A Veggie Defense

Sorry for the cheesy title but I'm hoping to quickly get this post out. When I originally become a vegetarian it was because I was convinced by my older brother Imran. He did tons of research, which seemed to conclude that vegetarianism was right for moral (treatment of animals, problematic meat industry in general), health, and environmental reasons. I also remember that as we both abandoned religion and vegetarianism fit into our new spiritual ethos. (non-violence, karma)

Long story short, he read my blog and posted some links that defend vegenism and challenge the Paleo Diet:

http://www.veganbodybuilding.org/home.htm

http://neuroanthropology.net/2009/01/21/paleofantasies-of-the-perfect-diet-marlene-zuk-in-nytimes/

Primitive Nutrition
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egqf7k5Lzhk&feature=player_embedded

I hope people can check them out and respond. Be warned though the youtube link is part of a series of over 60 ten minutes clips, so you might want to watch a few and then respond. Kudos if you get through the whole series. I'm also going to ask my brother to provide a shorter more accessible document that will highlight the main arguments against Paleo and eating meat in general. Again, I hope this can start a real, respectful back and forth.

My immediate response from the few videos I saw and the second, is that they do problematize the Paleo diet and make me realize the need for a comprehensive, thoughtful debate on health and wellness. There is so much contradictory info out there, it's mindnumbingly for laypeople to figure out what's right and wrong. There was not enough in these links to prompt to go back to veganism. First, I find it difficult to argue the evolutionary assumption that humans are designed at least to eat some quantity of meat. My own recent experiences have led me to believe that I was B vitamin deficient and that eating at least some meat can lead me to optimal health. The increased energy, focus, improved mood, and drastic reduction of inflammation leads me to believe that eating meat is right for me.

The links challenge (rightfully so) the absolutist nature in which the Paleos proclaim the righteousness of their diet. I found this link which does the same, but still argues for a 'Paleo Template,' while even problematizing that term.

http://chriskresser.com/beyond-paleo-moving-from-a-paleo-diet-to-a-paleo-template