It's ridiculously difficult to obtain a properly-balanced, nutritious diet when you've chosen to reject major components such as flesh meat, gluten, anything that's cooked, etc.<p>Beef alone, as a source of iron and other vitamins that are needed especially by men, is critical.<p>People are now trying to raise children and animals on vegan or keto or gluten-free diets, and I call that cruelty. The effects of malnutrition are subtle and long-term, and so people who go on a fad diet for a while will not notice, and people who routinely eat any sort of junk food and processed food do not notice that they are malnourished yet obese.<p>My mental health improves by leaps and bounds when I eat a healthy diet: I feel better simply because I'm not abusing my body, I feel satisfaction in preparing wholesome meals with known ingredients in my own kitchen, I enjoy saving money. Moreover, my sleep hygiene improves and my daily schedule approaches something of a productive citizen instead of a listless, lethargic couch potato.<p>Since I do suffer from chronic mental illness centralized around mood disorders, having a good healthy diet is absolutely essential to my healing and recovery, more than any drug, alongside therapy and regular meditation and practice of my faith in Christ.