Another gross meat article

It seems I just can't get away from learning gross information about how meat is produced in this country. If it weren't for the fact that I adore a thick, juicy steak and now have organic meat options, I would be on the road to vegetarianism. And that's saying something, because I can't claim to be a fan of many vegetables, though I'm working on expanding my horizons. Consider the latest information, which was published in the New York Times op-ed section online today: "a pair of new scientific studies suggesting that poultry on factory farms are routinely fed caffeine, active ingredients of Tylenol and Benadryl, banned antibiotics and even arsenic."

Now, the author does note that the studies examined feather meal and not the meat itself, so there isn't conclusive evidence at this time that the chemicals in question make it into the meat and then into the human body. However, I don't need additional evidence to reaffirm our family's choice to go organic. According to these studies, chickens are often fed coffee grounds and tea leaves, presumably to keep them awake so they can eat more. And poultry magazines recommend Benadryl to calm chickens, who are probably suffering from a tremendous caffeine buzz. Even more disturbing is that a class of banned antibiotics was found in many of the feather meal samples...these particular antibiotics are banned in poultry farming "because they can breed antibiotic-resistant 'superbugs' that harm humans."

Perhaps most disturbing of all is the author's comment that poultry farmers often don't know what they're feeding the animals because they're required to use proprietary food blends if they sell to large food corporations. Our government is so busy fighting among themselves and passing laws to control every facet of our lives that they have no time, energy, or desire to ferret out the truth. And why should they? These are the same companies who donate money to both parties to ensure their silence.

Here's a link to the article, if you'd like to read it in full: Arsenic in Our Chicken?

What did you call me?

I can't decide if I like the term "foodie" or not. As far as words go, it seems fun and light and happy, but it isn't well-defined. I checked urbandictionary.com for the definition, and there several ranging from someone who likes to talk about food in general to someone who is a food snob and will only eat gourmet munchies. I'm definitely no food snob. Give me a juicy cheeseburger over caviar any day of the week. I do love food, though. A lot. I love to eat food, talk about food, cook food, read about food, plan meals, try new recipes...well, you get the idea. In that sense, I suppose I am a foodie. But here's the real issue I have with the word--the long "e" sound tacked on to the end of a word is often slightly demeaning (groupie, roadie, etc.). Is "foodie" a compliment or a curse? Who knows.

Random rant aside, I've decided to start a new blog thanks to my recent addiction--healthy eating. For years I've tried to follow the accepted standards on healthy eating: low-fat, low-calorie foods. Then I read a book that completely changed the way I thought about food and dieting. Anyone who knows me is aware that I don't gross out easily, and it takes extreme effort to put me off food. This book made it perfectly clear that half the foods I eat--half the foods and additives that our government approves--are not only unhealthy, they're dangerous. I won't bore you with all the details here. If you're interested in healthy eating at all, please buy a copy of The Happiness Diet by Tyler Graham and Drew Ramsey as soon as possible. They have some very compelling arguments that the current government-approved diet is harming us on many different levels. I've always taken things like this with a hefty dose of skepticism, but since reading the book, which came out late last year, I have seen a number of articles confirming some of their key points. I just read two today--one on the dangers of sugar and one on a gross additive that fast food places have just recently chosen to remove from their hamburger meat (the additive includes an ammonia derivative). Since reading the book, I buy organic as much as possible and make all our bread from scratch...things I barely have time and money for, if you want the truth, but that's how strongly I feel about their research. The best part is, we can eat so many things that are not normally considered diet food (including my beloved cheeseburgers). So check it out if you can, and stay tuned for additional posts. I can't promise more than one a week, but I'll try to share recipes and any good organic products/brands I find in my personal healthy eating quest. Cheers and don't forget to feed the fish!