One of the things I’m trying to balance in my life this year is what goes into my body. I’ve always tried to use some relative intelligence when eating, but I’ve never crossed that organic line where processed foods are not allowed to dwell in my refrigerator. I’m a busy mom, and a writer!
The past holiday season gave me time to catch up on viewing two food documentaries on my Must See list: “Supersize Me” and “Food Inc.”. Both left me with a psychological hangover. After a few days of processing the information, tossing out the extremes, and absorbing the facts and what they meant for my future and the future of my children, I managed to get over the guilt of being a human being.
It’s like this: I admire anyone who chooses the vegan life. I can’t say that I necessarily agree with it, but the intentions are admirable. What is shocking, and important for every consumer to know, is where our food is coming from and what the political agenda is behind it. At least then, the money you and I spend goes to fund causes that aren’t cruel or greedy.
This is not a blog post written to stir up anyone’s beehive. I simply must voice my concern as a writer, mother, consumer, and human being, that educating ourselves about the food industry is an important part of balancing our lives. Now more than ever, we need understand our health and what control we may or may not have over it.
One example of the trend toward taking back control of our food is the recent episode of “Iron Chef America” which is featured on The Food Network. I found it very interesting that the President’s wife, Michelle Obama, took the time out to share the White House garden with the Iron Chefs for an episode focusing on using and supporting local farmers and fisheries. Too bad we can’t all have gardens like that--gardeners included, of course.
If anything, after my whirlwind education on our nation’s food supply, I was inspired to add a few more items to my garden this year--along with my salsa specialties. This year I am pleased to announce I am going to try to grow some potatoes. Because I love them. And they sound easy. Now that’s balance. (Trying to grow an acre of something you don’t even like to eat--crazy.)
To balance your digestion, I recommend watching the McDonald’s feature, “Super Size Me,” finding and supporting a local butcher, and growing just a few of your favorite summertime vegetables in the backyard. Also, don’t forget the local Farmer’s Market for fresh veggies and eggs!
daniellethorne
6 comments:
We had "Supersize Me" over here in the UK a while ago, and it made horrendously fascinating watching. I still shiver when I think about the look on the doctor's face when he told the fella he *had* to stop or he was liable to be dead before the 30 days were up. Now, that's telling you to your face. Sheesh.
We used to have a series "You Are What You Eat" where a week's food taken from a log was put on a table. So many hardly had a vegetable or a piece of fruit - but the bowl of salt, the tub of sugar and the *bucket* of fat always made the participants blench.
Linda
www.lindaacaster.co.uk
I always wonder what the UK thinks of our diets over here. We do eat some fast food in our family--but since my kids even saw the documentary, they are making a lot better choices even when eating out.
Hi Danielle, I've been working over the past several years on switching to healthier choices and we are feeling the nice benefits of that. Like you, I don't think extremism is necessary, but being a little less lazy (let's face it, fast food is lazy) and making good stuff at home is worth the trouble.
I make a wonderful homemade salsa, all natural, and a nonfat spinach dip for healthy snacks. :-)
Spinach dip is growing on me as I get older. Sounds good.
Just popping in to say that we pay a price for perfect-looking food. A lot of it isn't even real food anymore, as in grown in season and allowed to ripen natually, and our taste buds might not recognize the real thing if we got it. Tomatoes and strawberries come to mind...
I saw Supersize Me years ago. Scary stuff!
Totally agree Liana. I have to say also, that I can really tell a difference between a fresh picked tomato and jalapeno I grow, compared to picking one up at the market.
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