subject: Healthy Eating: Mine Is Bigger Than Yours! [print this page] Healthy Eating: Mine Is Bigger Than Yours!
Pre-adolescent boys are famous for the game "Mine is bigger than yours" whether in reference to wagons or model airplanes the compulsion to make this comparison seems almost universal. As a former pre-adolescent boy and father of a 5-year-old son, I am a not worried by such behavior among children. My only concern is with this behavior being carried over into critical areas of adult life in counterproductive ways.
I spend a significant amount of time reading and researching in the areas of health, nutrition science, and culinary art. I have noticed a disturbing tone in the recent debate about various "Eating-styles". In some circles the discussions has become outright hostile; devolving to name calling and personal attacks. The problem with this too common approach to debate is that it clouds the real issues with emotions and makes it difficult to reach rational conclusions.
The primary battle in the area of what we should or should not eat seems to be between those in favor of eating "Meat" and those opposed to the idea. Within the meat eating camp are those who abstain from certain kinds of meat - red meat for example. Within the non-meat camp there are those who go as far as abstaining from all animal based foods. In other word, there are too many "tarians" to keep track (Pescetarian, Vegetarian, Nutritarian, etc.).
For simplicity sake let's deal with the basic division of meat eaters versus non-meat eater. We have to begin with the honest acknowledgement that there are brilliant, excellent, accomplished and exceptional people who eat meat and equally brilliant, excellent, accomplished and exceptional people who choose not to eat meat; which means this is not about the individuals.
Next, from a purely scientific standpoint, there is little debate that all three macro-nutrient categories are important for good health this includes Protein, Carbohydrates and Fats. This is fact in spite of what you may have heard from differing source. There are vitamins, dietary minerals, essential fatty acids, and essential amino acids that our bodies can't make. The best way to get these nutrients is by eating a combination of protein, carbohydrates and fats. The ratio or total quantities of macro-nutrients is probably more dependent on one lifestyle and goals than of any scientific generalized recommendation. In other words, a tri-athlete is likely to need more carbohydrates while a bodybuilder may desire higher than average protein.
With this in mind, whole, unadulterated, lean meats can be a nutritionally healthy source of the protein we need. Similarly, whole, unadulterated, plants source can provide a nutritionally healthy source of protein. We can add to either protein source a variety of fruits, vegetables, and good fats to create a Healthful Eating-style.
I acknowledge that there are important moral, environmental, cultural, religious and economical reasons for choosing to eat meat or not to eat meat; however, from a purely nutritional standpoint the product quality is more important than the product type. Choosing high quality lean source of protein, complex carbohydrates, and good fats is the most important starting point for Healthful Eating.
Therefore, it is fine to eat meat and also fine to choose not to eat meat. In either case, you should apply sensible nutritional discretion and remain open to your diet evolving overtime. When it comes to eating for your health, there is no one prefect "Eating-style" for everyone. However any healthful style of eating you choose must include an abundance of whole foods in the form of vegetable, fruits, lean protein, and good fats. So shall we seize with the pre-adolescent foolishness and proceed with the intelligent exchange of ideas followed by good choices for the benefit of everyone.
