If you do eat meat then there are a few considerations to help minimize the negative effects that accompany this dietary choice. *Note: this article does not refer to fish consumption.
First of all I want to encourage everyone to listen to their bodies needs, first and foremost. Have compassion for yourself with the cravings that may come with times of increased protein needs such as pregnancy, heavy physical labour, or healing traumatic injuries. If you do choose to be a vegetarian or vegan consider that after hundreds of years of animal foods being regularly eaten in a family lineage it can take some time to adjust to this nutritional path.
It should also be noted that traditional Chinese medicine believes that certain people may benefit from moderate consumption of particular meats when trying to conceive. Talk to your acupuncturist to determine your needs as different people require different meats to properly thrive.
Always eat local organic free range meats. These animals generally had a happier life and this energy transmits through the food into your body and cells, remember you are what you eat. The raising of non-organic 'meat' is a travesty as we learn the conditions of these poor animals lives before slaying. Remember we are the consumers and what we buy dictate their conditions, you can make a difference. Also be sure to give thanks to the animal for helping sustain your life. Pesticides, hormones, and antibiotics used in the raising of non-organic animals have been shown to have many ill effects on our bodies health and fertility.
When you do eat meat, small amounts 2-3 times per week is enough. To improve the digestion of meats slice thinly and soak in vinegar, lemon juice, wine, beer, or tomato juice for 30 minutes or more to help break down the fat and protein chains. Ginger and marjoram also help rid the body of the unwanted toxins associated with meat consumption. Leafy greens, garlic, onions, cabbage and cauliflower are great foods to include with your meat meals for improving digestion of the proteins and fats. Also, grilling red meat over a high heat open flame creates carcinogens. To help offset these negative effects use rosemary in both the marinade and post cooking seasonings.
Lastly, I have said this before and I will say it again; in an ideal world we would all be vegetarian, for individual health reasons, ethical reasons, and the health of the planet. Because of the large amount of land that is required to raise animals for human consumption, we have cut down much of the great forests on earth. These forests are the lungs of the earth. Because the earth's lungs are being compromised, global warming is resulting. So if you choose to eat either none, or less meat, you are doing a huge part for the health of the earth. Maybe you choose to be a vegetarian instead of driving a Prius? Maybe being a vegan will offset the carbon footprint your trips to Hawaii produce!
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