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Why on earth would a cook nicknamed Meathead decide to become Potatohead for 30 days? Why would I violate my well publicized motto "No rules in the bedroom or dining room"?
FollowupI have decided I will not bore you with a blow by blow diary of everything I eat. Instead I have posted some notes about what I am eating and cooking, and the problems I encounter here, on my website.I'll stick to the core concepts, events, and thoughts there. So far this has been easy. My standard breakfast is high fiber cereal with 2% milk and fresh fruit. My standard lunch is a sandwich, this month there will be a lot of tomato sammies with thick slices of homegrown tomatoes, fresh basil, on whole wheat bread. My standard afternoon snack is almonds or carrots. Fact is this is my usual diet, although often lunch has leftover meat from dinner the night before. No longer. Dinner is the only real challenge. It is fascinating how so many of the commenters below think my mission is to further the vegetarian cause when I say plainly that my mission is to tell meat producers that a prominent meat lover is on strike for 30 days over their methods. This article is NOT about the merits about eating meat. It is about how meat is grown. If you would like to debate the merits of eating meat or not, Huffington Post has a lively ongoing discussion on the subject with an in depth discussion on the subject. Just click here. 8/12 Day 4This just in: In today's New York Times there is a report from the front lines titled "Farmers Lean to Truce on Animals' Close Quarters". The dateline is West Mansfield, OH, in the heart of Ohio farm country.Here's the lead paragraph "Concessions by farmers in this state to sharply restrict the close confinement of hens, hogs and veal calves are the latest sign that so-called factory farming -- a staple of modern agriculture that is seen by critics as inhumane and a threat to the environment and health -- is on the verge of significant change."The article goes on to state that the agreement in Ohio is expected to be a model for other states, but it directly addresses the concerns in my article. Some farms will be grandfatehred and will not be forced to change, but new ones will need to meet new regulations that require more physical space for animals in which to live, and reduction of antibiotics. Farmers say "they sense that they must bend with the political and cultural winds."Let's keep the wind up! |
There have been more than 8,000 passionate comments from everyone from cattle ranchers to PETA members. People feel religiously about this subject. I invite you to go there, read it, and join the debate.
Some of the arguments against meat do not impress me. But two give me pause every time I reach for my tongs:
I want to use my prominence in the food community and as a man whose reputation was built on cooking meat, to send a message to the factory farms that I think they can do better and that I am willing to pay more for my meat if it is grown better.
Notice that I did not say all of our meat concerns me. A growing number of farmers have proven that they can bring high quality meat to market at competitive prices, in a humane way, without use of hormones and preventive antibiotics, and that they can do so with far less an environmental impact than factory farms.
My readings tell me that:
There are many good books on the subject, but here is a free document from the Union of Concerned Scientists "CAFOs Uncovered". If you are busy, at least read the executive summary at the beginning.
I understand that we are addicted to cheap protein as much as we are addicted to cheap oil. I understand that cheap protein has helped the poor feed their families and kept school lunch prices down. I understand that improved animal husbandry will likely mean higher meat prices. If so, I think that we can absorb them. I think that we have alternatives. Those of us who can afford it will buy slightly more expensive meats. Or maybe we will buy less. Maybe some of us will buy other forms of protein and more fruits, vegetables, and grains. And this might not be bad.
In addition to my desire to send a message, I have two other motives:
So beginning August 9, for 30 days I will become an ovo-lacto vegetarian. That means I will forswear all animal flesh, but I will allow myself eggs and dairy. Why not go all the way and leave out the dairy and eggs?
Because I'm chicken. Ummm, I mean, I'm afraid. I'm afraid that my cooking skills will let me down, that the temptation to stray will be too great, and that nutritionally there are some pitfalls to the strict vegan diet and I am not knowledgeable enough to implement. I have learned that one must really understand nutrition to be a strict vegan.
How will this change me? Who knows? It is not likely that I will give up meat forever. I am already looking forward to my famous smoked turkey for Thanksgiving. But I may discover that I need much less meat than I thought. Meatless Mondays might become a habit (fact is there are usually two or three days a week that I don't eat meat already). Then again, after 30 days, I may need it more than ever. The scent of roasting ribs and sizzling steaks are as important to me as music or art.
Will I change the world? No chance. But this meatlover's voice is one more in a growing chorus and perhaps together we can change farming in the US. Perhaps you will join me this next 30 days and just say "no" as you walk past the meat case. After all, August is the easiest month to go vegetarian...
During the next month I plan to find sources for meat grown properly and hopefully locally for when I return to normal. I will share what I learn. I will blog about my experiences on this page and publish my best recipes on Huffington Post and on my website AmazingRibs.com.
I have already encountered a problem. A friend emailed me that he had found the most amazing artisan bacon and he want to bring me some. I told him it would have to wait. And I am also trying to figure out how I'm going to do a chicken grilling demo in late August without tasting what I'm cooking.
I invite you to share your ideas for how I can get through the next 30 days in the comments below. If you want to argue about why you think your dietary choices are superior, please go to my other article, "Meat or No Meat" and join the debate there.
HuffPost readers are pretty sharp. Share with me links to peer reviewed quality research that supports or contradicts my position.
I await your advice and brickbats.
All text and photos are Copyright (c) 2010 By Meathead, and all rights are reserved
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Ellen Kanner: Meatless Monday: Superheroes
David Kirby on "The Looming Threat of Industrial Pig, Dairy and Poultry Farms on Humans and the Environment"
Just as a note... don't give up the grill for your experiment. When veg friends join us for barbeques I always toss on some marinated Portabellas for them. They grill up great(the mushrooms really soak up the marinade though, so go gentle to avoid overpowering them) and make a quick and easy substitute for burgers. Personally I just toss them with a bit of EVOO, garlic, worstechire, soy, smoked paprika and a touch of cayenne then top them with carmelized onions. Have yet to have a complaint.
Not sure how much actual fish product you would be getting in a tablespoon of sauce to 4 portabellas, but I will at least give them the choice from here on. Thanks for the info.
going to try that, thanks!
Enjoy!
Beyond that, I have a real problem with people who claim that they 'don't miss meat' at all or any of that other nonsense. For people who don't miss meat, I sure do see a lot of products catering to them that is designed to look/taste like the real thing. Tofurkey dogs, Garden burgers, soy patties shaped like steaks, etc. For people who want nothing to do with meat, they sure go out of their way to fool themselves into thinking they're eating it. It's been scientifically proven vegetarian diets don't have the benefits they claim. It's a placebo effect. Studies have shown that 8 out of 10 "felt more energy" when put on a vegetarian diet and were told it would be a side effect, but that only 2 out of 10 "felt more energy" in another group in which that idea was not put in their heads, etc.
Heck, as I write this, I'm looking at a post right below that's stating that going vegetarian actually improved someone's sex life. I mean come on, this is just absurd.
Well, she was pretty confused by the whole concept, so I never did get any kind of answer. But I've always wondered about it . . .
Personally, I don't eat this stuff, because it feels like I'm eating the flesh of another, and I'm not into that.
Every vegetarian/vegan/pescetarian, etc., has his or her own reasons behind his or her personal diet. I can only speak for myself (I don't eat mammals or poultry, but do include fish and other seafood in my diet), so here's my take on it:
I stopped eating meat a few years ago, mainly because of the horrific practices of the factory farms where most meat comes from these days. I personally don't want to be a part of that. I was raised eating hamburgers, bacon, chicken, etc., and because they were a part of my diet for many years, I was accustomed to them. Now, I am thankful that there are many products on the market that mimic the flavor and texture of meat so well that I have personally seen omnivores fooled by them. I can enjoy sloppy joes, BLT's, and a host of other life-long favorites, without the guilt that comes with knowing that an animal had to die (and most likely suffer) in order for me to eat those foods. They're also a lot lower in fat and calories (Morningstar Farms and Quorn are too favorites---the fake meatballs made by the latter are unbelievably good).
So, there you have it. I never preach to anyone, but am happy to share the explanation of my eating habits with anyone who asks. Voilà .
I think what you are doing is great! The reasons you list are all valid. I hope that you feel wonderful from your healthy plant based diet. I know that as a vegan I feel the best I've ever felt. It makes me feel so darn good to know that no animals were harmed in the food choices that I make. Plus, vegetarian food is so darn delicious! Physically, I feel so much lighter and have tons of energy. Not to mention, my sex life also improved after going vegan! Sorry if that's TMI! :)
Fanned!
If you want to send a message to the meat industry, do it by eating grass fed meat, or free range chickens, put money in the pockets of those raising animals the closest way to what you feel is ideal. I have to side with some of the vegans on this one, it is a stunt as far as I am concerned, kind of like telling me we are going to have an honest debate about meat or no meat, then letting a vegan call the shots and drive the conversation.
That's why I do "Grass Fed Beef Monday." I often do Grass Fed Beef Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday as well (though usually not every day, every week - but I wouldn't be ashamed of myself if I did).
I know, yet another shameless plug for localharvest, but its a great program.
It works like this - "modern science" finds a way to make a massive meat animal, "mile long cow", a growing, living steak that never dies, but continually grows, so workers just continually cut steaks from it. No cow dies. However, to make it interesting, we decided you need ONE functioning cow head at the end, so you have a brain telling the hearts to pump blood, etc. This head IS aware of it's situation, is continually awake, and can feel the meat being cut off, so it bellows continually. It's suffering is everlasting. But NO COWS DIE, hence he's "Jesus Cow", suffering so no other cows have to suffer.
Would this be acceptable to vegans?
Could meat eaters eat steak from Mile-long cow, knowing that the cow is STILL suffering, every single day?
What would Mile Long Cow eat, though? Could he walk around and graze?
Intriguing!
In the end, you're NOT going find "humanely grown meat" that is cost effective for the average family. Going vegan is a luxury.
OTOH, pork shoulder on sale in these parts (NC) is around 1.39/pound
The only thing I would add is the only thing worse than the way these factory farms treat the animals and environment is the way they treat the workers.
Yes, there are major, major problems with today's meat/poultry/fish producing/processing industry. We can't let only those anti-meat zealots yell about it, it's our food!!!
For years, I've tried to patronize only progressive ranchers, farmers, dairies, grocery store fish sections, etc. It's definitely more expensive, so I choose not to lean so heavily on that source of protein. Having great vegetarian options is part of making wiser, healthier choices -- even for us happy carnivores -- and sending a message to the irresponsible and even criminal element that we are on to them and will not reward them for ill-treating their stock and feeding us poison.
You go, Meathead!
I made this for meat eater friends last night and they loved it.
Now that I've gone back to eggs, fish and chicken, I feel full after a meal and often can't make it through it. I've gained a lot of muscle, lost some weight. I'm not hungry all the time like I was before, I have energy. I do not have a meat-heavy diet, but I do include it now. I admit to acting self-righteous sometimes while vegetarian, like I see so many people doing on this thread now. But diet for everyone is different. We all have to decide what is right for our health and our bodies. What needs to change is how meat is raised and produced. That is what is ruining us, not just the consumption of it. It's all those chemicals and hormones they use in the process and that is what should be changed through law.
and yes, one can make intelligent generalizations, when large groups of people act like sheep, generalizations can be made.
Your inability to be healthy (while being a veg*n) has probably more to do with your personal habits. There are veg*n diets that are certainly healthy; I've personally never had to take any medicine (including supplements) whatsoever ever since I became a vegetarian (not necessarily making a correlation, but showing existence) and I'm an avid athlete.
BTW, large groups will appear like sheep when you group them; the grouping process is like that ... not sure where the "intelligent" generalization is in your statement.
Meanwhile, start reading the labels in the produce section at your grocery store.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100811135039.htm
Battle of Iwo Jima: 6,822 American dead; 19,217 wounded.
Eating in America: 5,700 American dead; 371,000 reported hospitalizations.
It really is astonishing how many spooky parallels there are between vegangelicals and evangelicals. Your absurd quasi-scientific claims are hauntingly similar to those of creation scientists, who like you, claim that archaeologists are part of a secret cabal conspiring against their cult. Reminds me of Sarah Palin claiming that they found human footprints in dinosaur prints, so the earth must me be 3,000 years old.