Yes, this section is on fueling our bodies and our choices. Now, I do try not to be over the top on this topic, it’ll probably sound that way but virtually all of my friends are meat eaters and certainly my ex-husbands and ex-boyfriends were also. To state the obvious on that one, that just doesn’t work so I don’t date meat eaters any more, no matter how hot they are!

I don’t think people think much about where their food comes from and what the conditions were. It is very different from when you truly were exposed to animals being butchered to going to the grocery store where it looks so detached from where it came.

I know first hand that a lot of children would never touch meat if they truly knew where it came from. The ones that connect the dots early usually stray off that path. I don’t think we were actually born with this incessant need to eat dead animals. I firmly believe that each culture teaches their children what is believed to be the best way for them. As such the basis of thought on all food is a learned behavior. A reflection of history and cultures reinforces the meaning of food and the ritual of preparation are rarely about nutrition or what feeds the soul.

I don’t believe one must eat meat to be healthy and strong. History shows that statement to be invalid. Thus, it boils down to choice. Are you comfortable knowing that another living creature died at your whim? Keep in mind that we in the US have an entire economy developed around the meat model. Even if the powers that be knew that it was bad for environment, health and well being of everyone involved – it would not change because of the economic impact. It is exactly like the energy crisis.

Ironically the only thing that can change the food models that have evolved in this world is the consumer. If you stop buying what you are being sold: the model changes. Again, we are linked back to the corporate bottom line.

I’m not preaching being a vegetarian but I’m saying that we have built a culture where there is no value to the life an animal leads to the level that they are basically tortured to their death. It is disgusting that we allow inhumane treatment of animals and people.