How do you justify being a meat eater?

I love meat. This question is for those who love meat too:

If you were in a debate with a hardcore vegetarian who is trying to convince you that it is wrong to eat meat – after all, in the end, you are supporting the killing of an innocent creature – what would you say to ethically justify the fact that you eat meat?

Note: I’m not looking to hear joke-y answers, and this also isn’t a “rah rah meat is awesome, vegetarians suck” (or vice versa) pissing contest. I’m looking for actual logical explanations. So if you were planning on using this thread as a way to display how clever you are and saying something like, “Because it tastes good” – just save that gem for later.