Vegetarian / Non Vegetarian Debate

The Vegetarian/Non-Vegetarian DebateThis is a heated debate that often finds interest amongst college students. Here are some basic thoughts:A note on chicken:It is imperative to buy free-range chickens that live outdoors. The commercial chicken lives in a warehouse it’s entire life, being force fed with the inclusion of antibiotics to keep it from getting sick as it lives in the midst of it’s own waste. I am sorry that I had to include that in a cookbook, but you have got to make the distinction between quality when you choose animal products, I can’t stress that enough.A Note on Eggs:Commercial eggs are laid by chickens that live in a warehouse. They live five to a cage and are stacked cage upon cage. They move out of the tiny space that encloses them together, they are constantly pecking at each other and live most of their lives in total darkness. The smell is overwhelming. Their beaks are clipped as young chicks so they do not peck each other to death and they are constantly fed antibiotics to keep them from dying. The eggs produced by these chickens are nutritionally devoid of micronutrients and the macronutrients are of lower quality.A Note on Beef:It is imperative to buy free range organic meat whenever possible. Cows evolved to eat grass. They have ruminant stomachs. They breakdown grass and this in turn creates nutritious meat. The celebration of “grain fed” meat has to do with the increased fat in the meat. But cows are not designed to eat grains such as corn and soybean meal. It causes the cow to develop severe digestive problems, which in turn leads to further health problems. Cows are the dumping ground for the waste of the food industry. Bakery waste, citrus peel cake and other food industry waste products are fed back to cows. Additionally, factory farming is inhumane. The animals are treated without integrity.Meat and HealthGenerally, most Americans could reduce the portion sizes of animal products considerably. Without question, the quality of animal products could be improved for most Americans. The right amount of animal products and protein for you is dependent on your ancestral diet, your stress level, your activity/exercise level and your body type. Contrary to some vegan health advocates, some people need to eat meat/animal foods to maintain good health. For some vegetarians, a little yogurt or butter on occasion is all they need to stay in balance. For others, a heavier diet is required.Animal Foods and SpiritualityNot eating meat does not make you more spiritual. We are all spiritual beings having a human experience. We cannot be, “not spiritual.” After extensively studying the commercial meat and dairy industry, I would agree that the treatment of animals in factory farms is unethical, inhumane and unnecessary. This view is my own, and is based on my own conscience of what is right and wrong. You may come to a different conclusion.