The Grass is Always Greener

By Kimberly Foster Branch

In reference to buying meat: It’s complicated. Here’s the rub.

Whatever the animal eats, you eat – when you eat the animal.

All vegetarian diet and grass fed are NOT the same thing. GRASS FED is what you will want to buy even with the added expense. Organic is something else.

I have a client who wanted me to check out her web links for cattle companies, when I told her to eat organic, grass fed beef. Here is some of what I researched for her.  (Her preference was to buy from the first company’s link. It was a lot cheaper).   Notice below, that although the ounces are less, the price is almost the same.  Usually there is a bigger gap in price. I will explain in detail. Please read on.

The difference in price with the first company goes like this:

8 ounce rib eye = 5.89

Organic 6 ounce rib eye = 5.64.

This is what I told my client:

“The organic is 2 ounces smaller and just a little less money. This smells funny to me because it is not enough money for farmers to profit. That’s right. I talk to famers!  Even though it is “organic” I wondered, “what” exactly is organic?”

So I called up the farm and asked what they feed the “organic” cattle. I think his name is Matt. I said, “Hi, Matt. I’m a nutritionist and I am calling for a client and I need to know EXACTLY what these “organic” cattle are fed.” He said, “grass during the day.”  I said, “what about at night?” He said, “grain.” I said, “you mean CORN!”  He got nervous and said, “yes.”  I said, “what about GMO’s? That’s a serious health problem.” He said, “yes.”  I said, “thank you for your time.”

This company sells organic AND vegetarian fed cattle.  This sounds good, right? Yes. But the words are confusing.  Vegetarian fed means they are not feeding them dead animals. That’s it. But corn is genetically modified (poisoned beyond comprehension!) Corn, soy, canola oil, beet sugar (to name a few), are GM crops. They are in most foods we eat.  A gene is injected into the seed making it resistant to pesticides. The only thing worse than eating all the poison is the changed DNA itself. It confuses the body and leads to MAJOR illnesses! Please read my section on GMOs!

The second more expensive company displayed on their website – Our cattle is ALWAYS grass fed. I couldn’t find a phone number but this seems to be their whole mission and pride.  The cost?  Double.

It is my humble opinion that people should not eat meat unless they eat organic AND grass fed! The world has changed. People who can’t pay for pure, clean meat should slow down. Ouch! I know!  It’s harsh; I wish it wasn’t like this.  And if I showed you the health risks and sickness from eating GMO’s you would cry. Children and older people are most at risk. Also, the “not good meat” will keep weight on over time.  Yup, you will gain more weight with the regular meat. Clean, organic GRASS- FED meat is the only way.

To be clear – A major distinction in buying meat is that it is, Organic AND Grass Fed. If you can only choose one, choose Grass Fed. Grass IS organic…for the time being.

Think of it as a treat.  This will also help the environment. Please get the best. Also, when you buy grass fed, you are supporting the honest farmers. It is not easy to nurture healthy cattle. Corn is cheap and filled with pesticides. Then the cows get sick and they give them antibiotics. Remember you eat what the cow eats, when you eat the cow! That is the shortest version I have.  I know this is probably more than you asked for but…it’s  sooooo important.

Eat Clean. Be Lean. Eating sick food is rude.