13. Connecting With Nature

There is scientific evidence that time spent in nature improves well-being. This is not surprising. Recently, efforts have increased to improve access to green spaces like parks and indoor plants. Exposure to nature by planting gardens or potted flowers increased gut microbiome diversity.

One of the variables that motivates me to move away from eating animals is love of nature. I will not go so far as to say that eating animal-derived foods is unnatural. Our hunter-gatherer ancestors ate a diverse omnivorous diet, but most of their food was likely a wide variety of plant-derived foods, which is not to say that there isn’t room in a healthy modern diet for animal-derived foods, but eating animals is not necessary for optimal health either.

The works of Jonathan Safran Foer, particularly Eating Animals and We Are The Weather, have had a profound impact on my choices.

My kids have an incredible affinity for bugs. They don't just observe them; they interact with them, rescuing them from the house and setting them free outside. My daughter even finds them 'cute' and eagerly explores bug and caterpillar books weekly during her library class. Their love for nature is genuinely infectious.

Most people I know love animals, including farm animals. Despite our natural connection with animals, we compartmentalize these feelings because we enjoy eating meat and think it’s necessary for good health. One of my goals in writing this blog is to support the choice not to eat meat and the confidence to know that you are also making an excellent choice for your health. Even reducing the consumption of animal-derived foods makes a huge difference in development.

Do you eat meat? Do you experience cognitive dissonance when you interact with beautiful animals in your life?

*As always, this website and blog information is not medical advice. Please consult your medical professional if you are changing your health behaviors, including starting a new diet or exercise program.