Get Grass Fed!

If you've been reading this blog for any length of time, you will have noticed I constantly mention "grass fed" butter, beef, etc. What's the big deal about eating grass fed stuff?

Yes, grass fed butter (we buy Kerrygold butter from Ireland which is available in every grocery store these days) is more expensive than regular butter. (Kerrygold butter is $2.85 for a half pound at Aldi and Walmart.) But the difference is immediately visible to the naked eye. Grass fed butter has a deep, golden yellow color. This is NOT from added artificial or even natural coloring agents. Grass fed butter is yellow because it contains natural Vitamin A (beta carotine) from the grass eaten by the cows. Grass fed butter is also softer and more pliable, even when cold, because it contains omega-3 fatty acids. Regular butter from grain-fed cows does not contain omega-3s. Grass fed products also contain Vitamin K2, which works along with Vitamins A, D, and E, as well as calcium and phosphorus, to increase bone strength and harden the teeth. K2 directs the calcium to be deposited in bones and teeth instead of in arteries where it can cause heart disease.

Grass fed cheddar cheese is also available at Aldi and Trader Joe's, as well as many other grocery stores. (Grass fed cheddar is $2.99 for 7 oz. at Aldi.) Grass fed cheeses contain the same nutrients as grass fed butter, including Vitamin K2, and taste delicious!

Grass fed beef is also more expensive. (Aldi has regular sales on grass fed ground beef for $4.45 per pound. Sprouts has sale prices even lower than this!) Grass fed beef comes from cows raised only on pasture. These cows are never moved onto feedlots, nor fed grains and other substances which make cows sick. Cows fed on corn and silage have constant gas, upset stomachs, diarrhea, and other health issues. Cows raised on grass are able to roam around and live the lives they were intended to live. As they roam, their manure is spread around and fertilizes the soil, creating healthy grasses. Grass fed beef is similar to grass fed butter: higher in omega-3s and Vitamin K2. Better for cows, better for the Earth, and better for people who eat beef.

Pastured chicken and eggs also more expensive than traditionally raised poultry and eggs. (Aldi sells organic, free range chickens for $2.49 per pound.) Again, the difference is easy to spot. Eggs from grass fed chickens have deeply colored yolks instead of pale, anemic yolks. Chicken, like cows, thrive on sunshine, grass, and bugs. Chickens are omnivores--they are meant to eat both plants and animals. Producers who brag about feeding chickens an "all vegetarian diet"--meaning corn and soy-- are assuming consumers have no clue what chickens are supposed to eat!

If you can't afford to switch over to all grass fed products, you can begin by adding these in a little at a time. Maybe just choose grass fed butter or pastured eggs to get started. You might choose to cut down on your total meat consumption in order to eat better quality instead of quantity. Grass fed is better for your body, better for your taste buds, better for the animals, and better for the planet!