The Summer Olympics are coming this year, just in time to save everyone but host Japan from the global economic recession and to save us from the depths the obviously impending World War 3. (I know what you’re thinking. You’re saying:
“Yeah, Nick — or whoever you are — you just started blogging, you have no followers, you aren’t an expert on anything yet, and you want to talk about politics? I’d honestly rather listen to my nephew scream about Paw Patrol for the ninth time since he woke up from his nap.”
And you’re right. Wow it’s almost like I wrote the words that came out of your mouth.
Regardless. Have you ever watched the Olympics and thought: “These folks are incredible, I wish I could do even one back flip” as you scrape the bottom of your Ben & Jerry’s Half Baked tub? That’s how I feel about vegetarians. Obviously and unfortunately, it will take more than an entire continent on fire for me to change my carnivorous ways. I live with a vegetarian and she is phenomenal. The way she says “no” to cheeseburgers like they aren’t the best ever version of a sandwich and the way she leaves world a better place with each bite always amaze me. Last night for dinner I had a bowl of chili without tomato sauce and with 2 to 1 ratio of ground turkey to beans. (ie: Ground turkey with a pinto bean garnish.) It is for this reason (among many others) that I look up to her.
According to Andrew Jarvis of Colombia’s International Centre for Tropical Agriculture in an article written by Rachel Nuwer of BBC:
“An average [American] family of four emits more greenhouse gases because of the meat they eat than from driving two cars – but it is cars, not steaks, that regularly come up in discussions about global warming.”
Rachel Nuwer – BBC Future – https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20160926-what-would-happen-if-the-world-suddenly-went-vegetarian
The environmental aspect alone is enough for me to consider giving up carnivorism. However, high-protein/low-carb gainz and you know… chicken… are just too much to give up. By the way, chicken is easily the highest quality, most versatile meat, and nobody can tell me differently. Nothing tastes like pork, beef, or quail, everything “tastes like chicken.” Case closed. I love chicken.
Anyway, environmentally, meat is evil. Beef consumption in particular needs to be reduced. According to a study covered by national geographic, grazing animals used in agriculture (of which cows make up the vast majority) contribute 40% of the world’s atmospheric methane. That’s an outrageously high price to pay for a sandwich. Yet, it is a price we are so willing to pay over and over again. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/methane/#close
The other major reason people opt for vegetarianism is for the health benefits. There are two popular “fad” diets permeating American culture. They are vegetarianism/veganism, and ALL OF THE MEAT!! It’s bonkers that they are such polar opposites on the spectrum. God have mercy on the sad sap who dooms themselves to wellness purgatory by trying to live their life with moderation.
As a Kinesiology major I can speak to the efficacy of Keto. It will work if you can sustain it, but it is an entirely unsustainable lifestyle. Meat and fat are highly satiating, and therefore the calories stretch further, but everyone eventually succumbs to ice cream. Everyone. Not only that, but while carbs have been criminalized and fats slightly vindicated, chemicals and fats in meats are linked to many diseases.
While switching to a plant-based diet would make me question what to do with my incisors, it is the more responsible way to protect my body. Instead of pure weight loss, a plant based diet will help maintain physical (and mental) wellness. I will not vow to cut out meat entirely yet, but baby steps can be made, and the first step here is Meatless Mondays. It’s an apt alliteration with a clear message that I can get behind, and it’s a great place to start. Like I said, baby steps.
Parting Thought:
If you had to make a sacrifice to cut back on your greenhouse gas emissions, would you eliminate access to a car, or eliminate meat consumption?
Nick Bondy used to think he was a Leo, but he’s been a cancer the whole time. He blames the stars for the false sense of loyalty and courage, when all along he’s been harboring unrealized environmental sensitivity and unflappable self-protection.
Nick is a dog-lover, MBA candidate, 2x fantasy football champion, and the second-best water skier his family has ever seen.