Feeling guilty about meat

Etymdyniaphobe

So the situation is I can't choose where I get my food from, which means its factory farm meat. Animals with terrible lives. I want to start working out which means I need more protein and I know basically where that protein is coming from. I don't really have a problem with eating free-range animals that have had decent lives, so I'm considering waiting a half a year to work out so I won't partake (so much) in the factory farm system. Any thoughts?

federica

Yes.
Either eat meat or don't.
Farmed animals still have to be killed, but that's not the point.
eEthics means either doing something or not.
The choice is entirely yours.
Buddhists are not forced or compelled to be vegetarians, although some schools advocate it.

But ultimately the choice is yours.

vinlyn

If you do a search on vegetarianism in this forum, you'll find quite a few discussions on this topic, and they just go round and round and round.

Cinorjer

Actually free range versus factory is kinda a new topic. Whether or not you choose to eat meat, or just eggs, or engage in any variety of vegetarianism, it would be nice if the animals destined for the supper table had lives as stress free as possible. Bear in mind that "free range" is like "organic" in that it's a marketing term when it comes to the business world that could mean just about anything. Still, it's nice to support your local family farm and support campaigns to regulate the living conditions of the farm industry animals.

I know some of my old friends into weights went around drinking protein powders and drinks, so I wonder how much of your extra protein could come from that? but then again, I also now wonder where the powdered source of protein comes from.

Sagat

I'm not a vegetarian, but most of my healthy food is vegetarian and vegan.

Tofu is fantastic for protein. It's like plain yoghurt and completely flavourless, which means you can basically mix it with anything and it absorbs the flavour.

It's cheaper than meat and packed with protein.

Not saying go veggie, just giving you a little pointer.

Asshat

If you don't want to cut meat out of your diet all at once then why not try being a Pescetarian? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pescetarianism

You still get your protein from the fish, all you have to worry about is the way the fish was caught (farmed or naturally and so on) and make sure you don't have to much mercury from the fish. It's a healthier diet than red meat or poultry. That is if you even like fish. Just remember that the Japanese have the longest lifespan and they love fish! They also have good healthcare which helps. You can read about it more if you like, on these blogs:

http://pescetarians.lefora.com/
http://pescetarianlife.com/
http://vegetarian.about.com/od/glossary/g/Pescatarian.htm
http://www.healthytheory.com/why-be-pescetarian-0

Good luck!

seeker242

You really don't need to eat meat to get the proper protein for working out. These guys are doing just fine I would say.

http://www.veganbodybuilding.com/

Etymdyniaphobe

The problem is I'm in the military, so I can't prepare my own food. In 6 months I'll be on land so I can cook my own meals - the moral crisis is about partaking in meat while we're out to sea. The vegetables they provide simply don't have enough protein.

Etymdyniaphobe

@Murasaki337 Yes that's a good idea when they serve fish I should eat that.

federica

you have a Medical Officer on board, and I will bet you a pound to a pinch of salt that there are fellow mariners who are also vegetarian...

Talk to the M.O about a good dietary practice, and see if you can root out other guys who also follow a veggie regime.

Cinorjer

Ah, military chow halls. Where the bacon is limp and the mashed potatos are stiff and mystery meat Tuesdays are to be avoided but coffee flows forever. I remember it well. In fact, I haven't had good SOS since I left the military. The wife tried, but just couldn't get that congealed fat mixed with starch gravy done right.

Let us talk about what a person should and should not feel guilty about. We start with things that are under your control. You have no control whatsoever on where the military gets their meat and eggs. You have no control over their menu. You are only responsible for trying to pick a healthy diet out of what's offered, considering you lead an active and sometimes stressful life. The military has nutritionists who know a lot more about that then you. The military has a policy about everything, including special diets. Look it up, and see what it has to say about meat free diets.

If you refuse to eat the eggs because you are pretty sure they came from a typical poultry farm, not one chicken will live a better life. So lets talk motivation. Some things we do make us feel better, but don't really help the world. Focus on what really helps the world.

Etymdyniaphobe

Federica - I've seen our medical officer a few times I'll mention it to him. The biggest problem is the lack of greens with not a lot of healthy rice/beans either. :<