Veganism, vegetarianism, fat-free, low-calorie.
People's eating habits (and eating ethics) are driven by fashions, new studies and culture. But there's also the personal component to choosing the turkey burger over the traditional, to choosing almond milk over cow's milk, or even to choosing gluten-free rice crackers over those circular ones our mothers packed into our school lunches.
With the new year, and the hope surrounding New Year's Resolutions and healthier habits, I think it's time to look into the impacts of our eating habits.
1. Veganism
Vegans refrain from eating any animal product. No meat, no eggs, no milk. Nothing that comes from an animal. I'm fascinated by the reasons driving people to veganism, mainly because I just don't get it. And yes, I am an animal-lover and I do respect their lives and their ability to produce edible, tasty, and healthy foods. So when I began asking people why they chose to be vegan, the one reason that kept being spat at me was that they believed in animal rights.
I could not agree more that factory farming chickens to the point of losing their ability to walk is despicable. But there's a happy medium: take a closer look at your food sourcing options. See if there's place that follows your ethics. It may be near by, accessible and in all reality, it's probably healthier for you than trying to substitute calcium from milk and cheese with a powdery substance jammed in a pill or gummy (like that gummy is actually natural).*
2. Vegetarianism
Perhaps more main stream and well-known, these herbivores are like the "fun parent" of restricting animal products in a diet. They just stay away from killing an animal for human use. I could argue the same points as I do with vegans - look into the source of your food and you will find a humane farm that actually cares for the well-being of the animals, but there might some more to consider on the argument in favor of vegetarianism.
The environment. Yup, that's right, our eating habits can actually affect the environment. This goes beyond the fossil fuel consumption of shipping food across country.
Water consumption. The United States Geological Survey calculated the amount of water needed to produce a 1/4 pound hamburger to be 150 gallons. I'll let that sink in. 150 gallons.
Granted, it's an animal that's giving us that 1/4 pound hamburger, and like us, the cow needs water to survive. No problem there.
The problem most likely occurs in the actual production of the beef product, not in raising the animal. The problem occurs when the beef being sold in stores does not have to be labelled with its country of origin. (Further reading - which I highly recommend - from here.) The problem persists because whilst sustainable farming practices are in use in the United States, what do we know of sustainable farming in Mexico and Canada, the two countries who unbeknownst to households across America are putting meat on our tables?
The Answer?
Well, I don't have one. At least not a clear one. You could stay away from meat, from animal products. But it isn't just meat. A handful of almonds requires 15 gallons of water - take that into consideration the next time someone says almond milk is the way to go. You could chose all natural and all locally sourced food. You could eat everything in moderation, or completely exile certain foods from your diets. But to what results?
Recent studies have actually proven that previous advice to stay away from certain categories of foods can be more harmful than beneficial. Omitting fats from diets proved fruitless in decreasing the risks of heart disease and cancer, but did cause an over-consumption of carbs according to one NY Times article. Taking dairy out of diets leads to low-calcium intake, in which case we're back to the gummy. Let's not go back to the gummy. Please.
Fresh foods are real food, the food that our grandparents and great-grandparents ate years ago in the midst of a lacking and far less capable medical scene and hey, my great-grandparents lived well into their 90s. They ate well. They exercised without having to plan time at the gym. They also had a shot of some alcoholic beverage nearly every day (moderation I guess).
I'm not saying the times haven't changed. But our food certainly has, and that's something that shouldn't be morphing as our culture does. Perhaps we can make smarter decisions, for our health and the sustainability of our planet. Perhaps we can make a difference, make progress. A little knowledge, thought and ethics, and who knows? We might actually achieve the perfect balance between our food, our planet, and our selves.
*Disclaimer: I do not hold a degree or certificate in medicine or health. Please consult a professional for your individual needs.
