What are your feelings about eating meat?

To eat meat or not, that is the question. Humans are the earth’s apex species. We have dominion over land, sea, and air. Since prehistory, we roam the planet and pick our next meal. We have transitioned from shabby attire to Polo Ralph Lauren, from abacus to M4 Macs. Our diets have changed and a plethora of races begat an embarrassment of cuisines. Some have gone vegan while others remain pescatarians. Some are low-carb while others fast due to religious reasons. However, meat remains a staple in western diet. People love their carne. We couldn’t have enough fried chicken, roast duck, lamb and a barbie. There are hotdog sizzles during Australia Day. Lamb roast or carved turkey on Christmas. Steaks and beer or bangers and mash at the pubs. The list goes on.

Watershed

Vis a vis humanity’s progress is the ethics of animal welfare. During a talk at uni, this guy told us that the movie Apocalypse Now was the watershed moment. Since then, movies included the line, ‘No animals were harmed in the making of this production.’

Some people do not eat pork as they have their reasons. The same goes with chooks. In Hinduism, cows are sacred. Meanwhile, Muslims won’t touch pork. Vegetarians are more common in the west than the orient. The same goes with carnivores, a rarity in eastern cultures. Christians famously abstain from meat during Lent. For forty days, the hard cores go meatless. Others only eat filet-o-fish on Fridays. Looking at the queue for seafood, it kind of defeats the purpose. Some people end up with bigger bellies on Lenten Fridays. Hmmm.

Carne

So what constitutes a carnivore?

They subsist on meat, seafood, and dairy. They do not touch carbs, sweets, or juice. They drink water alone. In general, they avoid fruits and veggies as doing so would foment issues. They believe that our ancestors lived this bare bones lifestyle. This is nothing new.

Carnivores are very minimalist. They use the least ingredients possible for their own homemade ice cream and cakes. Butter is often paired with meat for their meals. They allege that butter, with two or three ingredients, is healthier than the seed oils used outside. As such, they’re quite consistent. Meat, fish, and butter make them happy.

They offer up the benefits. Their diet’s collagen is anti-ageing. Their immune system is robust. If they stick to meat, they seldom get acne. Likewise, they do not fart.

Of course, saying no to burgers, cake, chocolate, and ice cream is difficult. One day, you’re eating Red Rooster and the next one, you’re guzzling steak and butter.

‘Say goodbye to your memory’, este marmalade. As they say ‘It’s a process.’

‘Rome wasn’t built in a day.’

The same holds true of carnivores. I admire their self-control, as saying no to most of the above ain’t easy. Imagine saying no to fast food for weeks, months, and years. Who doesn’t want to binge on Popeye’s? Or try the secret item at Jollibee? Doctors and authors like Jordan Peterson fly the carnivore flag. They usually have high cholesterol, but they still put on a brave face.

Not fussy

Personally, I’m a fan of red meat. Even as a child, I enjoyed it. Relatives have noticed that I eat a lot more meat than average. Carne fuels us, with all its protein and fat. Beef has long been recognised as very filling. This would give you more energy than chicken or pork. Meat is versatile. You can use it in soup, stews, stir fried, or roasted. This comes in many varieties, just like the fish in the ocean.

People say that white meat is healthier than red meat. We should opt for chicken and turkey instead of lamb and beef. I’m all for this argument. We should be vigilant with what we consume. This doesn’t mean counting calories. Rather, we must ensure that we’re eating nutritious food.

Growing up, I wasn’t a fussy eater. Not high maintenance nor did I have a restrictive diet. At uni, I didn’t complain about lunch. When I went to the food court or the mall, I longed not for better fare. Watching movies with my friends, I always bought Japanese food. Though there was Maccas and KFC, I did not get tempted.

In the Philippines, we ate beef, chicken, and goat. We avoided pork. In Sydney, we would chow roast duck as well. Turkey breast. Grilled lamb. I have no qualms about consuming osso bucco, lamb steak, or Peking Duck. There’s nothing wrong with chicken soup or congee. A well-done rump steak keeps the hunger pangs away. I’ve grown attached to the evening ice cream. Juice would be hard to surrender. Like my sister, I enjoy cakes. Not to mention carbs like pasta, bread, potatoes, and rice. Once in a while, I fancy fast food. Every day, I have enough serves of fruit and veggies.

Over the years, ham and sausages was most of our pork purchases. We rarely buy pork steaks. Recently, we’ve stopped buying ham as it’s unhealthy. We still get hotdogs, but beef ones. This is a conscious effort, not religious abstinence.

The ethics of meat eating

Some people cite ethical reasons for avoiding meat, or limiting their consumption. As they say, ‘Each to their own.’

I’m not sold on either. Going all meat isn’t wise. Neither do I aver that going meatless is plausible. Vegetarians and carnivores are both extremes. The consensus is that the Mediterranean diet is the healthiest option. Anyhow, I’m happy with the status quo. I’ll let you know if I crave some lamb shanks.

P.S. Tell me what you eat, and I’ll tell you who you are.