The Word is Getting Out!

Yes…the word is finally getting out that America needs a reality check on their eating habits. If there is any one way to start to get the message across America it is through Oprah!

I was a little skeptical when the show began, worried that the right message wasn’t going to get across – but it did. What basically needed to be heard is that people need to be more conscious of their food choices. More importantly to understand that that when you buy “that” chicken, breakfast cereal, fruit juice or any packaged snack at the grocery store, you aren’t buying just that single item, but buying into a whole other “business” that does not have your health in mind. Their are very conflicting nutrition and health claims that are made – “naturally raised”, “heart healthy”, “low fat” which unfortunately have left most consumers confused and often “less healthy” as a result. As outlined on the show – ever since the “low fat” trend took flight in North America – people got fatter? That doesn’t make any sense? Well actually it does, when food is stripped of it’s essential nutrients, packaged and processed – something else needs to take it’s place. Whether is a man-made chemical or sugar – both contribute to weight gain and other long term diseases that so many people suffer from today.

On this particular show, Oprah had the acclaimed food journalist Michael Pollan to interview. The words and values that he defined on the show, are messages that everybody needs to hear or at the very least read in one of his many books.

America also got to get a glimpse at other people and businesses are that are in complete support of a more plant based diet. Alicia Silverstone talked about her transition to veganism and the impact it has had on her health, energy and beauty. Even though it is not expected that everyone should become vegan, what can be taken away from this is “eat more plant based foods” and you are on your way to good health!

A huge emphasis of the show was also dedicated to scenes from Food Inc. A film that was created to show America just how twisted the food industry is. This film will most definitely show you the dark side of factory farming. It is important for consumers to know that their meat, chicken and pork – is not coming from friendly-happy grass fed pastures. In fact it is quite the opposite! It is also essential to learn about the the true food costs that are lost along the way. Where it appears that fast food and processed foods are “cheap”  – the truth is that the price is paid somewhere. Whether it is your health, unfortunate workers from other countries or animals lives – somewhere, someone or something has to be sacrificed. So your 99c burger – is no where near that price!

The take home message at the end of the day – is become more aware, become more conscious and ay attention to the food going into your mouth! You have the right to make a choice with your fork three times a day, so choose wisely. You just might live a long life!

Some food for thought – From Michael Pollan’s newest book FOOD RULES!

#18 – Don’t ingest foods made in places where everyone is required to wear a surgical cap

#14 Avoid foods you see advertised on television

#8 Avoid products that make health claims

#5 Avoid foods that have some for of sugar listed among the top three ingredients

#19 If it came from a plant, eat it; it it was made in a plant, don’t

#27 Eat animals that have themselves eaten well

I could list them all, those are some that have stuck out!

If you have read Food Rules – please feel free to share a rule or two or if you saw the episode on Oprah…what did you think?

The Full Package

We all go out to eat and are often coming home with leftovers in a take-out package. Or we devote our daily lunch to a pick up spot on the go – which again creates another package. Then we pack our kids and spouses with a meal for school or work, again more packaging. What do these all have in common other than crinkly paper, cardboard boxes, and plastic? Garbage! Lots and lots of garbage – which doesn’t just magically disappear when it goes into a trash can or when it is picked up weekly. It goes to landfills emitting toxic gases and then seep into our lakes, sewers and rivers and most likely will end right back up into your food. (I will save that for another time) in the meantime check out Garbage Revolution.

Why not get the full package? Become eco-friendly, consciousness about the environment and your health all in one? You have a choice to make everyday when it comes to food. Where you want to get it from, how you take it home, pack it and store it.  You can buy re-usable bags like RuMe, use Pyrex glass dishes and Greentainers for storage, or pack lunch up in a Laptop Lunchbox (these aren’t just for kids!). This also goes for beverages too – get yourself equipped with a Kleen Kanteen (for hot or cold) and you will be set. It is important for everyone to learn how to “Eat Outside of the Box” (please read this resource for more information, tips and a great ECO product guide).

The other part of the plan is to take the initiative and avoid eating out all together.  This is where preparing meals at home becomes the most important thing that you can do for your health and the environment. If you want to broaden your cooking skills, get new ideas, recipes or tips…then come to one of my  Fully Nourished Cooking Class or take a workshop with me and learn how to pack a litter-less lunch or plan for weekday meals and how to store them properly. There are many solutions to these common problems and it is much simpler than you think.

I also want to add that Michael Pollan has just introduced a new book called Food Rules which will also give you some vital tips on how to get reconnected with your food choices. These tips will not only benefit your health, but also your wallet, the environment and the planet – some of my favourites are:

#16 Buy your snacks at the farmer’s market. (you are less likely to get packaging there or you can bring your own to put them in!)

# 39 Eat all the junk food you want as long as your cook it yourself. (You will save yourself calories, money and packaging!)

# 20 It’s not food if it arrived through the window of your car (no comment required)

Once you put all of these ideas together you will get the full package for health and wellness – while keeping the packaging off of your food!

Be proactive become part of the Campaign to Take OUT With OUT and make a difference!

What’s In the Box (above): Lunch can be as simple as this!

Kamut bread with almond butter, organic (no sugar added) raspberry jam

Goji, raisin, almond, cacao, pumpkin seed trail mix

Oranges, carrots and cucumbers.

Wholesome, Simple & Delicious

Now you tell me… what is your favourite litter-less lunch to pack? Or give my readers some tips on how YOU can reduce  excess take-out packaging.

Thanks for your support!