Today, humans are eating meat more than ever before. It seems we simply can't seem to get enough of it. In fact, we have literally moved up the food chain.In a recent study done by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, concluded after analyzing 176 countries and 102 foods, that the human trophic level has jumped 3% in the last 50 years. However, with all the meat we consume today, many of us seem to me numb to the idea that the McChicken you had for lunch today was once a feathery friend. With that, it's important to ask, "Is it morally okay to eat meat?"

The short answer to this question is, well, yes. Although inhumane treatment toward animals that often takes place is never okay, there is nothing inherently wrong with the consumption of meat. As humans, we are built to eat meat. If truth be told, meat is a key component in whatmade us human (sorry vegetarians). Without the regular consumption of these high-energy foods, the growth of large human brains would have never been possible. On top of this fact, a human eating meat is really no different than an African lion eating a cute baby gazelle. We are no less apart of the natural food chain than any animal, and as The Lion King would say: it's the circle of life.

Also, from a religious perspective, one could take all this even further. Christians believe God has given animals to us partially for the sake of eating them. Take, for example, Genesis 9:3, "Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything." So, if you subscribe to a biblical religion as well as many others, you know that, under God, eating animals is very much okay.

Finally, meat is just so darn good. Why deny yourself the simple pleasure in life that is bacon? And I find myself in awe of a vegetarian's willpower to say no to a perfectly cooked, juicy steak, or spicy buffalo wings. However, with all these things being said, it's important to note that your choice of whether or not to eat meat is a personal, and honorable decision one way or another. Today, humans can live happy, healthy lives on all sorts of diets, so we should be thoughtful about what we choose to put into our bodies, and to the meat lovers out there, don't feel too guilty about that McChicken you ate for lunch today.