Do you ever avoid reading/watching/thinking about something because you just don’t feel like dealing with it? I’d rather, for instance, ignore the gas mileage of our new Toyota Sienna (aka the Swagger Wagon), especially in comparison with the Prius we’ve been driving for the past two years. I’d like to pretend that clutter in our house will magically sort itself out–thus the state of our laundry room, which holds the overflow from everywhere else. And I’d like to think that I eat a healthy and wholesome diet. Maybe the better way to state that last point is that I’d rather not think about where my food comes from.
I would have said that we’re pretty conscientious about food. We have enough income to buy organic milk and chicken and plenty of fresh produce. I make sure our kids eat fruit or vegetables at every meal. We even tried our hand at gardening last summer (although that was a failed attempt. Sigh.).
So then we watched Food, Inc. I highly recommend it. Not only is it a film that offers practical information about every day life, but it tells a compelling story using interesting characters, impressive visuals, and, yes, some stomach-churning information. It focuses on the food industry in America and the impact this industry has on people–we, the people who eat the food, but also the individuals who work for the food, the farmers, and the laborers in the slaughter-houses.
Food matters, not only because of my personal health and well-being, but because the food systems impact so many people beyond me.
So am I going to do all my shopping at Whole Foods from now on? No, but I did start buying the no-hormone added bacon. We’re gradually decreasing the number of foods in our repertoire that involve preservatives and ingredients that we can’t pronounce. We’re trying to eliminate high-fructose corn syrup. We’re trying to see meat as a supplemental part of a meal rather than the centerpiece.
And we’re doing all of this not only because it is good for us, but because we hope it will be a small contribution to the good life for others as well.
Oh, and I should add, I still drink Diet Coke. Every day.
What’s your worst food habit? What advice can you pass on for eating in a more wholesome way?
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