meat production and it is gross ( to say the least ). Simply put. Here is my suggestion: go to a local farmer who you can talk to face to face. A farmer you can meet! Small farmers are much more likely to practice good farming because they don't have a thousand animals crammed in a tiny space. LOCAL LOCAL LOCAL! This means fresher meat and you are supporting a local business.
- Types of meat. I really like chicken and turkey. I think they are delicious and versatile. There are some meats that are better than others. Chicken and turkey are on my top picks. Bison is a good option if you can eat red meat. If you are going to buy beef make sure you are buying a free from additives variety. Pork is one meat I stay away from. However you will get "media" saying it is good for you. Of course they say that... they are getting paid to! Go here for additional reading. Salmon and the rest of our fishy friends should be bought if they are "wild".
- Farmers Markets. If you have a local farmers market-- GO! These usually have a local farmer selling their own farm fresh meat and produce, with the knowledge of exactly what has been done, from start to finish, with the product you are bringing home for dinner. I know that one I have attended sells top notch organic bison. Farmers markets are also a great way to make connections. Get to know your local farmers. If you live in BC like I do, check this out.
You are probably wondering what you can buy now... and how much it will affect your wallet. Well here is the good news -- you probably need to lower your meat consumption anyways. So if cost is an issue buy it less. I also read a good tip from "Food Matters" and its rule of thumb is this "don't have meat as your main course. Have it as the side". I really liked this advice because it lets you have your meat and eat it too. Instead of having steak and a side of veggies, have a plate of roasted veggies with a smaller side of meat. I am in the process of incorporating this into our diet right now. It is much cheaper and you will feel a lot better. For those of you out there dreading to think of the price of quality meats --you can actually find great deals out there. The other day I found a roasting chicken for 9 dollars, which was a locally raised chicken ( free from additives ). 'Whole fryer chickens' are a good buy because you can use it for more than one meal.
A couple short points to sum up meat-- Less is more. Buy local. Buy additive free.
Here are a couple of resources you can check out concerning meat
Dr. Weil
Earthlings ( WARNING, extremely graphic content. DO NOT show children )
