WHAT IS FOR DINNER? GOOD CHOICES FOR YOU AND THE PLANET
How does the concerned person plan a meal that has good protein while keeping their carbon foot-print low? There are a lot of opinions out there and it is a bit difficult to decide which is correct for you and your family. Unfortunately, the topic has become political. Some folks are saying that, “nobody is going to take my burger away from me”. Others are saying, “we must think of the harm to the environment that comes from producing that red meat”. The reader will need to decide and, as usual, they hold the purse strings. Depending upon the variables of production (pasture or factory farm), the environmental cost of producing red meat is high. Doctors are advising patients to reduce their consumption to better their overall health—this is especially true of over processed meant like hot dogs, sausage and deli meats. Antibiotics used in factory farms are partially to blame for some antibiotics to lose their potency. On the other hand, the plant-based meats and various products also have issues. Trying to get new customers, faux-meat producers have focused on texture (in the red meat substitutes mainly) above nutrition. Many of the “plants” used are highly processed with many added chemicals, flavorings and preservatives, dyes, high fructose corn syrup and a lot of salt (different kinds of salt compounds). According to one dietitian, “Plant based meats may be vegan, have less saturated fat and even calories, but contain excess salt and less vitamins and minerals than red meat. Some of the processes used to create faux meat also introduce chemicals that may cause cancer or digestive upsets.
What can one do? Most of the advice given on different websites are calling for a diet of much less red meat than the average person eats. A serving of meat is measured by comparing it to a deck of cards. (One hamburger is usually 2x the card size). Adding all kids of beans to salads, main dishes and soups increase the protein in the diet. Nut butters are excellent (look for brands with low or no salt). Tofu is a good substitute and is easily added to stir-fry dishes. Eggs are full of protein as are mushrooms. Using beans in combinations with rice Can form complete protein as well. Then, the cook has the option of turkey meat and chicken. Almonds are great as are other nuts and seeds. So, what’s for dinner at your house? It is your choice. Just be an informed consumer and do not be fooled by hype. The best choice just might be a ½ of the dinner plate full of vegetables. With the rest of the plate filled out with a small portion of protein and good carbs and greens. If red meat is your choice, make it a rare occasion and choose pasture raised.
EARTH STEWARD ACTION: Read the sources listed and do your own checking before deciding what is for dinner.
SOURCES: https://.www.blog.cheapism.com/plant-based-meat-vs-ground-beef .
https://.www.yourdailyvegan.com/2019/07/meat-substitute-and-sodium , https://www.wellness.consumerfreedom.com/ingredient-guide https://www.theguardian/plant-based-meant , and look at the “Diet for a Small Planet Cookbook”.