I like meat but have eaten far less of it the last 30 years. Good for the digestion and the budget, too. I don't care what people prefer to eat as long as they don't lecture and glare at my plate -- please don't judge my cheese, salmon, and yogurt! (There are two friends I just can't dine with comfortably, alas.) Wishing everyone bountiful nourishment this holiday season -- savor every bite!
It's very hard to find good food in much of America, and it was a real eye-opener for this Brit to learn that, as far as groceries are concerned, even Washington DC is a food desert of mass-produced crap. Whatever name you give it, just eating less meat is a big contribution.
I am deeply lucky to live surrounded by small farms producing pastured and grass-fed meat in humane conditions, which is also good for the soil. I know most of the farmers who supply our food. I don't mind that this meat is expensive: An actual roast is a very rare treat, even ground beef is occasional, and cutting up fresh newly-harvested farm-raised chickens myself not only yields economical individual portions for the freezer, but chicken backs for stock.
In short, in many of our meals, the only "meat" is the stock that flavors the soup and beans, plus recipes like stir-fry only use a little meat to flavor the vegetables. We mostly eat seasonal and local veg, so right now, a lot of storage carrots and onions in the soups, which can be remarkably varied. It's actually very close to how my Scottish ancestors lived! I find this far more satisfying than committing to any of the many "-itarian" identities. Starting with ditching the supermarket and its deceptively cheap offerings, and buying from farmers as much as possible, was the best decision I've ever made. Sorry to go on, Don, but this is close to my heart!
Another point is that older people have an increased tendency for lactose intolerance. A lot of meatless meals are heavy on cheese, as well as pasta, white rice and so on which really have no food value. It's a delicate balance.
I'm very partial to the mango. Pineapple is also pretty great.
I like meat but have eaten far less of it the last 30 years. Good for the digestion and the budget, too. I don't care what people prefer to eat as long as they don't lecture and glare at my plate -- please don't judge my cheese, salmon, and yogurt! (There are two friends I just can't dine with comfortably, alas.) Wishing everyone bountiful nourishment this holiday season -- savor every bite!
Thanks, Wendl. Healthy but delicious holidays to you.
I loved learning why you are a reducetarian. Good piece.
Alice, thanks so much!
What's the best-tasting plant you've ever tasted?
It's very hard to find good food in much of America, and it was a real eye-opener for this Brit to learn that, as far as groceries are concerned, even Washington DC is a food desert of mass-produced crap. Whatever name you give it, just eating less meat is a big contribution.
I am deeply lucky to live surrounded by small farms producing pastured and grass-fed meat in humane conditions, which is also good for the soil. I know most of the farmers who supply our food. I don't mind that this meat is expensive: An actual roast is a very rare treat, even ground beef is occasional, and cutting up fresh newly-harvested farm-raised chickens myself not only yields economical individual portions for the freezer, but chicken backs for stock.
In short, in many of our meals, the only "meat" is the stock that flavors the soup and beans, plus recipes like stir-fry only use a little meat to flavor the vegetables. We mostly eat seasonal and local veg, so right now, a lot of storage carrots and onions in the soups, which can be remarkably varied. It's actually very close to how my Scottish ancestors lived! I find this far more satisfying than committing to any of the many "-itarian" identities. Starting with ditching the supermarket and its deceptively cheap offerings, and buying from farmers as much as possible, was the best decision I've ever made. Sorry to go on, Don, but this is close to my heart!
We made the wise decision to subscribe to Community Sourced Agriculture(CSA) so we have a steady stream of fresh produce to work with.
Excellent!! 😀
Another point is that older people have an increased tendency for lactose intolerance. A lot of meatless meals are heavy on cheese, as well as pasta, white rice and so on which really have no food value. It's a delicate balance.