PIG OUT

Two tons of bacon just couldn’t meet the demands of the 5000 hungry folks at the ALL YOU CAN EAT BACON BAR at the BEER BACON MUSIC FESTIVAL this weekend in Frederick, Maryland.  So sad!  At first this story seemed to me a big fat bad joke, but now the reality is settling in. According to my calculations each person at the BACON BAR got to eat just under 1 pound of bacon.  That fits with current demand.

Meat consumption is serious business in the U.S. and the demand is growing worldwide.  Parallel to the increase in meat consumption is the degradation of our health and the health of the planet.  There is an exhaustive amount of peer-reviewed literature that supports the fact that meat, dairy and food derived from animals is injurious to human health.  Additionally, such health organizations as the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, and Physicians for Responsible Medicine all recognize the health benefits of a plant-based diet.  And yet the vast majority of people still eat meat to the detriment of personal health and that of the planet.

These issues are of great concern to this former bacon lover.  I stopped eating bacon and all other animal products when I learned that I could take control of my own health; that I could halt and reverse serious chronic disease; that I could get all the protein I need from eating a plant-based diet of vegetables, fruits, beans and grains; that no animal will suffer for me to eat well; that my food choices reduce the depletion and degradation of environmental resources.  All I can do now is tell you what I know and invite you to join me for your own restored personal health and that of our planet.

For in depth information about the connections between our food choices, our health and that of the planet, I urge you to read FOOD CHOICE AND SUSTAINABILITY, Why Buying Local, Eating Less Meat, and Taking Baby Steps Won’t Work by Dr. Richard Oppenlander.