This picture has gone viral over social media outlets in the past month.  What is it?  If you read Snack Girl’s blog, you might know that this is mechanically separated chicken.  What is that you might ask? Well – mechanically separated meat (MSM) is a paste like meat product produced by scraping the bones of chickens, turkey, pigs, and cows 100% clean of meat.  Through high pressure by using a sieve or machine, the bone is separated from the meat tissue.  This meat tissue is used in many meat products, the most common ones being hot dogs, salami, pepperoni, chicken nuggets and beef jerky.

This reclaimed meat has several issues – 1. It is bacteria ridden and has to be washed with ammonia; 2. It is void of flavor and has to be artificially reflavored; 3. Because of its odd color, it is dyed with artificial color.

These 3 issues along with this being mechanically processed – raises one main concern – Is this really food?  Just because it is edible – does that make it food?  Don’t we need our food to provide us with the nutrients that that body needs?  When we enter the grocery store, we are confronted with food choices that we need to make.  What are minimum requirements that a product has to pass in order make it on the shelf?  Why is the bar set so low?

I teach my patients to read labels on the items they are purchasing.  If you can’t pronounce the ingredients and don’t know what they are, put the product back on the shelf.  We as consumers wield the power by purchasing products – we support companies making those products.  So when you pick a healthier alternative – you are voting for that product to remain on the shelves.

We know that cheaper food alternatives – are just that – cheaper – they are void of nutrients.  Many chronic diseases today are caused by poor dietary and lifestyle choices.  Working with a Naturopathic Doctor can help you make the best choices for your body, keeping you healthy now and in the future.

The picture above is not too far of a stretch, a Google search for mechanically separated meat, turns up similar images such as this one.  Rather than buying processed meats and foods; pick up a few fresh ingredients and put together a simple meal to eat, your body will thank you.  Shop the perimeter of your grocery store for fresh ingredients and limit your trips down the aisles.  Plan out your meals in advance so that you are less tempted to stop off at fast food places on your way home because you don’t know what you are having for dinner.

Working towards a healthier diet is a process, take one step in that direction today by making a healthy choice!