There are so many articles extolling the benefits of vegetarianism/veganism and pescetarianism that I thought I would redress the balance for us carnivores and explain some reasons to eat meat. I have no problem with any diet that anyone chooses whatsoever; my choice is to be a meat eater, including meat in a healthy balanced diet. If you are contemplating becoming a vegetarian and are not solely swayed by the ethical stance of not wanting to eat animals, these are some reasons to eat meat that will help you in your deliberations. And if you’re a carnivore, they will reinforce your position.
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1. Fat!
Like many foods, meat contains fat. I think one of the issues of meat and fat is that unlike in so many other fat-containing foods, on meat, fat is actually visible and tangible. You can see you are EATING FAT! What you should know however, is that not all meat fats are bad. Some meat fat is monounsaturated – in beef for example, 50% of the fat is monounsaturated, and furthermore, the small amount of polyunsaturated fat in beef contains Omega 3s and Omega 6s. Not worrying excessively about fat is one of the good reasons to eat meat if you choose your cut wisely.
2. Protein
I know there are many sources of protein in the plant kingdom but somehow it all seems such hard work compared to simply eating meat. One of the genuine benefits of eating meat is that it is a major source of protein. You can easily opt for lean sources and cook in a sensible manner such as grilling or poaching it.
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3. Satiety
I’m quite happy to load up on veggies to get full but somehow, a meal of meat and two veg is more satisfying than a veggie meal and, to the eye also, looks more satisfying, thereby making you think you need smaller portions. Generally, meat takes longer to digest than many vegetables, meaning you stay fuller for longer. The meat appearing highest on the mendosa.com satiety index is beef. There are no reasons to give up meat if you want to lose weight – it’s all about choice of meat, cut of meat, cooking method and portion control.
4. Iron
There are some amazing sources of iron in the plant world but most meats are also rich in iron. When you know that the Center for Disease Control says that the iron in meat is able to be absorbed up to three times faster than iron from plant sources, you can understand that one of the benefits of eating meat is maintaining a healthy blood and oxygen supply throughout your body.
5. B12
B12 is an important vitamin and is only available naturally in animal products. Many non-meat eaters take a B12 supplement. I personally prefer to receive all the nutrients my body needs from food and I make sure I eat a balanced diet without EVER needing to take a synthetic supplement. And let’s not forget, meat also delivers our bodies a healthy dose of vitamins B6 and B2, phosphorous, selenium, and zinc.
6. Easy
I’m essentially a lazy person, always looking for the simplest ways for everything to give me an easy life. This involves my food choices. I know that as a non-meat eater I would have to be more careful and considered in my dietary choices to ensure my body was receiving all the nutrients it needs. I know that vegetarians/vegans and pescetarians have to work harder to achieve this balance. I eat a full range of meat, fish, dairy, grains, fruit and vegetables, so I know I do not have to look for specific sources of any particular nutrient or vitamin.
7. Versatility
I am never stuck for an idea of what to do with meat. There are billions of recipes for meat, and billions of combinations if you just go for the standard meat and two veg. There are tons of cooking methods for meat too. And, one of the most basic reasons to eat meat – it tastes good! How many vegetarians have you heard express a longing for a bacon sandwich? ^_^
I know meat isn’t everybody’s friend. I know there are arguments that meat production is bad for the environment. I will however, remain a confirmed meat eater. What’s your position on this?
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Meat has been a staple in human diets for thousands of years, and for good reason. Eating meat can provide essential nutrients that can be difficult to get from other sources, such as iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. These nutrients are important for maintaining a healthy immune system, energy levels, and cognitive function. Furthermore, research has found that consuming lean meats can help reduce the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
The versatility of meat is also one of its major advantages. Meat can be prepared in a variety of ways, from grilling, roasting, and baking, to stir-frying, stewing, and slow-cooking. You can also combine it with other ingredients to make a variety of dishes, from tacos and burgers to soups and stews.
In addition to its nutritional benefits and versatility, meat is also an excellent source of protein. Protein is essential for building and maintaining muscle, and it can also help with weight loss. Studies have found that people who eat a diet high in protein tend to have a lower body mass index (BMI) than those who don’t.
Comments
Kelsey: Kaitlyn, sounds like you were too lazy to research before you chose to eat ethically. it seems as though the author is saying what the rest of us already know- choosing to keep eating meat seems like a combination of laziness, selfishness and a sense of superiority
Irmina: I really don't understand why there's so many mean comments on here. if you are against maltreatment and murder of animals simple do not choose to eat meat but you do not have any right to tell others what to do. some people do not like veggies some they don't like meat or decide not to eat it. everyone should have their own choice and be free to do whatever the want.
Zrock81: i love meat we eat it raw (i'm lebanese), also to get the full nutrition choose the grass fed one 👍
Djamila: I can see why someone would state these as reasons, but there's a counter argument for every one of them. Basically making no reason "perfectly good" as far as eating meat goes. I can't imagine it being "ok" to eat a cow while saying I love my dog.. no meat for me.
Aryanna: Why is it that you think only humans are 'murdering' animals when every other animal kills to eat. and they don't do it humanly like most of us do. the human body was literally designed to eat meat. I attempted to go vegetarian but I couldn't do it. not because of cravings but because I was just too weak and tired,
Clarabella: I choose not to eat meat out of compassion and mercy for the animals. I have been veggie for 5 years and probably eat more protein and iron from healthy lean sources now than ever before. I do not eat animals to satiate my appetite when there are other tasty and equally satisfying things to eat without mass butchering of animals.
youinspiremyinnerserialkiller: it is completely possible to be a vegetarian and get enough protein. also, have you considered the moral implications of this? you are butchering living creatures because it tastes good. if you are one of the people who says 'the taste is temporary, the weight gain is for months' or some line like that, remember: the taste is temporary, the death of a living organism is forever. this article is a mix of human superiority, laziness and selfishness.
Tony: Hijacking a thread with "shaming" vegan rhetoric, simply weakens your message.
Kelsey: irmina- Some animals don't like having their basic rights taken away, being thrown into obscenely inhumane conditions and slaughtered. I think THEY should have their own choice and be free to do whatever they want.
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