Going Hippie (sorta)

In 2004, Morgan Spurlock made a documentary called Super Size me where he wanted to make himself a test subject on the health risks if someone ate nothing but McDonald's food for a month. In the movie, according to Spurlock, his health deteriorated considerably, he got depressed and fat and often just felt ill. While controversial, It was an interesting idea and really made you consider how often you ate a big mac. Later he created a short lived show called 30 Days where he took on other subjects such as minimum wage living for a course of 30 days. It was interesting to see him put him and his partner through these challenges for a specific period of time. This got me thinking on how interesting it would be to try a social experiment on myself on a limited basis.

Since moving to New York, I have met more vegetarians than I would have thought existed. It's been interesting to learn what they eat, how they get enough protein and other important daily food requirements. I have to say I respect people who make a conscious effort to better themselves in any way, and although I disagree with some of the detailed points, there is something interesting about people who thrive off of herbivore lifestyle where the human species was (in my own humble opinion) clearly meant to be an omnivore species.

I say clearly, because we know that the human species, like most other land mammals, have stomachs that produce enzymes strong enough to break down meat and process the nutrients as needed in the human body. This is a very efficient and determined process as the fat is stored (this served our ancestors better than us through long periods without food) and energy for our bodies. This is basic science and nothing new. However, several species of animals are herbivore animals so nature doesn't completely discount the plant only existence.

While many people are jumping on the animal cruelty and animal rights bandwagon for moral reasons or at least the social status of just appearing to be socially aware, you can't help but to consider that we have sanitized our meat eating existence in a way that most people never consider. Most people would have a hard time eating a good steak after watching a documentary on how the cows are put down, slaughtered and prepared for mass consumption all over the country. The issue has improved (in conditions for cruelty and sanitization) over the years with more regulations and awareness, but when you have to have a system that can provide clean and healthy beef on such a large scale, you will always have to deal with waste and corruption. And to argue not having the system at all is just not practical or wanted by the population as a whole worldwide. Chicken, Lamb, fish, all are under scrupulous watch for the same reasons as the beef industry.

I am not a fan of fish, very few kinds will I eat, but if you or I were stranded on an island somewhere with limited resource, hunger will make anyone learn to catch, kill, clean, and eat a fish. We have a natural taste for it built into us and we have a survival instinct that can override taste preference or a constitution to kill another animal.

A vegan is defined as person who does not eat or use animal products, period. Not only will they not eat meat, they will not consume anything that comes from an animal. Egg, milk, things with animal based products in them, etc. Leather seems to be a sticking point for a vegan as we use leather products widely in our society (shoes, belts, bags, clothing). Since it's much more of a hard core stance on the subject, vegans are generally choosing to be vegan as a social and moral choice.

A Vegetarian is a person who does not eat meat, and sometimes other animal products, esp. for moral, religious, or health reasons. Some vegetarians will eat fish, eggs, milk, some will not. Different people choose where to draw their lines on what they are giving up. A vegetarian is usually more divided on their choice by both moral and/or health reasons.

So, what point am I getting to with all of this you ask? I am intrigued at all the hype of going vegetarian and with many friends already there, I figured it couldn't hurt to broaden my horizons a little bit and give it a try. So starting on my next fresh direct order, I am going to go vegetarian for a total of two (2) weeks. I would try for a full month, but honestly, I don't think I could make it. I like meat and I don't think I could stick it out.

So why bother if only for two weeks and you don't personally agree with a total vegetarian diet? Well, No one can deny that while meat is a good source of protein and well liked by most people, we in America and the rest of the world, could stand to eat less of it. I have cooked for my vegetarian friends in the past and the ground soy meat wasn't a horrible substitute. If I can effortlessly replace a few servings of meat a week with soy, I think it has a very good value to it.

As with most subjects: Moderation in all things is a good motto to live by.

I'll report later as to when this all starts so you can laugh at me when I get ill and can barely stay awake the first few days. Just because my brain wants to try something new, the stomach has been a meat eater for over 30 years and will clearly be freaking right the hell out when the change kicks in.