On a previous post I said that I was going meatless for a variety of reasons. I wavered back and forth for about a week, but, being the knuckledragging old-habit bone head that I am, the thing that finally sealed the deal for me was the video I will link at the bottom of this post. See, I believe that in order to be mindful in anything, you should really take a hard look at things you do habitually, and take responsibility for your actions. After viewing "The Meat Video," there were no more excuses. I am not fundamentally opposed to meat eating, I am opposed to the conditions under which the majority of animals which make it to the supermarket live. They live, just barely, and horribly.
As for my fitness, I am leaner, meaner, faster and more energetic than I have been in a long time. What about protein? A great benefit to living in a market economy is that where there is sufficient want, there will be sufficient supply. There is no shortage of meat alternatives in any super market. Heck, I use fake chicken cutlets made from a fungus (really) by Qorn, the same way I used to prepare chicken cutlets. Cube some up, sautee them in some Annies Worcestershire sauce, add some Total Insanity hot sauce and plop them into a salad. I also make fake chicken parmesan, faux chicken merango and faux coc'au vin. There is always enough vino left over for the chef. Woohoo!
Now the video. Fair warning: I've seen my fare share of atrocities, but I have to admit, I couldn't make it all the way through this. This is not a Michael Moore satire.
The Meat Video
Hi Scott,
ReplyDeleteFascinating (and challenging) blog! I can't afford fake meat; the stuff costs a mint. But when I was at the Zen Centre, one of my sisters used to go "dumpster diving" at the local food co-op, picking up for free all the past-due food they were going to throw out, and I got to play with quite a few different types. Good stuff, once I learned how to prepare it.
I'm not a vegetarian, though I limit meat in my diet. As in most things, I find that being poor is an effective way to live righteously; most of what I can't afford, I shouldn't have anyway.
I'm also intrigued by your status as a Buddhist warrior. I confess to grave reservations about soldiers who claim religious faith, but I must also admit that some have given me great gifts of insight. One more example of the importance of catching no flies, eh?
Thanks for the blog, brother!
Robin
Rusty Ring: Reflections of an Old-Timey Hermit (blog)
Thanks for stopping by and commenting Robin :) Sorry I've been away for a while and just now returned.
ReplyDeleteYes, its very true that a lot of fake meat products are expensive. But have you priced steak lately? Another inexpensive protein source are lentils. They more or less have a neutral taste, but you can make a wide variety of food from soups to lentil burgers!
I am in awe of your Zen Sister.
I also have grave reservations about soldiers and politicians who proclaim religious faith. There are those that use their faith as a weapon and therefore give the rest of us a bad reputation, haha.
Congrats on embracing a more compassionate diet! I just wanted to share that you don't really need to worry about protein when eating a plant-based diet. Most Americans eat twice as much protein as they need which is hard on our bones, kidneys and hearts. Much healthier (and cheaper) sources exist. Just check out this page to see the protein content of whole grains, veggies and more :-) http://www.vegparadise.com/protein.html
ReplyDeleteI've been vegan for more than 20 years and work out like a fiend. I'm disgustingly healthy and energetic despite starting to get up there in age....
Bows to you all taking even the smallest step to limit meat consumption! This may help: http://davidmashton.blogspot.com/2011/06/mindful-blindness-rant-against.html
ReplyDeleteThanks David. I appreciate the encouragement! I did visit your blog and read your post, thank you very much. I agreed with most of what you said, however, I still believe that the only way to really eat meat in an ethical way is to kill it yourself. I don't hunt myself, but I have many friends who do. They are actually more in touch with the food they consume than one might imagine. They are also extremely mindful of their footprint on the planet and their roll in the eco system.
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