Thanks, Emilie, for starting a discussion on diet.

Vegetarian and vegan diets are a wonderful way of life for many. But for some of us, it’s not sustainable.

Take, for example, me: after fifteen years of abstaining from animal products, I was dragging. To be fair, my diet wasn’t the only thing pulling me down. However, my acupuncturist made me start eating animal protein, and I continue to this day.

Does this mean that a big slab of steak and a potato soaked with butter are the way to go? Horrors, no!!! Here’s some rational guidance on how to include animal products in a healthy diet.

• Stay away from dairy products, unless you’re sure you can digest them. Even then, be moderate. Goat milk and cheese are generally a bit easier to digest than cow products.
• Eggs, on the other hand, are a wonderfully nutritious and digestible food. Don’t be afraid of having a boiled or poached egg for breakfast, instead of or along with some healthy carbs. It’s very healthy to start the day with some quality protein. See if it doesn’t help you maintain energy through the day.
• Choose organically raised meat and free-range eggs. Better for you, the animals and the planet.
• Avoid lots of fat. Choose lean meat. Ask the butcher about lean cuts. Try venison, or ground buffalo meat – they’re very lowfat.
• Consume small portions of meat. Your body gains no additional benefit, only stress, from more than two or three ounces in a meal.
• Don’t feel that you need to eat meat every day. Alternate red meat, poultry and fish a few times a week with vegetarian protein such as legumes, tofu or tempeh.
• Don’t forget to balance your diet with quality carbs, such as fresh leafy greens and brown rice.
• Plan your purchases carefully so that you never have to throw out any aging meat. Accept the fact that other beings are sacrificing their lives for your sustenance, and respect that sacrifice.