Why Ethical Meat and Local Veg Are Key to a Healthier Body, a Sustainable Planet, and Better Mental Health

In today’s world, dietary choices are often driven by ethical concerns, health, and environmental sustainability. While plant-based diets are commonly viewed as the most environmentally friendly and health-conscious choice, ethical meat and home-sourced vegetables can be a much healthier and more sustainable alternative when produced responsibly.

Things like Veganism, once seen as the pinnacle of compassionate eating, has grown in popularity, but the full environmental and health impacts of this diet are more complex than they may seem.

The rise of veganism has brought about significant positive changes in terms of awareness for animal rights and environmental impact, but like many trends, it’s not without its flaws—especially when viewed through the lens of modern capitalism.

In some ways, the vegan movement has been co-opted by large corporations, turning what was initially an ethical stance into a profitable industry that often doesn't align with its original ideals.

Many people believe that adopting a vegan diet is the most compassionate and environmentally responsible choice, yet the reality is more nuanced. While veganism itself may be rooted in ethical and environmental concerns, the growing market for processed vegan products raises questions about whether these choices are truly better for the planet or for individual health.

The Vegan Industry: A Profit-Driven Enterprise

In recent years, the market for vegan alternatives—such as plant-based meats, dairy substitutes, and packaged snacks—has exploded.

These products are often marketed as healthier and more ethical than their animal-based counterparts. However, many of these processed vegan foods are not as nutritious as advertised. They can be high in additives, preservatives, and highly refined ingredients that do little to support a balanced, whole-foods diet.

The reality is that the vegan market is now worth billions of dollars, with major corporations like Nestlé, Unilever, and Tyson investing heavily in plant-based food products.

This shift toward commercialization can raise questions: Are we making ethical choices, or are we simply buying into another marketing scheme? These companies are not necessarily driven by a desire to create healthier or more ethical options—they’re motivated by profits.

The idea that issues like diet (e.g., veganism versus meat consumption) are used to create division between people is one perspective that aligns with broader concerns about societal control, corporate influence, and political agendas. Some people argue that emphasizing differences in lifestyle, including food choices, can sometimes deepen social divides or distract from more pressing collective issues

Division Through Lifestyle Choices

1. Social Polarization:

   • In a world of rapidly growing diversity in beliefs and lifestyles, some claim that focusing on things like dietary choices can increase polarization. For example, people might feel the need to "choose a side" between veganism and meat-eating, leading to unnecessary conflict rather than constructive dialogue.

2. Corporate Interests:

   • Corporations often shape narratives around food choices, creating marketing campaigns that push particular diets or products. Whether it's the rise of plant-based meat substitutes or dairy alternatives, corporate influence often targets consumers to make choices that support a business agenda, sometimes causing division or pushing an agenda that doesn’t take into account the broader population’s needs.

   • Similarly, the food industry (including factory farming) can create an illusion of choice while manipulating demand through marketing and production systems.

     
     

Government and Policy Influence

1. Regulation of Food:

   • Governments can create policy incentives that favor certain industries, like subsidies for large-scale agriculture or the promotion of certain dietary guidelines. In some cases, these policies may not necessarily reflect the best health interests of all citizens, but rather serve the economic interests of powerful lobbies. This might lead to public confusion or divisiveness about what is truly best for health and sustainability.

   • Some argue that these policies have not always given people enough access to diverse, healthy food choices, especially in marginalized communities, leading to unequal health outcomes and increasing division based on class and access to resources.

     
     

The Narrative of Division

1. Creating “Us vs. Them”:

   • Focusing on differences in food choices might be a subtle tool to distract people from more significant societal problems. Instead of uniting around common issues like social justice, equality, or climate change, we might find ourselves arguing about what people choose to eat.

   • This narrative can feed into the larger trend of promoting individualism and self-separation, rather than collective solidarity.

Breaking Down the Division

1. Unity in Diversity:

   • While it’s important to respect people’s dietary choices and ethical considerations, it’s also crucial to move beyond these labels and focus on what unites us. Everyone has their own reasons for the choices they make—whether they’re based on health, ethics, culture, or the environment.

   • By focusing on shared values like respect, sustainability, and compassion, we can find common ground even when our dietary preferences differ.

The idea that corporate and government influences contribute to division over lifestyle choices is a valid concern, as it reflects a broader trend of creating “camps” or “tribes” within society. The challenge lies in recognizing the external factors that drive these divisions and choosing, as individuals, to prioritize unity, mutual understanding, and respect. Ultimately, focusing on shared humanity and the need for meaningful change is more powerful than being drawn into conflicts over personal choices.

Vegan products are often sold at a premium price, leading to a lucrative cycle where consumers are encouraged to purchase expensive, processed alternatives, despite the fact that eating a plant-based diet doesn’t require buying these processed foods at all.

A balanced approach, incorporating ethical meat and home-grown vegetables, offers a more sustainable, nutritious, and compassionate diet than strict plant-based eating.

Beware the web of lies

Environmental Benefits of Ethical Meat

Contrary to the belief that animal-based diets are inherently unethical, ethical meat choices—such as grass-fed bison, free-range poultry, or pasture-raised pork—can be far more sustainable and humane than the practices seen in industrial farming. These options are rooted in regenerative farming practices that not only prioritize animal welfare but also contribute positively to the environment.

Ethical farming practices promote biodiversity and improve soil health through rotational grazing, where animals are allowed to graze on fresh pasture while the land is given time to regenerate.

This method helps prevent overgrazing, supports healthy ecosystems, and can even help sequester carbon in the soil, offsetting greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, industrial farming is a major contributor to deforestation, water pollution, and the depletion of natural resources.

Pasture-raised animals have access to natural forage, which is more aligned with their nutritional needs and behavioral instincts, unlike factory-farmed animals that are confined in overcrowded conditions and often fed unnatural diets of corn and soy. The use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers is also minimized in these ethical farming systems, making it a more sustainable option for both the animals and the planet.

Healthier Meat for Consumers

Grass-fed and pasture-raised meat typically has a much healthier nutrient profile than conventionally raised meat. It is leaner and contains higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and antioxidants, all of which have been shown to offer numerous health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease, improving brain health, and supporting a healthy immune system.

For example, grass-fed beef tends to have up to five times the amount of omega-3s found in conventionally raised beef. Additionally, free-range poultry and grass-fed lamb are higher in nutrients like vitamin E and beta-carotene compared to their factory-farmed counterparts.

Supporting Local Farmers and Regenerative Practices

Choosing ethical meat allows consumers to support local, small-scale farmers who practice regenerative agriculture. These farmers often prioritize the health of the land and animals, using holistic farming methods that enrich the soil, conserve water, and reduce the need for synthetic chemicals.

These practices help restore and maintain the natural balance of ecosystems, ensuring that future generations can continue to benefit from the land's resources.

For example, in the U.S., many small farms that produce ethical meats use regenerative methods like agroforestry, where trees and crops are integrated with livestock to create a more biodiverse and resilient system. This contrasts sharply with industrial farming operations, where monocultures and confinement animal feeding operations (CAFOs) dominate and degrade the land.

Animal Welfare

Ethical meat production emphasizes the well-being of the animals throughout their lives. Unlike factory-farmed animals that often endure harsh living conditions, ethical farming practices ensure that animals have space to roam, graze, and engage in natural behaviors. For instance, free-range poultry and pasture-raised pigs are allowed to roam freely, enjoying an environment that is far less stressful than the cramped, unsanitary conditions common in factory farms.

Additionally, ethical farmers often prioritize humane slaughter methods, ensuring that animals are treated with dignity and respect throughout their lives. This level of care contrasts starkly with the inhumane practices of industrial slaughterhouses, where animals are often subjected to stress and cruelty.

Examples of Ethical Meat Choices

• Grass-fed Bison: Bison are a native species in North America and are typically raised on open grasslands, where they are free to roam and graze. Grass-fed bison is lean, nutrient-dense, and a rich source of protein and omega-3s.

  
  

• Free-range Poultry: Birds are raised in environments where they can roam, peck at the ground, and live in healthier, more natural conditions. These chickens are usually fed a diet free from hormones and antibiotics.

  
  

• Pasture-raised Pork: Pigs raised on pastures enjoy a varied diet of grass, insects, and roots. They are allowed to explore, rooting for food, which aligns with their natural instincts and promotes better meat quality.

  
  

• Regenerative Beef: Some regenerative beef operations use holistic land management practices that benefit the soil and promote biodiversity. Cattle are raised on natural pastures and rotated between grazing areas to ensure the land is replenished and healthy.

  
  

Opting for ethical meat is not only a more compassionate choice for animals but also an environmentally conscious decision that supports sustainable, regenerative farming practices.

By choosing meat from small, local farms that prioritize the health of the land, animals, and consumers, we can contribute to a more ethical and sustainable food system. Ethical meat choices help reduce the demand for factory-farming practices, protect the environment, and promote healthier diets for people.

Animals play a crucial role in maintaining healthy soil, which in turn supports the growth of vegetables. Without the natural waste produced by animals, such as manure, soil would lack essential nutrients that plants need to thrive.

Animal manure acts as a natural fertilizer, enriching the soil with vital elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients are essential for plant growth and are often replenished in a balanced, regenerative system where animals graze and provide natural fertilizer, promoting healthy, fertile soil. Additionally, manure helps improve soil structure, moisture retention, and promotes biodiversity in the soil, which is critical for the long-term sustainability of agricultural ecosystems.

In sustainable farming practices, animals are not only important for producing ethical meat but also for supporting the growth of vegetables through the cycle of nutrient cycling. By integrating livestock with crop production—such as in agroecology or permaculture systems—we create a holistic approach where both animals and plants work together in harmony to maintain soil health and produce nutrient-dense food.

Thus, when we choose ethical meat and home-grown vegetables, we are supporting an interconnected agricultural system that is both healthier for the environment and beneficial to the food we consume. This reinforces the importance of a balanced, regenerative farming approach that integrates animals, plants, and natural ecosystems to create sustainable and nutrient-rich food sources.

When done thoughtfully, ethical meat consumption can be a win-win for both the planet and the people living on it.

Plant based diets and Its Environmental Impact

Although veganism advocates for reducing animal suffering, the production of certain plant-based foods—like soy, almonds, and avocados—comes with hidden environmental costs.

While plant-based diets are often marketed as eco-friendly, the production of staples like soy, avocados, and almonds can contribute significantly to environmental damage.

Here’s a summary of animal deaths per acre related to agricultural practices, focusing on large-scale crop production:

Almond farming in California, known for monoculture practices, leads to the loss of habitat for wildlife. Around 100-200 small animals and insects can be affected per acre, due to pesticide use and large-scale land conversion.

Large-scale avocado farming in regions like Mexico has led to the destruction of forests, threatening the habitat of countless animals, including jaguars, ocelots, and many bird species. It’s estimated that over 1,000 animals per acre can be killed or displaced due to land clearance for avocado orchards. This includes ground-dwelling species and flying creatures who lose their natural habitats to make way for monoculture avocado farming.

Soy farming, particularly in the Amazon, contributes to widespread deforestation. It's estimated that hundreds to thousands of animals are displaced or killed per acre due to habitat loss and pesticide application. And also leads to the destruction of vital rainforests, and almond farming uses up to 1.1 gallons of water per nut. Additionally, large-scale farming for vegan staples can harm ecosystems with pesticide use and monoculture farming.

Corn farming in the U.S. involves clearing land for monocultures, impacting ecosystems. Dozens to hundreds of small mammals, insects, and birds are often killed per acre due to land clearing and chemical use.

While rice paddies support some wildlife, the conversion of wetlands to rice fields still leads to significant losses. Around 50-100 animals per acre, including amphibians and small mammals, are displaced or killed due to habitat destruction.

For vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and potatoes, pesticide use in large-scale farming can kill dozens to hundreds of insects and small animals per acre, depending on farming methods and region.

Pesticides in industrial farming can kill a significant number of insects, pollinators, and other small creatures. In some cases, up to 90% of insects in an affected area may die, which directly impacts the food chain and ecosystem health.

To match the nutrients from one grass-fed bison (which weighs about 1,000 pounds and provides 400-500 pounds of edible meat), you would need to consume hundreds of pounds of plant-based foods like avocados, legumes, and leafy greens. Growing large quantities of these crops often results in the indirect death of thousands of small animals during harvesting or preparation of these lands . Whereas the death of a single animal—like a bison—is required to provide the equivalent nutrients.

For a truly sustainable food system, it’s important to recognize that the production of certain plant-based foods can be just as harmful to the environment as meat production, if not more so. The environmental costs of these crops—especially in areas with water scarcity or deforestation—often outweigh the benefits.

Human Biology: Why Omnivorous Diets Are Natural

Humans are biologically omnivores, meaning our digestive systems are designed to process both plant and animal-based foods.

Our teeth, digestive enzymes, and stomach acid are optimized for eating a variety of foods, including animal protein. Nutrients like vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and heme iron, which are essential for our health, are found in animal products and are more easily absorbed than plant-based alternatives.

While it’s possible to survive on a vegan diet with careful planning, the human body thrives on a more balanced approach, incorporating both plant and animal foods to meet our nutritional needs. Ethical meat choices can provide a healthier, more complete range of nutrients, supporting overall well-being.

Since the dawn of humanity, our biology and evolution have been closely tied to a diet that included meat.

Early humans were hunter-gatherers who relied on hunting animals for sustenance, as meat provided dense nutrients and energy that supported survival, brain development, and physical growth.

Anthropologists often point out that the inclusion of animal protein in our diet was a critical factor in the evolution of our large brains and complex societies.

This historical reliance on meat also shaped our digestive systems and nutrient requirements. For example, certain essential nutrients like vitamin B12, heme iron, and omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) are most readily available from animal sources. While plant-based diets can work in modern times with careful planning and supplementation, they diverge significantly from the natural, omnivorous diets humans evolved to consume.

The Decline of Veganism: A Growing Realization

Recent trends indicate a drop in the number of vegans, as people begin to realize the complexities of this lifestyle.

According to studies, the number of vegans in countries like the UK and the U.S. has decreased in recent years by around 38% , with many former vegans citing health concerns, nutrient deficiencies, and the environmental impact of vegan staples like soy and avocado.

This shift is particularly noticeable among children raised on vegan diets, who are at higher risk of nutritional deficiencies that can stunt growth and impair cognitive development.

The key nutrients of concern include:

• Vitamin B12: Found almost exclusively in animal products, this vitamin is essential for neurological development and red blood cell production. A deficiency can lead to developmental delays, fatigue, and neurological issues.

• Iron: Plant-based iron (non-heme iron) is less easily absorbed than the heme iron found in animal products. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, fatigue, and impaired cognitive development.

• Calcium and Vitamin D: Critical for bone development, these nutrients can be less abundant in vegan diets if fortified foods or supplements are not included. Deficiencies can increase the risk of weak bones or rickets.

• Protein: While it is possible to meet protein needs with plant-based sources, children may require larger portions or a combination of foods (like legumes, grains, and seeds) to ensure adequate intake of essential amino acids.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA and EPA): Important for brain and eye development, these are found predominantly in fish. Vegan sources like flaxseed or algae-derived supplements need to be incorporated to meet these needs.

• Zinc: Essential for immune function and growth, zinc from plant sources may not be as bioavailable as it is from animal products.

• Iodine: Important for thyroid function and brain development, iodine is often found in dairy and fish, so vegans need to ensure alternative sources like iodized salt.

  
  

While a vegan diet can be healthful for children, it requires careful planning to prevent deficiencies that could negatively affect their growth and development.

Social and Lifestyle Impacts of Strict Diets

Choosing a strict vegan diet or adhering to other restricted eating habits can significantly impact your social life, travel experiences, and overall enjoyment of life.

While some people thrive in these communities, it can also lead to feelings of isolation and frustration, especially when social events or dining situations don’t cater to their dietary preferences.

Social occasions like family gatherings, dinner parties, or even vacations can become stressful when navigating food options that align with strict dietary rules.

In addition, those who follow restrictive diets may often face criticism or judgment from others for their eating choices, potentially leading to a negative attitude and controlling behavior in social situations. This can create tension and conflict within relationships, as others may feel uncomfortable or pressured by the rigidity of the diet.

Similarly, in the context of travel, the limited availability of plant-based food options, especially in certain regions, can cause stress and reduce the enjoyment of the experience. Missing out on many amazing cultural opportunities and not experiencing a country’s true essence. Food is what connects most people to each other and the rich and diverse ways people eat all over the world is what enriches that place and that experience of being there and the connections we can create become more limited.

Strict dietary choices can sometimes lead to a heightened sense of self-righteousness or a "holier-than-thou" attitude, where individuals may judge others for not following the same dietary path. This type of mentality can make social interactions uncomfortable and foster negativity, creating an unnecessary barrier to building meaningful connections.

Sometimes the decision to adopt a vegan lifestyle can sometimes go beyond health or ethical reasons, and may reflect deeper emotional or psychological factors.

When individuals adopt veganism, it can sometimes be less about food and more about control or identity, often stemming from unresolved emotional issues or traumas.

Food choices become a way to create boundaries, assert values, or even manipulate dynamics in relationships with partners or family members.

While veganism can be a healthy, conscious choice for many, it's important to recognize that, for some, it may be intertwined with deep psychological needs, rather than simply a lifestyle preference.

Signs strict diets May Be Tied to Psychological issues

1. Excessive Control Over Food Choices

   • There is a rigid, almost obsessive focus on what others are eating, constantly monitoring or controlling the food choices of those around you.

   • A strong sense of discomfort or anxiety when people around you eat non-vegan food, leading to frustration or guilt-tripping others.

     
     

2. Using Veganism to Assert Power or Morality

   • There’s a sense of moral superiority or a need to "teach" others about veganism, using it to create a sense of control or to feel better than those who don’t follow the same lifestyle.

   • Belief that anyone who eats animal products is wrong, inferior, or immoral, leading to judgment and a feeling of moral obligation to "save" others from their choices.

     
     

3. Isolation or Withdrawal from Non-Vegan Relationships

   • Choosing to avoid or cut ties with people who don’t share your vegan beliefs, leading to loneliness or emotional distance from family and friends.

   • Declining social invitations, like family gatherings or parties, because non-vegan food will be present, which may create isolation or feelings of being disconnected from others.

     
     

4. Using Veganism to Cope with Anxiety or Trauma

   • Relying heavily on veganism as a way to avoid or numb deeper emotional issues or traumas, like childhood pain or unresolved psychological struggles.

   • A feeling that control over food choices is the only way to maintain a sense of stability or safety in your life.

     
     

5. Extreme Emotional Reactions to Dietary Differences

   • Overreacting emotionally when someone challenges your dietary choices, turning discussions about food into heated arguments or personal attacks.

   • Feeling personally offended or betrayed if someone doesn’t respect your vegan beliefs, which could point to deeper insecurity or unresolved emotional wounds.

     
     

6. Veganism Becomes Part of Your Identity

   • Veganism feels like an essential part of who you are, and you may struggle to separate your identity from the lifestyle. When someone challenges it, it can feel like a direct attack on you as a person.

   • A sense of existential crisis or lack of self-worth if you're unable to maintain the vegan lifestyle perfectly or if you slip up, leading to guilt or self-blame.

   
   

What Can Help

1. Self-ReflectionTake time to reflect on why veganism is so important to you. Ask yourself if it’s truly about health, ethics, or personal beliefs—or if it’s tied to deeper emotional needs or struggles.

   
   

2. Open ConversationsHave open, non-judgmental conversations with family, friends, or loved ones. Share your feelings without imposing your beliefs on them, and be open to their views as well.

   
   

3. Therapeutic SupportWorking with a therapist can help you explore any underlying emotional issues or trauma that may be driving your need for control. Therapy can provide a space to heal and learn healthier ways to cope.

   
   

4. Balanced ApproachEmbrace veganism as a positive personal choice without making it the foundation of your identity or using it to control others. Finding balance and flexibility can lead to a healthier relationship with both food and your loved ones.

Addressing underlying emotional issues or trauma through therapy, open communication, and self-reflection can help create a more balanced and healthy relationship with food and others.

Understanding our biological roots, combined with self-awareness, can foster healthier relationships with food and those around us.

The Way Forward: A Balanced, Ethical Approach

A sustainable, health-conscious diet doesn’t have to be all or nothing. By choosing ethically sourced meat—such as grass-fed bison, pasture-raised chickens, and free-range pork—along with locally grown vegetables, you can create a diet that is more ethical, sustainable, and nutritious than one limited to plant-based foods.

Home-grown vegetables are nutrient-dense, free from harmful chemicals, and come with the added benefit of reducing your carbon footprint. Supporting local farmers through farmers' markets and buying produce from nearby growers further minimizes the environmental impact of your food choices, while also contributing to local economies.

By integrating both ethical meat and home-grown veggies into your diet, you can create a balanced, health-boosting eating plan that promotes environmental sustainability, supports humane animal practices, and provides the essential nutrients your body needs.

Conclusion: The Balanced, Ethical Diet

A diet that includes ethical meat and home-grown vegetables is a balanced approach to health, sustainability, and compassion. While veganism offers some benefits, it’s important to understand the environmental , mental health and physical health trade-offs involved in plant-based food production and diets .

Choosing ethical meat from regenerative farms and supplementing with locally grown vegetables can provide a more sustainable, nutritious, and ethical way of eating.

Ultimately, our food choices shape the world around us.

By making mindful decisions that balance health, sustainability, and compassion, we can help protect the environment, reduce animal suffering, and improve our own well-being—all while avoiding the negative impacts that extreme dietary choices can have on our social lives and overall happiness.

But overall letting go of control can be freeing. We often get caught up in the idea of following strict diets, counting every calorie, or adhering to food rules that leave us feeling stressed and disconnected. But in reality, food is meant to be enjoyed—not just a source of nourishment, but also a part of life’s experiences.

Letting go of rigid control around food means listening to your body, savoring the flavors, and appreciating the nourishment food provides.

It’s about enjoying a meal with loved ones without guilt, being flexible with your choices, and allowing yourself the freedom to indulge in what feels right in the moment. Life is too short to obsess over food—sometimes the most satisfying meals are the ones you simply enjoy without overthinking.

Embrace the flow ..let it be a source of joy and connection, rather than something to control. This way, eating becomes a mindful, natural part of life, rather than a task to complete or a challenge to master.