Where’s The Beef!
Thank you all so, so much for your comments on my last post. It really was such an interesting experience for me. I feel like I know myself a little better, too!
Funny, I came across this great quote recently that sums up how I felt about my realizations…
“If we could first know where we are…we could then better judge what to do and how to do it.”
Abraham Lincoln
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I’ve been feeling pretty weighed down (no pun intended) the past few days from the heavy food over Easter weekend and the overeating. I have been waking up with a full feeling in my stomach which made it difficult to decide on breakfast. I’ve been playing around with smoothies which have been just what I needed.
This morning was the first in a few days that I actually felt hungry! Figures. It’s my run day and eating before I run bothers my stomach and affects my endurance.
It was a gorgeous, balmy morning. Normally, this would help spur me on, but I wasn’t much into running today. I went to the trail that I like and after the first mile, I got into a good groove. I picked up my pace here and there (mainly to pass some walkers) and stuck with the 10:1 interval. At mile 2, I was better mentally, but didn’t feel as strong, physically. I wondered if the walking interval was hindering me instead of helping, but by mile 3, I felt strong. I ended at 4 miles, feelin’ good in the neighborhood 
Walking to my car, I realized I forgot something: my dashboard breakfast! Duh! I had some errands to run and knew I couldn’t make it until after those. It was a great excuse to take myself out for breakfast! I headed to Barnes & Noble, grabbed a magazine and sat in the Starbucks cafe with a tall House Blend and egg florentine on a whole wheat english muffin…
Not too bad for a pre-made sandwich.
After some errands, I headed home, cleaned up and got ready for lunch. So many choices now that I don’t have to look for vegetarian-only options! It was the perfect opportunity to try out these new sausages from Trader Joe’s…
I sliced one sausage and pan-fried it with 1/2 tsp. evoo until heated through and slightly browned. I served it with balsamic-roasted broccoli and a sprinkle of fresh grated parmesan…
There was just no way to get that to look pretty, but trust me, it was very tasty! The sausage was so flavorful. It would be a great addition to pizza or a pasta dish!
My afternoon nosh was a new favorite…
The beautiful weather warranted a grill session for dinner. I thought the best way to break in the grill would be with BURGERS! But, there was one problem. I watched a movie. I needed entertainment while my brain cells were rotting during the Cut-Out, so I rented Food, Inc. I know I’m late to the party on this one. It’s been out for quite a while, but I never got a chance to see it.
Well, I watched. And I gasped. And I cringed. This documentary had all the makings of a blockbuster Hollywood movie: conspiracy, destruction, intrigue and deceit. No love story though. There was definitely no love.
I was floored by the operations of some of the food industry giants that were featured in the film. I won’t get into it all, but it was eye-opening to say the least. I learned a lot about farmers, how they operate and why it is so important (for our own health and safety) to buy organic fruits, vegetables, meats and poultry.
The suggestion to also buy grass-fed beef stuck with me. I wasn’t quite sure where I could find it, but thought Trader Joe’s might be the place. Score! I was able to find organic, 100% grass-fed ground beef to make the burgers. I grilled them up, served on whole wheat buns with a sides of oven fries and salad…
Funky. We tried some the other night and didn’t care for it. Then again today; still funky. The beef was noticeably leaner and dry despite being 85/15 . It had a different smell to it that worried me. The taste was very gamey and a bit strong. The husband likened the taste to liver. Aaah, not liver!!! Hmmm… I might have to rethink this one 
Next up…. organic, free- range, antibiotic and hormone- free chicken! Mmmmm 
Have a great day, everyone!
Have you seen Food, Inc.? Thoughts? Did it cause you to change what or the way you eat?
Questions? Email me! aloserforlife@gmail.com
26 comments
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Food Inc is one I have yet to see, but I saw another earlier film that was in a similar vein , but for the life of me I cannot recall the title.( I was led to watch it for an environmental study purpose). It made me stop purchasing many things, consider others, and led to a whoile widerange of thoughts about the connection between our modern day food and the various health problems we face. It also made me refuse to by or eat anything that is known to be genetically modified and to have nothing to do with anything even remotely connected to Monsanto if I had any possible option of avoiding it in any way.
With the sausage- Sam’s club has a Chicken Spinach Asiago cheese sausage that they carry and it sounds very similar to the Trader Joes one ( our Trader Joes is too far from us to consider buying any of the meat or frozen items). I love using this sausage in anything you use sausage for- so much flavor and a lot less fat than the traditional sausage !
Marisa Reply:
April 9th, 2010 at 11:39 am
The practices of Monsanto were mentioned in this movie and I was appalled! I could not believe how corrupt some of these food corporations are. They are like the Food Mafia!!!! I know there are 2 sides to every story, but it’s interesting that these food corps. declined being interviewed for the film.
I’ve seen it and love it. I think the love story is the guy towards the end who raises his animals humanely and slaughters them in the great wide open. There’s no doubt that he is passionate about his animals and his work.
Since watching the movie, I buy more locally and from small farms. Whole Foods is a great source for more humanely-raised meat (with guarantees that they are hormone and antibiotic free). Wegmans, if it’s in your area, is also starting to sell more. Some meat (especially beef) does taste a little more game-y, but you gotta try products from different farms to find one you like. I haven’t noticed this as much with chicken and pork products. In fact, the pork sausages I purchased from a local farm were the best I’ve ever had!
Marisa Reply:
April 9th, 2010 at 11:42 am
Ugh, that part was a little difficult to watch. Here they are, out in the beauty of nature, with this farmer talking so passionately about his animals, all the while, the chickens are getting shoved into funnels, squawking and having their heads chopped off. YIKES!
I saw Food, Inc. I don’t eat chicken or beef so my eating hasn’t changed too much as a result of the flick, but my eyes were certainly open about who has control of the food market and the conditions. I do eat eggs and it has me more aware of the marketing of them..cage free doesn’t mean squat regarding how well the hens are treated. As a result, I’m looking for alternatives…like local farmers that I know are reputable.
Marisa Reply:
April 9th, 2010 at 11:43 am
That’s interesting about cage-free! I’m learning so much!
I haven’t seen Food, Inc. yet, but I’ve read a few of Michael Pollen’s books. After reading about Polyface Farm in The Ominivore’s Dilemma, I decided to buy some grass fed, free range chicken. I found a local farmer and bought a whole chicken. My family all agree that it tasted awful. We had trouble even cutting the meat because it was so tough. I went back to the farmer for some tips and he even gave me a free chicken to try again, but we didn’t like it the second time either. Sigh….I guess our taste buds are really used to the factory farmed chicken.
Marisa Reply:
April 9th, 2010 at 11:43 am
True. Isn’t it sad what our bodies and taste buds have become accustomed to?
I know what you mean- I think it all tastes “funny” cause it’s totally new to us. I know it’s not popular everywhere but buffalo meat is pretty common in Colorado and it’s much leaner than standard ground beef. For that, it really helps to reduce cooking time so some of the fat is retained… maybe the same for the grass fed beef? Or any other grass-fed lower fat meat in general.
If you have not read it, Omnivore’s Dilemma had a lot of similar topics. A little less shock value (IMO, but maybe because I’d just seen Food Inc.) and a lot more info about the how and why of local farming.
Marisa Reply:
April 9th, 2010 at 11:45 am
I will definitely check that out. Michael Pollan makes a strong and sound case based on his research.
That’s the first time I’ve read anyone describe the taste of grass-fed beef. Thanks for sharing that. Its making me wonder if there’s such a thing as locally grown beef that is humanely treated, but is also grain-fed. Gotta check that out. Because I am trying to eat meat/eggs/dairy from animals that have been treated kindly. I think local is probably the way to go if I can find it.
Marisa Reply:
April 9th, 2010 at 11:47 am
I’ve been told to experiment with beef from different farms. The taste may vary. Hopefully, for the better
Sorry to post again but debby’s comment made me remember something for the taste– there are definitely grass-raised cows that are finished on grain so that they have a more regular taste. The grass-fed benefits go beyond just for the cows though!
Food Inc. DEFINITELY changed a lot of my eating habits, the most notable being my tendency to purchase local produce if possible. Mostly I won’t buy it if I don’t know where it came from, which makes me truly appreciate Whole Foods’ informative signage. In the spring and summer I also like to shop at farmers’ markets (Headhouse is my favorite!). Every little bit counts, and it makes me so happy to see that this film has had such a positive effect on so many different people’s shopping and eating habits (even my PARENTS!).
Marisa Reply:
April 9th, 2010 at 11:48 am
I’ll have to get down to Headhouse one day!
I have not seen Food Inc yet. The food industry is a mess isn’t it? Thanks for the review. I will have to get brave and rent that DVD.
Marisa Reply:
April 9th, 2010 at 11:48 am
Warning: It ain’t pretty
Never saw Food, Inc. but heard about it. Hm, not sure I want to see it! Some things are better left unsaid! lol
I do like those Chicken sausages from TJ’s though. Speaking of, maybe it’s time for a TJ run!
This is so funny because I have JUST finished watching Food, Inc. myself. It totally makes me rethink a lot of my eating habits. Its terrible how the consumer is always left in the dark about certain things. Hopefully a lot more people will see the film and we can makes some changes as a whole.
I am so sorry to hear that you didnt enjoy the beef, but it probably has to do with the fact that the cows were fed with grass instead of corn/grain. I am sure that is what effects the meaty flavor!!
sorry the burgers weren’t great!
I watched Food Inc., during one of our many snowed in days and didn’t eat chicken or turkey again until a few weeks ago (I haven’t had beef in years so that didn’t effect me as much). I still see those fat chickens that can hardly walk bc they are pumped full of hormones. I bought turkey breast from TJs – the Applegate Farms brand- and it was really good. I’ve had a bite of chicken here or there but still haven’t bought any. I want to try the hormone free , local stuff though. I agree about how even the farmer who killed the chicken out in the open seemed a bit… mean (but like you said, isn’t it all mean?). I just can’t get those images out of my head! Such a great movie though isn’t it? I mean, 2 months later and I’m still thinking about it!
I’ve heard about it, and I’m interested in the information. Having said that, I’ll never watch it. I’m one of those people that prefers to stick my head in the sand with my rose coloured glasses firmly in place. I’ll listen and learn, and I’ll change what I can based on the information, but I cannot watch graphic stuff like this or PETA material. I choose not to.
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