One last word on processed meats like
bacon, sausage, deli meat, or beef jerky.
While these foods are certainly convenient,
they are not always the healthiest choice.
Bacon and sausage often contain just as much
fat as protein, and if that meat is coming from
the factory-farming system, that fat contains a
whole lot of potentially toxic byproducts. As
with all protein, the quality of the meat and
the manner in which it was processed
determine how healthy the end product will
be.
Some observational research suggests that
processed meats are associated with higher
rates of some cancers—but the how is still
unknown and probably has to do with the way
the animals were raised and fed (in our
factory-farming system). If you are going to
eat processed meats, our same quality
guidelines apply. Select foods from naturally
raised and fed sources (grass-fed, pastured,
wild-caught, and organic), and find brands