I used to be vegetarian - so did my husband.
Fast forward 10 years and we started eating meat again - me for my iron levels - and he for the fact the vegan is so high in carbs. And despite the name - we were not eating a lot of veggies!
Being diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis in 2008 saw me in and out of the doctors clinic getting IV Iron transfusions. My iron was sooooo low. They are not funded here so I had to pay for them myself.
In the end, the doctor said - I think you'd do better on a Paleo Diet.
I haven't looked back - no more iron transfusions and I'm as healthy as ever.
BUT
I have some rules around eating meat!
- It must be free-range and reared with care and without antibiotics
- Beef must be grass-fed and not fed on grains
- Chickens must be not barn reared or caged - they must see sunlight and eat grass and forage for worms freely
- Organic is even better
- Fish must be wild and not farmed
- Pork must be sow crate-free and free-range
My reasons for this are that the animals need to enjoy their life but also be healthy themselves. Chickens who never see sunlight are not healthy!
Despite what the SPCA says.
I'll never forget the scenes in California of the cow feedlots. Hundreds of cows were all eating hay from a hay rack with no grass in sight. The paddock was covered in manure.
That's no life.
They had no shelter from the sun either. At least here in New Zealand, the cows are free-roaming and outside 24/7.
Animals should not be fed grains to fatten up and they should not be pumped full of antibiotics just so they "stay alive" long enough to be killed.
If you eat non-free-range or non-pastured animals, then the quality of the meat will be inferior, full of chemicals that our bodies can't process.
So - it's a funny thing - eating mat again but having these strict rules.
But I'm ok with that!
I have done some research on some good farms for you!
You're welcome. 💗
Over the last 10 years, Perdue Farms has grown from a conventional chicken and turkey production to become the No. 1 supplier in the U.S. for organic chicken as well as a leader in premium beef, pork, lamb, pasture-raised, grass-fed, heritage breed, antibiotic-free (No Antibiotics Ever), non-GMO, certified humane products.
For 100 years, they have worked with small family farmers to raise animals with care. Perdue Farms is passionate about farming, sustainability, land preservation, and healthy and nutritious food.
How cool are they!!!
Even better - if you use my coupon code FLAVOR10 you can get 10% off!
Enjoy my lovlies
See you next week
Vicki 💗