Saturday, May 04, 2019
Yesterday, I was watching stock market commentators point to a rapidly rising IPO called Alt-Meat and representing The Alternative Meat Company. Curious, I explored and learned something about laboratory raised meat–created by removing stem cells from meat muscle, and then, using them to grow laboratory meat. It’s considered an environmentally friendly method of satisfying folks who prefer eating the “real thing”. Plus, huge, long-time and familiar, meat producing companies are starting to draw on Alt-Meat technology to create their own brands of laboratory foods.
There are vegan alternatives, some arguably tasty, even going widespread and being featured by national food chains. I’ve worked part-time on and off for a dozen years at Costco as a food sample server, and witnessed the shift from meaty and fatty foods, and high-carb side dishes, to healthier alternatives. Over time, even male customers who primarily were meat eaters have shifted from high resistance, now settling somewhat into reluctant compliance.
Yesterday, demo folks pushed foods for the upcoming cinco de mayo and I worked as a breaker, rotating among tables to relieve personnel for breaks and lunches. A surprising number of the foods I served (labeled as healthy but still too salty and high on carbs) were meatless, made with alternative proteins like beans. The customers, from yuppies representing newer residents, to the entrenched farming types, who sampled foods complained little. Costco is selling lots of the new foods and the store continues to bring in updated varieties of such items.
I brought home some newer foods. They’re easy nutrition, taste good, are simple to fix, and save preparation and clean-up times. Fortunately, because of my pocketbook, over time I’ve lost an attraction to meats. And I suppose, because of my sensitivities, I’m turned off to thoughts of consuming alternate meats.
My underlying concerns are about environmental health with hopes that humans can find ways to preserve the best of it. I’m also worried about the future of genetics, and how the curiosity of researchers might expand manipulations in a field with the power to alter life as we’ve learned through experience to understand it.
Dear Friends, in these times of change and decisions and we’ve much to learn. Diana
Diana's Morning Blog 
I have been whole food plant based for over two years now and never miss meat or dairy. I find the idea of an alternate meat grown in a lab very disturbing.
I think the fast food chains doing vegan burgers is a good thing up to a point. They are probably high in fat and sodium, but a good thing to grab on a road trip.
I was thinking about the song by the Judds, the other day. Grandpa, Tell Me About the Good Old Days….🥴
Have a great weekend, Diana
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