Whenever you feel conflicted, just remind yourself that there is a food chain on this Earth. And we're at the top. And we're not the only living organisms on this planet that devour lesser living organisms for sustenance.
Again, while I'm not an advocate of vegetarianism or veganism (in addition to a number of other factors, it seems to me like doing so gives you a lot of opportunities to be a rude guest), I think that most Americans should probably cut down on their meat intake (and just food intake in general -- the whole "eat 'til I'm stuffed" approach should probably be discouraged)... Focus on smaller portions of higher quality, more readily sustainable proteins. I think doing so would likely eliminate the need for factory farming and inhumane livestock raising practices.
Very good point. In our discussions I've told her that the problem isn't Americans eat too much meat, the problem is Americans eat too much.
Humans are not designed to eat meat. Meat eating animals have very short intestines, which allow the meat to pass through fast. Humans have very large intestines that keep meat in way longer than it should. Human intestines are very similar to herbivores. Meat eating animals also have a higher hydrochloric acid count than humans, which allow them to digest the meat faster. If you were to eat meat in its natural form “uncooked”, you wouldn’t be around today. Also, if humans were designed to eat meat, we wouldn’t have to worry about cholesterol.
Wtf are you talking about. Eating too much saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol can cause high cholesterol. Saturated fat and cholesterol are in foods that come from animals, such as meats, whole milk, egg yolks, butter, and cheese. Trans fat is found in fried foods and packaged foods, such as cookies, crackers, and chips.
Carpaccio? Tartare? Sushi/Sashimi? Crudos? I'm pretty sure our ability(/inability) to digest raw meat (when it's teeming with bacteria) is more of an adaptation than genetic design. Also, dietary cholesterol and blood cholesterol are not directly linked. Also, non-animal products like coconut oil and coffee have been shown to raise LDL cholesterol.
"Rolleyes" me all you want but you made a broad statement that was far from factual and labeled it as "FACT" even though it wasn't. If you are talking specifically about B-12 then that is a minor issue for vegans. Further, it really has nothing to do with meat vs vegetables as it comes from bacteria. Since the daily requirements for B12 are so low few people of any diet have issues but, yes, vegans generally will take supplements just in case. Vegetarians don't need to. Finally, as has been pointed out, cholesterol is basically like poison for the human body and only comes from animal products. living on your "meat only" diet would lead to far more problems (not just cholesterol related) than a vegan. In other words, the dangers of B12 deficiency are much lower than those of high cholesterol and heart disease. I should add that I am not vegetarian.
by my count, finalsbound is going to be back on her computer in 1 1/2 days. we need to wind up this thread so it disappears off the front page before she gets back. Or is she one of those posters who will go back to read everything since she's been gone. good luck with this moestavern19 now that ffb and rimbaud are squaring off.
She's gonna be back in a matter of a hours and probably read the whole thread. I've already accepted that its going to happen. I've told Miguel where to locate my body.
ok then, i'll chime in. I'm vegan during the week and let myself do whatever on the weekend. This is essentially my response to doctor's order on my genetic cholesterol issue. I also think chickens are abused. I'd rather eat pork and beef over that, if I really thought about it. Fact is: on weekends when I splurge...last thing I'm ordering at a nice restaurant is chicken...that's for idiots. and to chime in on your question...yes my boring lentil concoction and salads with vegan protein kinda pisses off the gf, in the way that I make her stuff special and she doesn't want me to do that. She just wants us to eat the same meal, for the simplicity of that. oh, and did I mention that my weekday, vegan diet gives me gas. that's not good, either.
Tell her that Anne Hathaway is a vegetarian too and she would be a great person to emulate, then hand her a tube of K-Y for subtle hint...
I really don't think that's true. Populations whose diets are high in dietary cholesterol but low in saturated fats (mostly from shellfish, squid, crab, etc.) tend to be pretty healthy. Again, dietary cholesterol =/= blood cholesterol.
Derek, I think it's great that you are curious about everything. I don't aim to try and convince you to not eat meat - I have not once brought up the issue. Anytime we "debate" about it it's you bringing it up and asking questions, and it seems like you're conflicted about it. I never push the issue. All I can show you is how its affected me. I've lost weight, my energy is up, a lot of the lethargy I had before is gone. I just feel more aware. I know it's easy for me because my family has been eating meatless products/meals for years. It's easy when 3/4 people in the family are vegetarians and used to it. I don't remember you spitting out any of the soy products I've made. I think this is just about you overcoming self-conscious feelings. It's a problem cultivated by yourself, because I've repeatedly said, "You can do what's right for you, and I'm not about to judge you." I would never bash you or talk down to you for a decision you've made. You know that. By the way, I only eat homemade french onion soup as well as the stuff from Jason's Deli. Both are soy-based. I do my research.
At least you're doing it for health reasons rather than ethical reasons. I applaud you for your reasoning.
I am doing it for all the reasons in the thread. I don't see why protesting factory farming methods simply by abstaining is such a terrible thing. I'm not going out and yelling at people or participating in PETA demonstrations. I'm simply doing it as my own conviction, and I don't try to impose my beliefs on others. I only talk about it when asked. It's my body, my life, and my own "loss" (as some put it) to choose to not eat meat. So I don't see why others should be so concerned or offended about it.
you should try the morning star product "buffalo wings". It tastes exactly like chicken. The evil ex converted me into a vegetarianist back in 03, but I've made my way to eating animals again. But those morning star products are so good that i still buy them.
