Today is Cow Appreciation Day and so we are celebrating all the amazing things that cows provide to us keto people. Cattle are an important component to our economy and our nutrition. They deserve a day of recognition! So, today’s blog is about the importance of cows to keto.
A History of the Cow
According to National Today, people started domesticating cattle in 8,000 B.C. It’s difficult for me to imagine a wild cow running around, but apparently that’s what happened before that time. In 6,000 B.C. cattle began being used as currency and were traded for other goods. Apparently, it was Christopher Columbus who brought the first cattle to the Americas in 1493.
In Hindu communities, cattle are considered sacred. You will not see any hamburgers available in those areas, as eating beef is seen as sinful. Obviously, if you are a cow or a steer, this is the place to be!
The Importance of Dairy Cows to Keto
Oh, dairy foods, how I love you! I’m one of the fortunate people who does not have a negative reaction to dairy and, in all honesty, I probably eat way too much of it. I have heavy (whipping) cream in my coffees. I eat cheese on pretty much everything, and individually as a snack. We go through so much cream cheese, it’s embarrassing. And, butter! When I found out that I could eat butter on keto, I was in heaven!
These dairy items are a staple of getting in our fats. For those who cannot or do not eat dairy, there are other options. Ghee is a wonderful alternative to butter. There are lactose-free cheese options as well. I haven’t tried those, but people swear by them. I consider myself very lucky that I can just eat whatever dairy I want to eat.
The Importance of Meat Cows to Keto
There is no denying that beef is usually an important part of a keto diet. The fat content in this meat is great for keto. We buy regular hamburger and steaks that have fat marbled through them (as much as we can afford). Roast beef slices are a staple in our house for those times that you just want to grab something on the go.
I think it is important to appreciate the fact that cattle are raised to provide us with the nutrition that helps to sustain us. People who eat a carnivore diet use all parts of the animal, and I have a certain respect for that. It’s not enough to get me to eat organ meat, but I respect it. Certainly, eating meat makes keto a much more flexible way of eating and it is easier to get your protein and fat up to where it needs to be.
Ethical Struggles of Eating Meat
I understand completely the ethical struggles of eating any meat, including beef. I grew up on a hobby farm, and I still remember the day I realized that the steer I was helping to look after last month, I was now eating. It was not a good day. This realization encouraged me to become a vegetarian when I was old enough to be out on my own, buying my own food.
Eventually, I went back to eating meat because Bill and I were in a physical industry and needed to build muscle more effectively than I found I could with just vegetarian foods. But, all these years later, I still struggle with the ethics of eating a living creature.
In Canada, we have good standards for the raising of animals. Companies are certified as humane and those are the companies that we support by purchasing their products. When we can, I like to buy locally raised beef where I know that the farms offer lots of room to roam and the animals are treated well. Unfortunately, the prices can be a deterrent for us. I understand completely the costs, and I don’t begrudge paying the prices, but there are just some times that it’s not feasible for us.
Celebrating the Importance of Cows to Keto
I’m sure the cows would rather we celebrate with a whipped cream topping or some cheese rather than a burger. But, there is no denying that, for us, cattle are an essential part of staying on our healthy keto track. We appreciate the importance of what they offer us and take a moment today to thank them for all they do.
Wendy
