I’m may not be a big meat eater, but…

I really enjoyed this Zoodle Bolognese Recipe. It’s fast, flavorful, and filling. It also happens to be Paleo, Whole30, and Low-Carb. I’ve been eating more red meat lately, and I’m honestly loving it! Eating red meat is still rather new to me. I have nothing against eating meat, but I was vegan for 14 years. You could say I’m a vegan at heart, but an omnivore in practice. If you’re wondering why I gave up being vegan after 14 years, keep reading.

Why I Opt for Pasture-Raised:

As a vegan, I developed health issues impacting my immune function, mental health, hormones, and digestion. I tried to be a “responsible vegan”, taking supplements and eating sufficient protein, but ultimately it’s a diet that doesn’t help me maintain my health. For me, eating meat is a necessity for staying healthy. It’s still challenging for me psychologically sometimes, but it’s the best choice for my body. I’m passionate about animal welfare, health, and the environment so I opt for pasture-raised, or grass-fed/grass-finished meat, poultry, & eggs. I also recommend choosing wild and sustainably caught fish and seafood. Farmed fish can contain antibiotics, which are given to the fish to reduce parasite load as a result of being raised in crowded aquatic “pens”. Some salmon also has color added to make it pinker, so educate yourself, ask questions, and read labels.

I’m passionate about animal welfare, health, and the environment so I opt for pasture-raised, or grass-fed/grass-finished meat, poultry, & eggs.

Meat Quality Impacts Nutritional Content :

A pasture-centered approach to raising animals is not only more humane it also impacts the nutrient composition of the meat. The same goes for wild-caught versus farmed fish. Pasture-raised animal products are higher in Omega 3 fatty acids & lower in Omega 6 fatty acids. They are also lower in saturated fat and cholesterol than conventional animal products. Omega 3 fatty acids are vital for brain health & help to reduce chronic inflammation. Most people eat too many Omega 6 Fatty Acids and too few Omega 3 Fatty Acids, which can lead to inflammation in the body and brain. I recommend making sure you’re including Omega 3s in your diet on a regular basis. Thankfully, the pasture-raised beef in this 4 Ingredient Zoodle Bolognese is a great source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids. Other great sources include wild-caught salmon and small, fatty fish such as sardines and anchovies.

A pasture-centered approach to raising animals is not only more humane it also impacts the nutrient composition of the meat. The same goes for wild-caught versus farmed fish.


zucchini noodle bolognese before and after recipe

Zoodle Bolognese Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 Pound Pasture-Raised Ground Beef (or poultry),
  • 2 Large Zucchinis made into zoodles, or use pre-made zoodles,
  • 1 Package Baby Bella Mushrooms,
  • 1 Jar Sugar-Free Pasta Sauce (I also recommend avoiding any pasta sauce with inflammatory soy/vegetable oils, the exceptions are Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Avocado Oil). 

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Sauté the meat and mushrooms in your oven-safe pan until the meat is cooked. Add the zoodles and sauce and transfer pan to the oven to cook for 15 to 20 minutes depending on how soft you want your zoodles to be. I like mine al dente, so I cook them for 15 minutes. If you don’t want to bake your zoodles, that’s okay. Just cover the pan with a lid on the stovetop and simmer until zoodles are tender.


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