My
vegetarian-ish concept stems from 4 places. 1)Spiritual. Email me if you are interested in my compilation of scripture and prophetic quotes on the divine counsel we have been given to take care of our bodies. 2) Factory farming. Watch Food Inc. to get the big picture on factory farming, then resolve to eat less meat for the betterment of your health and planet. 3)Too much protein. The greatest amount of growth occurs in infants. Human milk, the most perfect food for infants is less than 20% protein. 4) Vegetables. Meals made with lots of meat leave little room on the plate for other important foods.
Meat reduction tips
- Stretch ground or shredded meat with beans, grains and vegetables
- Make a meal out of side dishes
- Use small amounts of flavorful meat
- Use fish in place of meat
- Use less meat than the recipe calls for
- Make more soup and casserole meals and less typical American “separate” meals.
- Create a meat placeholder
- Avoid soy substitutes
I totally agree Kara. I am wondering what you say to some of your fellow foodie bloggers (Weston Price Foundation devotees- you know who I'm talking about) regarding the fact that good quality meats are the most nutrient dense food items, and often contain more fat soluble vitamins/minerals than fruits/veggies/grains? I finally got the Nourishing Traditions cookbook and not that it doesn't promote the consumption of veggies, but we've discussed the fact that there's a whole lot of meat promoted, and I can see both sides (not that I would ever eat meat 3 times a day, or even close, but you know...)
ReplyDeleteI'm curious about your thoughts....
I actually was pretty on board with their thoughts about meat for a time. I struggled with the conflict between evidence from Price's studies, the sense that it makes to me and the word of wisdom, which so plainly states that it is pleasing to Him if we not eat meat except in times of famine and winter. I wouldn't argue with the devotees as it makes sense that a food reserved for winter and famine, a time when food is scarce, would be the most nutrient dense. My testimony of the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants is such that I don't question that our Heavenly Father knows better than anyone, including Dr. Price, what is best for the bodies he created.
ReplyDeleteKara, I am reading "Real Food for Mothers and Babies" by Nina Plank and I'm intrigued with her reasoning that during pregnancy and breastfeeding our bodies benefit from additional meat. I would love to hear your thoughts on meat (and eating in general) during that specific time of life. And would you please email me your compilation!? I am SO SAD I don't live in the area - otherwise I would be at EVERY SINGLE class. Seriously.
ReplyDeleteI think it makes sense to eat more high nutrient foods and protein for that matter during pregnancy especially. But that "more" should be kept in perspective with the vegetarian-ish base. To throw out some numbers...10% total calories from protein as a base, possibly 15% if you are really active and 20% for growing a baby and recovering from having one.
ReplyDeleteDon't forget that meat is not the only nutrient dense food and not the only source of protein either. I think when people start eating more meat, they start eating less of something else and that is likely to be the bigger problem.
I will email you those Word of Wisdom notes.
Amen Kara. Thanks for that :)
ReplyDelete