While I didn't intend for this blog to be dominated by recipes and cooking, it has certainly become that. One of my personal goals is to re-learn how to cook and eat in a way that benefits a healthier lifestyle. Throughout this process however, I find myself chasing away self-defeating thoughts about why I even need a re-education. Why is it so hard for to make a healthy choice while also minding my budget? Is it really necessary for all people to obsess and study about food and lifestyle in order to become healthier? Did my great grandparents live unhealthily or is there something that they knew that I don't? Even if I make a smart choice at the grocery store, how do I know that the food industry is supporting my choice by ensuring that my food is safe to eat?
This weekend, I had the pleasure of watching Food, Inc. and feel as though my concerns and quandries have been addressed though I don't much care for the answers. I hope that more people have the opportunity to watch it.
3 Surprising Lessons from Food, Inc.:
1. I didn't know that I didn't know.
Before watching Food, Inc., I had heard much of the same information, just in smaller pieces. When it's in the form of a newsstory here, an inside report there, and a sprinkling of food safety warnings, one can only catch a glimpse of the larger problem. Finally, with assistance from Food, Inc. I can see the bigger picture. Hearing how all the warnings, concerns, and issues contribute to larger problems and concerns is quite eye-opening.
2. Variety is illusory.
All consumers are confronted with the challenge to choose. This diet pill or that program, this brand over that brand, or cooking your own food versus pulling into the nearest drive-thru. It takes a lot of work to sort through the barrage of information and make an informed choice. But, in actuality, the choices really aren't so vast and varied. Very few companies control the entire food industry even though the bright, colorful packaging seems to suggest otherwise. When you eliminate all the over-processed stuff and then opt to buy in-season from farmers that are taking care to raise crops and livstock the right way, the choices are simplified. Like author Michael Pollan says, 'Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.'
3. What I choose makes a difference.
I love that this documentary ends with a positive message! One can easily feel overwhelmed by the dismal, depressing images and facts of the food industry. Luckily, there are things you can do that will influence change, and it doesn't necessarily have to involve swearing off meat or animal products all together.
There is more that I would like to learn on this topic, but I feel inpsired and confident to proceed with a few small, but meaningful changes. I think that these changes are necessary not just for my benefit but for others. I hope you will consider it too.What tips or information guide your food choices?
