Opinions are like assholes, everyone has one! As of lately, the big debate is about whether we should or shouldn’t consume animal products. I think the bigger question should be, why are we questioning this now? What do we know now, that we didn’t know then? Or did something change along the way? Or could we be evolving in our THINKING as a species?
why are we questioning this now?
Documentary? Friend? Family? Health? Mixed messages? Whatever the reason, the point is, we are asking questions now! I’ve always loved a good debate. It helps us grow by challenging current ideology! However, why now? Are we starting to wake up and realize something weird is going on? How could we not with so much disease, obesity, food allergies and the growing resistance to antibiotics? Really, just look around. What is causing this? I would say a plethora of things, however, are animal products in our diet really contributing? Many will say yes, many will say no, and many have no idea and really don’t care. However, recently this topic has been all the buzz.
what are we realizing now?
For decades, commercials, celebrities, athletes, fast food chains, sporting events, etc…have advertised massive amounts of animal products. Burgers, cheese, chicken wings, bacon, steaks, turkey legs, chili, hot dogs, bratwursts, milk, ice cream, pizza, and many more “highly” acidic foods. Cancer and other diseases are known to THRIVE in an oxygen deficient acidic environment. However, perish in an alkaline environment. Since we have such an epidemic of disease, why haven’t we seen any advertisements with a celebrity or athlete gnawing on a piece of raw broccoli? The obvious answer is the ALMIGHTY dollar! Factory farms are BIG business. We’re starting to collectively realize animals are being mistreated, abused, caged, and given large amounts of antibiotics for our “eating pleasure”! Why is this happening? In my opinion, because we eat “too much” meat…think about it, if we collectively cut back on consuming animal products, factory farms wouldn’t have to exist!
did something change along the way?
Recently, many people have become perplexed by this recent shift in thinking, not understanding why all of a sudden people are jumping on the vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, or flexitarian lifestyle bandwagon. Haven’t we consumed animals products for hundreds of years? Indeed, we have! However, not to the same extent as today. In fact, we’re consuming more meat/animal products today than we ever have. We’ve literally become addicted. This has caused the change! Our demand for meat and dairy has forced the industry to speed up production. Not only is this at the expense of the animal but ultimately ours too! As our consumption has increased, our health has decreased. In addition, we are becoming resistant to antibiotics. Could this be because 80% of all antibiotics produced in the United States are used in animal feed? This is done more for growth purposes versus preventing disease, and we’ve all seen those gigantic chicken breast in grocery stores!
could we be evolving in our thinking?
Many people are starting to realize, meat isn’t “necessary” to keep us healthy. The growing concern includes the mistreatment of animals, environmental and sustainability issues, and the epidemic of health issues. However, is this progressive thinking a move in the right direction? I think so! In my opinion, we should ALL become more mindful of our actions in relation to the effect on others, animals, and the environment! What will it hurt?
In conclusion, consuming animal products is a personal preference and decision. My intent is not to convince you one way or the other but to simply raise questions. Trying to become a vegetarian can be tough enough, however, becoming VEGAN is on another level! In my opinion, a person’s “why” must be strong enough to make this transition for lasting results. In fact, making this transition without a basis of understanding in relation to nutrition could cause unintended deficiencies in protein, amino acids, and vitamin B12. These can and must be replaced with a vegan diet. If a vegan diet is well-balanced, many have reported feeling better than ever! Overall, if you choose to eat meat, I recommend buying organic grass-fed, “wild-caught” fish, and remember to choose “free range” NOT “cage free”.