Grass-Fed Beef

So, one of the main things I am getting from The Omnivore's Dilemma is how screwed up it is that we feed corn to cows. Their stomachs did not evolve to eat corn, and the only way they can handle it is by being fed medications to keep their stomachs in check. They wind up making fattier, less healthy, antibiotic and steriod-riddled beef, which we then eat by the truckload. (I won't go into all the oil necessary to get that beef to us, or the government subsidies that led to the surplus of corn that our cows are now forced to eat. You're smart folks. You can read the book yourselves.)

I had never had grass-fed beef before, but I was anxious to try it. Nerd that I am, I did a lot of research online beforehand, and I found a place that will deliver it right to my door! It's called Native Meats, and it sounds awesome. They only deal with farms in South Carolina, so you know that all your money is going to support local farmers; also, they have a pretty strict code of conduct for their producers, which prohibits using antibiotics, steroids, hormones, etc. I'm going to put in an order with them as soon as I get paid. It's a little pricey, but my husband and I don't eat that much meat, so it will last us a long time.

Today was my first official day of ... let's just call it "the food journey." I wanted to try some pastured meat right away, rather than wait for my mail order, so I went to the Earth Fare and bought 2 grass-fed rib-eye steaks from Bull Hill Ranch in Greer, SC. Not being the cook in the family, I called my husband to find out how I should cook it. He recommended I just salt and pepper it and throw it on the Foreman grill for a few minutes (we are a rare meat family). So, that's what I did.

It was a very tasty steak. I have to say, I really could taste a bit of a difference. I guess I've never had beef that tasted like what beef is supposed to taste like. It was a little gamier than I am used to. I could definitely grow accustomed to that though.

The other local highlight in my day was the peanut butter and banana smoothie I made, which included some local honey from my friends' bees.

Right now, I am trying to take baby steps. For example, I am in love with these pre-packaged cups of brown rice that I found at the grocery store. They're super convenient, cooking in only 90 seconds, and they're very tasty. This week, though, I decided to skip the easy rice in favor of something better for my wallet, the environment, and my body. So, on Sunday, I steamed a pot of plain brown rice and portioned it out into individual servings for the rest of the week. It was much cheaper, didn't have the oils and preservatives that they put in the cups of rice, and didn't generate a bunch of waste. It didn't taste *quite* as great to my mouth, but it tasted much better to my conscience.

Also, today, I popped real popcorn while I was watching a movie, instead of having strange-chemical-laden microwave popcorn.

Baby steps. But I am excited.

Coming soon: Next weekend, my husband and I are taking a trip to the Happy Cow Creamery. They're giving a tour, and then we can buy some great local products in their store. I'm particularly excited about getting milk, eggs, and cheese. Stay tuned!