You've heard it a thousand times. You are what you eat. Those words are truer in our lifetimes than they have ever been. From dollar menus to Hamburger Helper, over-fished waters to genetically-modified produce, we're also more aware than ever of the changes in our diets over the last century (and the toll they take on our health and happiness) than ever before. Our options seem limitless, but what do you and I actually eat on a day-to-day basis?
We're conflicted, stretched for time and money, and overwhelmed by the dietary recommendations of so-called experts. Food doesn't have to be so enigmatic. My approach tends to lean toward simplicity and traditionalism. Michael Pollan is a personal hero of mine, and he discusses these problems and their possible solutions in his enlightening book, In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto. I wholeheartedly believe that we are meant to eat close to the Earth, a plant-based diet full of whole food.
Here I hope to explore good ways to eat what I preach. I work two jobs and sometimes the prospect of actually cooking 3 homemade, healthy meals in a day seems impossible. But I don't think truly is. Time to get down to it. After all, even a small move toward those goals is a good move.
I hope you'll join me in my personal journey to better, faster, cheaper and happier eating. Cheers!
I agree wholeheartedly: we are meant to eat close to the earth, and the simpler the foods we use, the better our health, our lives, and the planet will be.
ReplyDeleteReal food does not require an ingredient list, nor a description beyond a mere statement of what it is and from what it is sourced: "Short Ribs, Grass-fed, Free-range Pastured Cattle", or "Sweet Bell Peppers, Locally Grown, Organic".
Lots of people today would have no idea how to put together a meal from only whole foods in 30 minutes or less. It doesn't have to be that way. Cooking well and eating well are easy. It just requires a bit of re-education.
With the kitchen gadgets we have today, it's easier than ever. A chopper and blender, or a food processor, make prep quick, easy, and a snap to clean up.
We just need to re-think the way we cook and eat, and commit to doing them in a way the enhances our health and protects our planet.
Simple, whole, fresh foods, prepared at home without highly processed, preserved, enriched, and otherwise chemicalized "food products", will make our lives better - on many levels.
I'm delighted to share your journey here on your blog, and I look forward to reading about your experiences. :o)