Go Figure

Now that I have a little less on my plate (figuratively and literally!), I want to take this opportunity to share with you some of the interesting, shocking, and helpful facts and figures surrounding the impacts of the production and consumption of animal products.

That was a mouthful.

Q: What do all of these things have in common?

Global Warming
Overexploitation of Natural Resources
Deforestation and Desertification
Habitat and Species Loss
Water and Air Pollution
Wasted Crops
World Hunger
Disease
Animal Abuse and Neglect

A: They are all directly linked to meat production and consumption.

These are, arguably, the most pressing issues of our time.

A 2006 United Nations report summarized the devastation caused by the meat and dairy industry by calling it "one of the top two most serious environmental problems, at every scale, from local to global."

The fact is that most of us, herbivores, carnivores and omnivores alike, do not wish to harm the planet or its inhabitants. What most of us don't realize, however, is that the decisions we make every day, regarding food choices, are doing just that.

Many people are concerned about Animal Welfare, so this topic will be discussed. But the perceived moral value of each animal comes into account, and this is (at this juncture) based solely on opinion: I may be emotionally attached to cows, while others feel that they are a means to an end. But when it comes to issues like world hunger, environmental destruction, the economy, and human health, our own self interest, I can't imagine that most people won't get on board. So I will focus on those areas.

Within each blog entry, I will provide links to resources, so you can verify my propaganda (yes, I do have an agenda here). If you find something to be untrue or debatable, please bring it to my attention and I will address it.

Food Shouldn't Make You Tired

I made Rawtatouille last night. Lightly sauteed eggplant (the only cooked part), chopped some fresh veggies (red bell peppers, green bell peppers, sweet onions, and zucchini) and made a sauce of sundried tomatoes, fresh tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic and olive oil (salt and pepper to taste).

After I ate my first serving, and was scooping out my second, it occurred to me that the best, most noticeable part of the raw food diet, so far, is how I feel after eating. I never gorge myself on foods. It really doesn't matter how much I eat; I don't get that full, lethargic feeling afterward. I feel satisfied and energized! There's nothing worse than going to town on a plate of pasta or Mexican food, and then looking for the nearest place to lay down when you're done. I hate that!

Food should give you energy, not lethargy...right?