Friday, September 30, 2011

Is Organic Meats the Only Healthy Meats

Natural Meats are Changing the Game

Ok; everyone is confused because the gurus are all over the place on this one. Anything will kill you but some things are a better fit for long term health. Organic Meats are synonymous with healthy eating; but it is not the absolute best meat from an overall point of view; taking health and taste into consideration. Meat started out as a healthy meat but evolved, we now know that the things that makes any meat unhealthy is the process/environment they are raised in and saturated fat the meat product contains. Natural Meats are meats that do not contain antibiotics or hormones in the growth process. This is a good place to start; don't stop now, that's not all. The reason beef had become affordable at one time is because the industry pumped those babies full of every mutant producing hormone and antibiotic elixir they could come up with. The cattle grew fast and very large. They are fed huge amounts of grain and sent to slaughter just at their peak weight and the owners profit zone. Poultry is probably the most disgusting thing you could imagine when it is produced like this. This is not the way healthy animals were meant to be raised, but it is a way to make a lot of money.

The Things You Dont Know Will Hurt You

      Organic Meats are the next step up from Natural Meats, they are raised in an organic environment. Most organic operations do not employ the methods I mentioned earlier. The best fit for healthy meats is when they are raised in a sustainable environment, this is no small task, since it is not the norm, and you might know meats raised in this environment will cost you a few more nickels. Natural meat products, such as beef are raised in a natural environment without the use of enhancers. These meat products can also be organic which is even better. Free range poultry like chicken and turkey are readily available from natural meat and poultry distributors.

       There are many types of meats that are being raised in this manner, the list goes from the names we are accustomed to hearing like chickens, pork, turkeys to a whole different category called Exotic Meats or Game Meats; this group really goes wild and as far as you can imagine. I will name a few; alligator, ostrich, emu, elk, pheasant..... you get the idea...but what you may not know is how tasty and how healthy many of the meats in this group are. Many carry less saturated fat than beef and are raised in the sustainable fashion, which is a good thing. Exotic Meats are a good change and a good choice.

        If you are a die hard beef monger and wont budge an inch; then what is your foie gras...it could be Grass Fed Beef which has the best of all worlds including the ultimate health and environmental production for beef and the ultimate taste for the true beef lover in you. One small issue is you wont find it at your local bag n wag or that super what ever it is where you need a bag lunch to buy groceries. Grass Fed Steaks are a superior product that is not anywhere near the much lower market standard beef. Grass Fed Steaks are only available at premium meat shops, online Meat Purveyors and Production Meat Ranch operations. Healthy Meats are more plentiful than we might think, just raise you standards a little more a find some Food 4 Good.


Wising you enjoyment through Healthy Meats
Live for Success..Stand for Something....and Believe
George Edmonson Jr Healthy Meats

Friday, March 25, 2011

Eating Healthy Food on a Budget

Eating Healthy isn't always easy if you are on a tight budget, especially if you want to go natural or organic as a food lifestyle. Personally if you have chosen to do that I applaud your desire and encourage you to work toward that goal earnestly. The choice to do just that is contrary to the standard industry offerings; although, they are running to catch up with the growing awareness in the consumer sector.
So what can you do for your family on a budget that won't kill them eventually. The same principles are true for economics in healthy food that are natural or organic as those that have been enhanced. The most inexpensive offerings in any category will always be vegetables; and luck would have it that vegetables are among the best and most wholesome foods we need to consume daily.
If we added extra correctly prepared vegetables to every meal and lowered the portions of meats, breads & pasta  in each meal, you will have a win win. Make your breads whole grain with low sugar and salt.
  • You have lowered the average cost of the meal.
  • Raised the nutritional value by adding essential nutrients readily available raw vegetables.
  • You have lowered the fat, carbohydrates and sugar.
  • You have more adequately balanced the underlying property of you meal and now, it not only taste good, it is good.

Healthy Foods do Have Fats

Don't think I am saying we don't need fats, sugar and carbs,  yes we do, but in smaller and leaner portions than we customarily enjoy.
Everything in moderation is not an outdated idea. Additionally; when you're looking to go healthy try using more chicken, turkey and seafood. They will give you the meat we gotta have and less of the stuff we don't need. When you want to know how to prepare any of these foods in an appetizing way, check out food network for a lot of good ideas. Its in the Technique; yes, it's true. You're adeptness with you pan will matter. Technique is about 9/10 of the equation. I know people who can make a pile of crap taste like a perfect fillet Mignon.

Cooking Methods are Key factors

Don't fret so much about the cut of beef or pork chicken or seafood. The value is in the mode of preparation. When you can take a bargain cut and use braising, stewing ,steaming  or slow roasting to prepare a delicious meal you've created value and a great meal.To learn more about selecting beef cuts & different thrifty techniques, check out one of my hubs on this subject. In everything we do in life, we should ask ourselves.Does this represent value in my life and will it benefit society as a whole? It's not just about you....Your Friend in Life & Food 4 Good Live for Success, Stand for Something & Believe George Edmonson Jr