3 of 3

Write now Article Tools

Reasons for choosing a free-range or organic turkey for Thanksgiving...this title sent my heart into a flutter, as I am a vegetarian, and this topic is near and dear to me. I chose a vegetarian diet many years ago when I was in my late teens. Being an ardent animal lover, I often felt guilty after partaking in a feast consisting of meat of any variety. Furthermore; I simply did not care for the texture, essentially, I felt queasy at the thought alone of literally eating cooked flesh. Nevertheless, I am not one of those annoying vegetarians who seize the moment to proselytize whenever an opportunity avails itself. I understand we have dominion over animals and there is nothing inherently wrong with eating meat. However; I can think of a litany of reasons why choosing a free-range or organic turkey for Thanksgiving would be expedient, allow me to cite a few.

To begin, a few years ago I watched a documentary titled Super-Size Me and subsequently read a book, in the same vein, titled Fast Food Nation. Suffice it to say, if I were not a vegetarian prior to watching and reading the aforementioned titles, I would surely have made the decision to convert soon thereafter. I learned details about the meat production industry that left me feeling both enlightened and utterly appalled. Before arriving at our dinner tables for hearty eating, multitudes of these little creatures are subjected to numerous heinous atrocities. Many are injected with hormones to stimulate growth to meet the consumer demand, packed in cages without adequate space to move, and subjected to a variety of diseases.

The idea of eating anything injected with hormones, diseased or abused is quite disconcerting. I have heard it said that once cooked, the impurities emanate from the meat; however, the verdict is still out on this theory. There are also those who contend the meats, subjected to these dire conditions, emit toxins in their bodies which are then ingested by the consumer. Hence, leading to several diseases which are able to take root as a result; at this juncture, there is no clear evidence to substantiate this claim either. Although I am no authority on the matter, it is difficult to ignore the fact there seems to be an increase in fatal diseases. Whether this is linked to meat is anyones guess, however, if I were a meat eater; I would make it my business to be an astute shopper.

Finally, in my humble opinion, I believe choosing to be kind to one's body; as well as, the bodies of those you love is most fitting. I implore you to make the decision to choose a free-range or organic turkey this Thanksgiving. These creatures are treated with the respect they deserve. They are fed healthy meals, and because they have free rein, they are not filled with terror; languishing in cages awaiting sure and certain death. The decision to make healthier choices regarding meat is a responsible and shrewd one. The outcome is a win-win situation for all involved! Now run off to the market for your free-range or organic turkey, have a happy and festive Thanksgiving and bon-appetite!

Learn more about this author, Donyale Anise.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Reasons for choosing a free-range or organic turkey for Thanksgiving?
We want to hear your view. Write now!