Eating Meat: I Fell For The Big Lie, Until August 4th, 2015!

The Lies/Myth As Recently Stated To FitOldDog By A Fellow Veterinarian!

“Factory farmed meat is the only way poor people can get enough protein.”

eating meat

FitOldDog’s veterinary school class of 1967: I’m top, right – boy, I had lots of hair back then!

Eating Meat Is Necessary?

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Eating meat is just not necessary, except in certain hostile environments. I can see how ruminant livestock can play a valuable role in the creation of farms with healthy, integrated ecosystems (as in The Omnivore’s Dilemma)!

The Omnivore's Dilemma book recommended by FitOldDogThe oath I made in 1967, and failed to keep through ignorance!

” I PROMISE AND SOLEMNLY DECLARE that I will pursue the work of my profession with integrity and accept my responsibilities to the public, my clients, the profession and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, and that, ABOVE ALL, my constant endeavour will be to ensure the health and welfare of animals committed to my care.” RCVS

Eating meat seems to be at odds with this – yes! I ate lots of Big Macs, what was I thinking? I wasn’t thinking!

While attending our 50th graduation anniversary dinner in Bristol, England, I got into a brief altercation, upon mentioning my antipathy to factory farming. The reaction was strong, dismissive and hostile, in the form of the quote, above, combined with negative body language!

I take care to try not to force my new found interest in a vegan diet, which includes not eating meat, onto others. I attribute this change entirely to my friend and colleague, Warren Casey! However, as soon as I start to order meals, quietly and reasonably, the reaction occurs.

“What’s wrong with this guy! You have to eat meat for protein.”

The hostility comes in two forms, (1) direct criticism, or (2) mockery! Neither of which bothers me – in fact, my last paid job of seven enjoyable years was created around the task of telling the King he has no clothes. It really was fun!

eating meatInterestingly, the reaction to my not eating meat is stronger, and more hostile, than when I mention my atheistic philosophy of life, which is simple, and non-accusatory:

“I don’t know what the hell is going on in this universe, but it sure is interesting.”

Isn’t this humble and open minded?

Let’s dissect the eating meat lies/myth, for which I fell most of my life.

Hook, line and sinker:

Factory farmed meat is the only way poor people can get enough protein.”

  • The implication that we have to eat meat in order to get enough protein – this was stated to a person, myself, who hasn’t eaten meat in almost two years. Go figure!eating meat eating animals
  • Factory farming is necessary – not true, as we can generate plenty of meat without treating animals like widgets! There is lots of solid evidence for this! I wish we could go back to the days of Mabel The Cow – just follow this link, and look inside the book (it’s free!).
  • The assumption that poor people are clueless and need to be treated like children. Come on, I find people with fewer resources to be generally more resourceful and definitely more generous!
  • The implication that we have to derive our protein from animal products, whereas plants provide plenty of protein when consumed as part of a balanced diet – I’m sorry, fast food is not balanced nutritionally, it’s just balanced fiscally for the purveyors of this horror story. If in doubt, just watch The Meatrix (you may have to watch The Matrix first, to understand this metaphor – just listen to Moopheus!)

I’m so glad I went vegan, for many reasons, not least of which is that I really like animals (well, I do kill mosquitoes) and having a healthy prostate!

Breakfast is nearly ready!

Yum!

eating meat

Homegrown breakfast! What could be better. The secret lies in the herbs and the homegrownness! Onion, zucchini, tomatoes, green pepper, salt, oregano, a pinch of red pepper flakes, simmer in avocado oil!

 

Comments

  1. Hello Kevin, T
    This is interesting view.
    Do you think it is necessary to change diet after aortic repair?
    I didn’t do it. But I feel much better when I consume vegetables and fruits. Only.
    Best,.
    Masa

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Disclaimer: As a veterinarian, I do not provide medical advice for human animals. If you undertake or modify an exercise program, consult your medical advisors before doing so. Undertaking activities pursued by the author does not mean that he endorses your undertaking such activities, which is clearly your decision and responsibility. Be careful and sensible, please.