Wait a minute!

Once again the headline grabs the attention and the fine print gets buried.

http://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-red-meat-20120313,0,565423.story

This story in the LA Times shouting a 13% increase in death rate for those eating red meat daily.

OK.  Several things though:

1.  You simply can’t lump all red meat together.  There’s a *world* of difference between grass-fed beef and factory-farm meat.  That’s my beef, this isn’t addressed in this study.   Yes, you’ll pay more for grass-fed beef.  And it will cost you less.

2.  How you cook beef makes a difference in how good it is for you — or how bad.  The less you cook it, and the slower, the healthier it is.  High temperature cooking sure is tasty, yet brings out some nasty stuff. No mention of that either.

3.  This study focuses that 13% mortality increase on folks who eat red meat every day.  I’ve got a beef with that too.  A couple of times a week is a world of difference from every day.

4.  Oh yeah.  Processed meat is a treat.  Just like cake.  Enjoy it here and there. Mostly there.  And yet enjoy.

I eat red meat perhaps a couple of times every two weeks.  Grass fed for sure from farmers nearby I trust to raise healthy cows.  And I cook it lightly.

My body says these choices are just right.  I invite you to to tune into your own.

And meanwhile, don’t get jerked around by these news cycles around food.  They’ll ruin your appetite.  And you’ll be eating less and less of so many things good for you in moderation and balance.

This article, like so many news stories, delights in the either/or.  Wisdom looks for the both/and.  Yes, meat is resource intensive.  That means we need to be aware of what it takes to raise and be respectful in our consumption.  Not necessarily eliminate it completely if that’s not your choice.

Food is a primary way we practice acceptance of individuality.  Some of us do better with some meat in our diet and others don’t.  There’s plenty of room for both.