You’ve probably found yourself debating the importance of buying your Sunday night chicken conventional or organic…
Maybe you’ve wondered which meats are actually important to buy organic and which ones “don’t really matter”…
First, let’s break down what the terminology means:
What does grass-fed mean?
This applies to animals such as cows, bison, and sheep (lamb), which naturally eat grass as their primary food source.
Grass-fed meat means the animal spends its life eating grass, with the potential of being fed grains near the end of its life. Grass-finished means the animal spends its entire life eating grass. Many grass-fed meats are also grass-finished and it’s difficult to know without contacting the company directly, but both are wonderful options. Grass is a great food source for these animals, helping to provide anti-inflammatory and fibre-rich nutrients to create healthy meat.
A great example of grass-fed & grass-finished meat is Two-Rivers Organic Lean Ground Beef, available fresh and frozen on Spud.
What does organic mean?
Organic meat means the animal has eaten organic food (For Example – chickens are fed organic, non-GMO grains). The animals must also be free from any synthetic growth or reproductive hormones to make them grow faster, as well as any antibiotics and preservatives.
A great example of organic chicken is this Organic Ground Chicken, which is great in bolognese or chicken burgers!
What does free range mean?
The term “free range” usually applies to animals such as chicken, turkey, or pork. This means that the animals have access to outdoor spaces, fresh air, or pasture and can vary from farm to farm. This improves the quality of the animal’s life, reducing cortisol levels and ensuring the meat is therefore leaner (as a protective mechanism, animals and humans store greater amounts of fat when cortisol is high).
These fresh Free-Range Chicken Breasts are a great option!
What does “wild” mean?
The term “wild” usually refers to fish or wild meats like venison or elk. Wild fish ensures the salmon were not raised on a fish farm. On fish farms, salmon are fed pellets made from ingredients such as canola oil. Farmed salmon has been found to contain toxic chemicals (like methylmercury and dioxins) and farms have been accused of polluting the oceans and promoting sea lice.
This is a great option for Ocean-Wise certified wild salmon.
Is Organic Meat Worth It?
Opting for quality meat is more than just a culinary preference; it’s a conscious decision that impacts our health and the environment. As a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, I am passionate about helping my clients understand the significance of selecting high-quality meat options for health purposes.
Did you know that choosing a quality meat source can be like taking a multivitamin!?
Let’s take grass-fed meat, for example:
Grass-fed meat is a nutritional powerhouse that packs a punch in terms of flavour and health benefits. These animals graze on open pastures and consume their natural diet, which translates to meat that’s higher in essential nutrients. Grass-fed meats offer lower levels of saturated fats and higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their heart-healthy properties. This meat is also rich in essential vitamins like B-complex vitamins, iron, zinc, and selenium, all crucial for maintaining optimal health.
When you choose grass-fed beef, lamb, or bison, you’re not only indulging in a delicious meal but also making a conscious choice to support regenerative and sustainable agriculture. The animals are raised in a more ethical and environmentally friendly manner, resulting in a product that is not only healthier but also contributes to a better planet.
Downsides of Conventional Meat:
A long-time concern of conventional meat is the potentially harmful effects that may come from animals pumped full of growth hormones and antibiotics. This is another reason why I love choosing quality organic, antibiotic-free meat.
Should You Buy Chicken Organic?
For those looking for a lean and nutritious protein source, organic free-range chicken is the way to go. These chickens roam freely outdoors and enjoy a more varied diet than their conventionally raised counterparts. As a result, their meat contains higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for brain health, and lower levels of unhealthy fats.
Moreover, organic free-range chickens are raised without the use of antibiotics, hormones, or synthetic pesticides. This makes them a safer and more wholesome choice for health-conscious families. The quality and taste of the meat are also notably superior, making it a crowd-pleasing choice.
Looking for a healthy chicken recipe? Try these:
The Importance of Nutrient-Dense Proteins:
The key to a well-balanced diet lies in the inclusion of nutrient-dense protein sources. These proteins offer an array of essential nutrients that are fundamental for growth, energy, and overall well-being.
Wild salmon, for instance, is a prime example of a nutrient-dense protein source. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and high-quality protein, it promotes healthy bone development, cognitive function, and a robust immune system. Whether grilled, baked, or pan-seared, it’s a delicious addition to any diet. As a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, I recommend my clients consume wild salmon ~3 times per week for hormone, skin, and brain health benefits.
Bison is also a great protein source – these animals are naturally too large to be conventionally farmed, making them a healthy, leaner alternative to ground beef. These animals graze in large plains, ensuring they are fed a diet of anti-inflammatory nutrients which we then ingest.
Discover Fresh Organic Meat on Spud.ca:
The journey to a healthier diet starts with access to high-quality, fresh, local, and organic ingredients. That’s where Spud.ca comes in – here you can find fresh organic meat options that can elevate your health. With the convenience of ordering from the comfort of your home, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you’re making the best choices for your health and the planet.
The importance of grass-fed meat, organic free-range chicken, and nutrient-dense protein sources cannot be understated. These options provide not only great taste but also substantial health benefits. By prioritizing these choices, you’re investing in a healthier future for yourself and your family while supporting sustainable and ethical agricultural practices. Thanks to platforms like Spud.ca, fresh quality organic meat is now easily accessible, making it easier than ever to incorporate these nutritious options into your diet.
Sisley Killam is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and acne coach based out of Vancouver, Canada. After struggling with acne for years, Sisley now helps women clear their skin naturally with an emphasis on nutrition, mindset and holistic wellness habits. She is also the founder of The Pure Life, a health and wellness platform for all things clear skin and healthy living. When Sisley’s not helping women achieve their dream skin, you can often find her sipping on a matcha latte on a cafe patio or cold plunging at the local beach!
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