Finding a healthy and balanced lifestyle has been an ongoing process for me. What foods and practices are healthy for me and the environment? Which choices make me feel proud to say that Im doing my best?
Avoiding factory-farmed foods is a practice that I maintain for reasons, including the fact that, "Millions of animals are crowded togethercausing significant environmental threats and unacceptable health risks for workers, their neighbors and all the rest of us".
Here are a few brief takeaways for you:
"Factory farms emit harmful gases and particles such as methane and hydrogen sulfide, which can contribute to global warming and harm the health of those living or working nearby".
"Air pollution results from the overuse of machinery, the mismanagement of manure, and the irresponsible feeding practices that characterize industrial farming".
3. Pew Commission on Industrial Farm Animal Production:
"Every day, doctors use antibiotics to treat thousands of sick children and adults. Humans depend on these life-saving medicines for their personal health. But did you know that as much as 70 percent of all antibiotics sold in the U.S. are being fed to cattle, swine, and poultry on industrial animal farms, for purposes other than treating disease?"
Maintaining a diet free from factory-farmed foods feels both healthy and intuitive to me. Many times, food that is served to us originates from practices that are not healthy or kind to any party or place involved, including the animals, those working within factories, and the surrounding soil and air.
Some healthy food for thought:
- Research where your food is grown and packaged
- The fewer ingredients, the better
- If you don’t understand an ingredient, write it down and research what it is and why it has been added to the item
