Never eat meat again.

Latest video my old roommate Jane Velez Mitchell had on her show.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RNFFRGz1Qs"]YouTube- Cruelty at New York's Largest Dairy Farm[/ame]

This is what is in a glass of milk, a pizza or ice cream. We HAVE to put a stop by getting dairy sources from non factory farms or just not eat it or at least eat less of it.

G

PS I know there are TONS of animal lovers on this forum.

Hard to watch...

Michael Pollan on Oprah, and a ramble

Did anybody see Michael Pollan on Oprah last week? I caught a little of it. They were talking a lot about Food Inc., and about his new book, title of which I've already forgotten. I will of course be reading it soon--I have yet to be bored by anything that man has written.

For whatever it's worth, this once-militant vegetarian is having now to take another hard look at what I eat. Recent health challenges have me on an allergy elimination diet for several weeks (no foods or food-like substances containing milk, dairy, eggs, wheat, gluten, corn, soy, sugar, honey, oranges, strawberries, peanuts, preservatives, additives, artificial sweeteners), and on top of that, I have to have at least 25 gm. organic, preservative-free animal protein a day, in 6 small meals per day. For me, that's a lot of non-egg, non-dairy animal protein to be taking in after many years of being just this side of vegetarian.

Very grateful for Renee's happily raised chickens from Twin Oaks Farm, for the fish in the freezer that my guys caught late in the summer, and for all the great gluten-free and other allergen-free foods at For The Health of It; wishing my guys had gotten into hunting so we might have some venison in the freezer too. I am not even thinking about dining out. I would be the one that they hate to see coming in the door!

So my don't-eat list has most of the food basics from which our packaged food-like substances are derived, which means everything I eat is from scratch. Part of me wonders, would I be having these allergies and other health problems if our environment and food supply were different, better, cleaner, fresher, less pesticide-hormone-and chemical-laden? Are people with food and inhalant allergies, chemical sensitivities, auto-immune and endocrine disorders like the canaries in the coal mine?

I LOVE the smart-pig show.

Did anybody see Michael Pollan on Oprah last week? I caught a little of it. They were talking a lot about Food Inc., and about his new book, title of which I've already forgotten. I will of course be reading it soon--I have yet to be bored by anything that man has written.

I saw it. Very interesting and eye-opening. His newest book is Food Rules. It's now on my "to read" list.

Did anybody see Michael Pollan on Oprah last week? I caught a little of it. They were talking a lot about Food Inc., and about his new book, title of which I've already forgotten. I will of course be reading it soon--I have yet to be bored by anything that man has written.

I'll have to read it too. Right now finishing Eating Animals which is a must read.

For whatever it's worth, this once-militant vegetarian is having now to take another hard look at what I eat. Recent health challenges have me on an allergy elimination diet for several weeks (no foods or food-like substances containing milk, dairy, eggs, wheat, gluten, corn, soy, sugar, honey, oranges, strawberries, peanuts, preservatives, additives, artificial sweeteners), and on top of that, I have to have at least 25 gm. organic, preservative-free animal protein a day, in 6 small meals per day. For me, that's a lot of non-egg, non-dairy animal protein to be taking in after many years of being just this side of vegetarian.

So what is a typical day like food wise? Brown rice and meat and veggies?

Very grateful for Renee's happily raised chickens from Twin Oaks Farm, for the fish in the freezer that my guys caught late in the summer, and for all the great gluten-free and other allergen-free foods at For The Health of It; wishing my guys had gotten into hunting so we might have some venison in the freezer too. I am not even thinking about dining out. I would be the one that they hate to see coming in the door!

You are so lucky to be able to GET real food that hasn't been contaminated with hormones, etc.... what is better for the animals is better for us.

So my don't-eat list has most of the food basics from which our packaged food-like substances are derived, which means everything I eat is from scratch.

When I was raw that was the way it was for me. Nothing from a package. I looked younger, had no puffiness in my face and was pretty much doing great - until my shoulder froze and I made some changes too. But some changes are NOT working for me. It is a constant tweak and the stress of house building has me eating things I haven't eatin in YEARS!

Part of me wonders, would I be having these allergies and other health problems if our environment and food supply were different, better, cleaner, fresher, less pesticide-hormone-and chemical-laden? Are people with food and inhalant allergies, chemical sensitivities, auto-immune and endocrine disorders like the canaries in the coal mine?

I think there is a HUGE connection and also plastics, etc...I am glad you are working on it and do keep us posted as to your results. It will take some time....

I LOVE the smart-pig show.

Wasn't it the BEST???

Gidget

Hard to watch...

Extremely hard to watch.

So my don't-eat list has most of the food basics from which our packaged food-like substances are derived, which means everything I eat is from scratch. Part of me wonders, would I be having these allergies and other health problems if our environment and food supply were different, better, cleaner, fresher, less pesticide-hormone-and chemical-laden? Are people with food and inhalant allergies, chemical sensitivities, auto-immune and endocrine disorders like the canaries in the coal mine?

I think so much of it is a reaction to the total crap/chemicals/preservatives we are putting into our bodies and that surround many of us in our daily environment. I also think we are more sensitive because modern medicine keeps us from being weeded out.

Many fast food/chain restaurant food will make me physically ill - because I am so used to "real" (but not always healthy I admit) food and limited quantities of their chemicals and preservatives of choice. Yet I can eat a wide variety of crazy combos, spicy, rich, or natural foods and feel fine.

IMO concerns about cholesterol, fat, carbs etc. pale in comparison to the 18 letter chemical substances that are taking over our food.

I agree with everything you just wrote.

G

I woulda been weeded out long ago if not for the miracles of modern medicine!

Gidget, typical day does not exist yet, still figuring this out as I go. So many diet and schedule changes in so little time. I have to follow a hypoglycemic schedule, too, did I mention that (though I am not hypoglycemic and never have been)? (6 small meals a day, protein in all of them, and gotta eat breakfast -- I have NEVER been a breakfast person, this is really hard). Glad my office is at home, so portability isn't the issue it would be for some folks.

Hub grilled a whole organic tenderloin for me, and little medallions of that are individually frozen for quick addition to whatever grain/veggie thing I have going on. Sardines, tuna, salmon are also staples in the meat department. Try to do sardines more b/c they are low on the food chain and haven't accumulated as much mercury as predator fish, but they are so .... FISHY. The amount of flesh I'm eating, BTW, is way less than most Americans. It's just a lot for me.

There is a lot of brown rice, also oats, and high-protein legumes like chick peas and lentils. Have learned to make homemade nut and grain milks that are right tasty; coconut milk helps out sometimes. Found a way to get seaweed into diet other than sushi nori -- found some kinds that don't have much taste at all, and they go into smoothies where they hide nicely, giving a creamier texture.

Fruit smoothies are the big treat every day, that or an apple or applesauce with cinnamon. A rice cake with roasted sunflower butter and a piece of fruit is another favorite treat. I really really really miss chocolate, and cheese, but I don't miss beer and wine as much as I thought I would. More good news, in the last few months, I have gotten off coffee and replaced that with black tea; now I'm off black tea for several weeks and only doing a cup or two of white or green tea daily. Caffeine intake way down, that has to be good, though I can't see how it's made me better or healthier....yet. And no fizzy drinks in a long time either.

I woulda been weeded out long ago if not for the miracles of modern medicine!

Gidget, typical day does not exist yet, still figuring this out as I go. So many diet and schedule changes in so little time. I have to follow a hypoglycemic schedule, too, did I mention that (though I am not hypoglycemic and never have been)? (6 small meals a day, protein in all of them, and gotta eat breakfast -- I have NEVER been a breakfast person, this is really hard). Glad my office is at home, so portability isn't the issue it would be for some folks.

Hub grilled a whole organic tenderloin for me, and little medallions of that are individually frozen for quick addition to whatever grain/veggie thing I have going on. Sardines, tuna, salmon are also staples in the meat department. Try to do sardines more b/c they are low on the food chain and haven't accumulated as much mercury as predator fish, but they are so .... FISHY. The amount of flesh I'm eating, BTW, is way less than most Americans. It's just a lot for me.

There is a lot of brown rice, also oats, and high-protein legumes like chick peas and lentils. Have learned to make homemade nut and grain milks that are right tasty; coconut milk helps out sometimes. Found a way to get seaweed into diet other than sushi nori -- found some kinds that don't have much taste at all, and they go into smoothies where they hide nicely, giving a creamier texture.

Fruit smoothies are the big treat every day, that or an apple or applesauce with cinnamon. A rice cake with roasted sunflower butter and a piece of fruit is another favorite treat. I really really really miss chocolate, and cheese, but I don't miss beer and wine as much as I thought I would. More good news, in the last few months, I have gotten off coffee and replaced that with black tea; now I'm off black tea for several weeks and only doing a cup or two of white or green tea daily. Caffeine intake way down, that has to be good, though I can't see how it's made me better or healthier....yet. And no fizzy drinks in a long time either.

Sounds really spot on health wise and quite a variety too. Have you added any greens to those smoothies? I swear by green smoothies as you know I am sure (fanatic here) You are lucky to have a dh who helps you out and supports you too. SO many women do not. I have that also.

I don't miss alcohol and caffeine. A little green tea at most on occasion. Alcohol just does not do it for me. Can really mess w/candida.

Your diet is also a beauty diet. Not eating processed foods and hydrogenated fats, etc...is such a plus for your skin. I would add dry brushing - did you mention that you were doing that already? A nice mitt all over before your shower. And a smaller one for the face. Such a great cellulite buster too!

Thanks for sharing!!

G

Have you tried drinking more water too? I find being well hydrated helps even out your metabolism/tones down your reactions.

And there was a guy at the Farmer's Market this weekend taking orders for a variety of homemade breads - you might be able to get some non-wheat breads that you can eat.

thanks for posting the video...
I am completely speechless...and overwhelmed by how ruthless and devoid of compassion/kindness some humans can be. These people who treat animals like this on a daily basis in the factory farming industry are ....I don't know, I simply cannot find a description....cannot find the words....it saddens me so deeply I almost cannot breath from watching this and knowing about this kind of thing.
I want this abuse to stop...now!
I wish I knew what could be done to make changes in this industry, there is no reason for this neglect and abuse. Changing these practices does not effect their profits.
soooo frustrating!

thanks for posting the video...
I am completely speechless...and overwhelmed by how ruthless and devoid of compassion/kindness some humans can be. These people who treat animals like this on a daily basis in the factory farming industry are ....I don't know, I simply cannot find a description....cannot find the words....it saddens me so deeply I almost cannot breath from watching this and knowing about this kind of thing.
I want this abuse to stop...now!
I wish I knew what could be done to make changes in this industry, there is no reason for this neglect and abuse. Changing these practices does not effect their profits.
soooo frustrating!

I was left feeling the same way. Shocking. Sure changes the way you think about milk. I love milk but man something has to give.

We showed Food Inc. at MountainFilm on Memorial Day. I'd love to bring it here but I doubt I could; it just opened in NY and SF yesterday. Hopefully it will hit the panhandle, but again, doubtful. Do go and see this movie if you are at all concerned about what you're buying in the supermarket. That hamburger you're eating could potentially be part of 1000 cows, the slaughter rate is so high that the cuttings just get mixed into one huge grinder.

Official Food, Inc. Movie Site - Hungry For Change?

Just curious, what's wrong with mixing different cows together assuming each cow individually is of high quality?

Latest video my old roommate Jane Velez Mitchell had on her show.

This is what is in a glass of milk, a pizza or ice cream. We HAVE to put a stop by getting dairy sources from non factory farms or just not eat it or at least eat less of it.

G

PS I know there are TONS of animal lovers on this forum.

That's pretty bad, but I've heard some suggest eating wild game that was hunted for and shot to death. I'm sure some of these animals suffer a slow torturous death as well. Also how many animals get away and are running around with bullet wounds?

Sounds really spot on health wise and quite a variety too. Have you added any greens to those smoothies? I swear by green smoothies as you know I am sure (fanatic here) You are lucky to have a dh who helps you out and supports you too. SO many women do not. I have that also.

I don't miss alcohol and caffeine. A little green tea at most on occasion. Alcohol just does not do it for me. Can really mess w/candida.

Your diet is also a beauty diet. Not eating processed foods and hydrogenated fats, etc...is such a plus for your skin. I would add dry brushing - did you mention that you were doing that already? A nice mitt all over before your shower. And a smaller one for the face. Such a great cellulite buster too!

Thanks for sharing!!

G

Hey there,

Yes I have lots of greens; parsley and cilantro are not garnishes, but food groups for me! All kinds of greens, cooked, raw, and in smoothies. I haven't found a supergreen powder that actually tastes good yet, but I choke those down anyway. Would be lots better with a big scoop of dark chocolate ice cream. And even though I used to grow and juice my own wheat and oat and barley grass, I simply cannot bear the taste. Wonder if I could get an IV.

Yes I know about the dry brushing too, and do it whenever I remember. Far infrared sauna also. Alkalizing baths etc.

Have you tried drinking more water too? I find being well hydrated helps even out your metabolism/tones down your reactions.

And there was a guy at the Farmer's Market this weekend taking orders for a variety of homemade breads - you might be able to get some non-wheat breads that you can eat.

Thanks, yes I am a hydration freak. There are some endocrine issues here that have to normalize before the metabolism and reactivity get better, as I understand it anyway. Oddly, I don't miss bread. Rice cakes and crackers work fine for me at this point -- a tiny loaf of gluten free rice bread from FTHOI lasts me 2 weeks or more...

That's pretty bad, but I've heard some suggest eating wild game that was hunted for and shot to death. I'm sure some of these animals suffer a slow torturous death as well. Also how many animals get away and are running around with bullet wounds?

Are you suggesting that two wrongs make a right? If you eat meat you must choose the best route. That is The Omnivore's Dilemma. I agree on the bullet wound thing - it is a sad part of hunting- recall the scene about the stag in The Queen.

I would say this about the question you posted. First, a deer or wild bird at least led its life in freedom - eating grass, acorns, bugs - and lived without hormones or antibiotics. Did you watch the video? No deer or wild turkey is treated that way - no deer has its horns burned out from the inside of its skull without pain killers! No wild turkey (another video) has its beak burned off and is forced by way of hormones to grow so much that it can not stand up (if it could even find room to stand up in those crowded conditions) No deer is kicked around and called a f***er!

Look, if I could blow fairy dust on the world and end ALL SUFFERING for animals and humans I would. But that ain't happening. So, it is up to us to at the very least demand that animals - who give their LIVES for us - be treated as humanely as possible. It is happening. More and more people are thinking of cows, pigs and chicks as animals just like their own dogs. Would we treat our dogs that way? Our horses? People would be sh*tting bricks if this type of treatment was happening to a pack of dogs or cats or horses. (recall the UPROAR over dog fighting and Michael Vick) WHAT is the difference between factory farm animals and our beloved animals? I'll tell you the difference - we want our cake and eat it too! We don't want to vote with our bellies and our cravings. Well, sometimes you just have to. At the very very least share in the outrage, write letters, sign petitions, adopt a diet that has less meat and dairy. At the very least get meat and eggs and dairy from local sources. So we pay a little more. In the long run we pay less - for what is best for the animals is best for us - and from an environmental standpoint factory farming is - well, just read about hog lagoons to start. Madness!!

As I have said before, T Cline started this to make us wakeup when it comes to these cruel practices. We are eating these animals raised this way. Can you imagine drinking milk from a cow in that video? A far cry from the pretty cow pictured in a pasture in dairy commercials.

I hope I answered your question. As you can see, I am very passionate

Hey there,

Yes I have lots of greens; parsley and cilantro are not garnishes, but food groups for me! All kinds of greens, cooked, raw, and in smoothies. I haven't found a supergreen powder that actually tastes good yet, but I choke those down anyway. Would be lots better with a big scoop of dark chocolate ice cream. And even though I used to grow and juice my own wheat and oat and barley grass, I simply cannot bear the taste. Wonder if I could get an IV.

Yes I know about the dry brushing too, and do it whenever I remember. Far infrared sauna also. Alkalizing baths etc.

Like me, you've made a hobby of learning about various ways to eat and fine tune health. So much out there. Dry brushing is great. I often remember when I am in the shower though :roll::roll:

I love a parsley salad made with quinoa instead of bulgar. (tabouli) Can you eat quinoa? Never heard of a quinoa allergy

Like me, you've made a hobby of learning about various ways to eat and fine tune health. So much out there. Dry brushing is great. I often remember when I am in the shower though :roll::roll:

I love a parsley salad made with quinoa instead of bulgar. (tabouli) Can you eat quinoa? Never heard of a quinoa allergy

Quinoa-bouli is a staple; also oat groat-bouli and brown rice-bouli. With chick peas and changing up the seasonings. Even my fellas like these dishes, which helps a lot. Big drag trying to cook different diets for everyone, catering to health issues and taste preferences. Very handy when everybody can eat and like the same thing.

Here's the thing. I have been through similar issues twice before, and I would stick to the healthy life and diet for a while, but have found it (obviously) impossible to maintain that continually because of business and social things around food. Or just the desire to go somewhere and eat what everyone else is eating because that's easy; or have popcorn and coke at the movie; or cook what everybody wants and eat that, even though it's too fatty-starchy-whatever for me. For movies now, I take a big purse with my own herb tea or water in a bottle, and some nuts or rice cakes, just so I can munch on something and not feel totally left out of the fun.

I guess I just have to buck up and get over the jokes and odd looks and what feels like judgment from others about what I eat, not to mention the colossal PITA of taking my own stuff everywhere, and stick to what makes me feel good from here on out. Anybody gives me any sass, I'll give them an organic egg to suck, LOL.

I think Michael Pollan's approach to food, as described so eloquently and deliciously in The Omnivore's Dilemma, is about the healthiest, most balanced way to go about feeding oneself that anyone could come up with, given the world and what's available here and now for most Americans. He doesn't come out and say so, but it's really a Slow Food sort of approach, and the more small local farms and community gardens we have, the more accessible this way of eating will be for everyone.

On Oprah the other day, he basically said, "Don't eat anything your great grandmother would not recognize as food" and then gave the example of the yogurt-in-a-tube things. What would she do with one of those? Would she think it was some fancy new package for glue? Is it toothpaste? But really, if I ate what my grandmother grew up eating on the farm near Thomaston, I would be healthy and I would have nothing to complain about! Bounty of fresh heirloom veggies all summer, and some through winter. Preserves, smoked organic meats and fresh ones, fresh unhomogenized milk, cheese, butter, yard eggs... Only bought what didn't grow at the farm -- spices, sugar, flour, rice....and back then, everything was organic. Makes my mouth water.

Quinoa-bouli is a staple; also oat groat-bouli and brown rice-bouli. With chick peas and changing up the seasonings. Even my fellas like these dishes, which helps a lot. Big drag trying to cook different diets for everyone, catering to health issues and taste preferences. Very handy when everybody can eat and like the same thing.

Here's the thing. I have been through similar issues twice before, and I would stick to the healthy life and diet for a while, but have found it (obviously) impossible to maintain that continually because of business and social things around food. Or just the desire to go somewhere and eat what everyone else is eating because that's easy; or have popcorn and coke at the movie; or cook what everybody wants and eat that, even though it's too fatty-starchy-whatever for me. For movies now, I take a big purse with my own herb tea or water in a bottle, and some nuts or rice cakes, just so I can munch on something and not feel totally left out of the fun.

I guess I just have to buck up and get over the jokes and odd looks and what feels like judgment from others about what I eat, not to mention the colossal PITA of taking my own stuff everywhere, and stick to what makes me feel good from here on out. Anybody gives me any sass, I'll give them an organic egg to suck, LOL.

Ha ha! I can't tell you the last time I at movie crap. I always smuggle in my stuff usually bottle of water and nut/seed mix.

I have been to many affairs where I just don't eat, eat before and pretend to eat or just eat what I can within certain guidelines. I can tell you for certain that I have eaten more refined carbs and sweets since being here and building house etc...I am working toward getting back on track with exceptions only being once in a while. If you make exceptions at every turn then the become the norm and the healthy eating becomes the exception ;-) Crazy!!

Most people don't give a flip and if they do then it is often because misery loves company. Seriously, the people who push it the most are usually the most unhealthy. It is like if I say NO to a certain food then somehow that is a reflection on them. I know that eating healthy can come across as smug, but that's not the way I see it. I see it about survival and what makes one feel good in the long run. Each person has to just do what is best for them and in the case of this thread - the animals too

G

With the exception of road trips (I just bring my own food and let others have their fast food) you can get pretty good at learning places to eat or tweaks to certain items.

My mother's trick is to just bring a hostess/potluck item that she knows we can eat and/or have a snack prior. That way you can still go places and socialize w/o feeling left out/hungry/a burden on the hostess.

And remember that between religion, pregnancy, allergies, diets, and personal preferences you are never the only one w/ special food needs.

With the exception of road trips (I just bring my own food and let others have their fast food) you can get pretty good at learning places to eat or tweaks to certain items.

My mother's trick is to just bring a hostess/potluck item that she knows we can eat and/or have a snack prior. That way you can still go places and socialize w/o feeling left out/hungry/a burden on the hostess.

Exactly! At Cmas in Baton Rouge I carted a huge pot of my coconut vegan Thai Spicy Soup full of ginger and chunky veggies. I had what I liked and everyone gobbled up the rest. I do that frequently - it is a great way to share recipes too!

G

PS I sure look forward to meeting you some Sat at SSFM!

Thanks for the encouragement and tips.

I was thrilled yesterday to find an insulated brewing tea mug made of BPA-free plastic. Perfect go-cup for me. Got it at Publix in PC, haven't noticed them at the others around here yet.