The Food Movement

It’s fair to say, that in recent years, there has been a decline of the quality of the food system in America. There are major concerns centered around poor agricultural and farming practices and what can be interpreted as a highly flawed food system. It’s seems that we’ve all gotten caught up, to some extent, in processed and convenience foods.  With the rising cost of food, however, it has become more and more difficult for the average family to afford to withhold the highest standards in food quality. 

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There are many food movements that have recently taken hold that can help us to raise our voice and increase awareness to help protect the quality of food in our country as well as maintain sustainability and environmental protection.  Beyond the impact of factory farming and industrial agriculture, processed and convenience foods have sadly become a staple in the vast majority of American diets.  The Standard American Diet has been directly linked with chronic diseases.  Food issues have finally hit home with the high prevalence of diet related health issues in this country.  Thanks to First Lady, Michelle Obama, the concerns of Childhood Obesity and our cultural eating habits are now in the spotlight of the mainstream and it is beginning to garner the attention that it deserves.  You can even follow the Obama food initiatives on the Obama Foodorama Blog at : http://obamafoodorama.blogspot.com/  In addition to Michelle Obama, there are other pioneers that have dedicated themselves to leading the way our children eat at school.

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Alice Waters, Founder of the Chez Panisse Foundation established the http://www.theedibleschoolyard.com/

where educators integrate food system concepts into the core curriculum and students participate in all aspects of growing, harvesting preparing nutritious, seasonal produce.

Also Chef Ann Cooper, who is the self described as the’ Renegade Lunch Lady” is helping provide schools across the country with tools to transform school cafeterias into of source of healthy and delicious food for our children. with her program http://www.thelunchbox.org/.

There is a rise in organizations that support the Food Movement. There are organizations that prioritize the environmental and conservation concerns and others that recognize the importance of the health, nutrition and cultural aspect of food as well. It’s so refreshing to see this shift in thinking, and that there are so many passionate groups of people that are leading the way back a more natural lifestyle that is centered around good quality food and sustainable lifestyle choices.

Organizations like Slow Food USA, is leading the way in inspiring change and transformation in our food system while reinforcing the simple pleasures of good food.

http://www.slowfoodusa.org/

Food Movement Links

Environmental Working Group                         

http://www.ewg.org/

Center for Food Safety

http://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/

Organic Consumers Assn.

http://www.organicconsumers.org/

Eat Well Guide

http://www.eatwellguide.org/i.php?pd=Home

Eat Wild

http://www.eatwild.com/

Sustainable Table

http://www.sustainabletable.org/home.php

Farm to Table

http://www.farmtotableonline.org/

Healthy Balanced Living

By the time most of us get around to starting a new diet and exercise program our bodies are far from ready for peak performance.  We are often suffering from a near state of exhaustion from a pattern of bad dietary choices, stress, and a lack of exercise.  By supporting our bodies nutritionally, we’re able to heal, energize, revive and rejuvenate; creating a platform for good metabolic function, weight management and physical fitness.  Reconstructing our diet begins with rebalancing our plates.  A diet centered on fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats can significantly reduce our risk of developing illness and possibly increase longevity.  The quality of the food we eat can directly affect our health as well as provide fuel to meet our fitness goals.

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Eating a variety of nutrient packed foods is a basic a source of vitamins, minerals, fiber and phtyonutrients.  A good way to maximize the benefits from the fruits and vegetables you choose is to incorporate a variety of colors in your produce selections.  The different colored fruits and vegetables provide phytochemicals that contain compounds that have specific beneficial health related functions. Dividing your plate into ¼ protein, ¼ whole grain and half vegetables provides a good guideline for creating a balanced plate.  By avoiding processed foods, sugar and  excess saturated fat, you can greatly diminish your need to count calories as long as you exercise variety, moderation and balance between energy input and energy output.  With a sensible approach to eating and a productive and consistent exercise program achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is an attainable goal.

 Being overweight can be viewed as an energy imbalance. While genetics, diet and lifestyle choices are contributing factors to weight gain, it is mostly a measurement of more calories consumed and not enough calories being used.  Reversing that trend and winning the battle of the bulge is not an easy undertaking but the right motivation and mindset can work wonders in helping you to achieve your goals.  Set realistic and attainable goals and create strategies that will foster permanent change.  With approximately 30 minutes of moderate physical activity daily and wise food choices you can expect to achieve slow and steady weight loss and be well on your way to healthy balanced living.



Seasonal Winter Cooking

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The winter season is instinctually a time of reflection, a time to slow down.   It’s a time for nourishing our mind and body and building up our reserves.  Living in harmony with the winter season corresponds to introspection, rest and replenishment.  It’s about eating foods that rejuvenate, nourish and build the body’s immunity.

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Winter is the right time to prepare slow cooked meals, nourishing soups, stews, seasonal vegetables, whole grains and beans.  Maintaining harmony by directing your diet toward food in season is a good way to support your health during the winter season.  Not only does choosing seasonal foods benefit our personal health it also supports sustainability and the local economy.  Winter is the most challenging time of year to try and maintain that philosophy.  The scarcity of locally available product gives us the opportunity to redesign our diet to encourage making the best use out of the products that are in season.  It’s an opportunity to become better acquainted with foods we might otherwise shy away from.  Look at the nutritional qualities of foods and make use of the foods that best support your individual constitution and can boost your immunity for the cold winter season.  So get creative and become inspired to create wonderful ways to warm your winter plate with a wealth of seasonal foods.

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Seasonal Produce-Winter

Arugula

Beets

Bok choy

Broccoli

Brussels Sprouts

Carrots

Celeriac

Collard greens

Endive

Escarole

Fennel

Jerusalem artichokes

Kohlrabi

Mache

Parsnips

Potatoes

Radishes

Radicchio

Spinach

Sweet potatoes

Swiss chard

Turnips

Watercress

Winter Squash

Lemon

Grapefruit

Orange

Pineapple

Banana

Pears

Kiwi

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Our Connection to Food

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Our relationship and connection to food can be quite profound.  It nourishes us and brings us closer together with the ones we love.  Creating a beautiful meal can at times feel as complex as orchestrating a symphony.  Enjoying a fabulously prepared meal can even feel magical as you appreciate the finesse and subtleties of fine cuisine.

Despite our good intentions many of us end up eating less than healthy as we try and keep up with our fast paced lives.  When we loose touch with the integrity of our dietary practices our health suffers. Eating a diet consisting of whole foods with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables will eventually payoff with the reward of increased energy and a feeling of well being.

Menu planning and food preparation can seem overwhelming at times.  But there’s something to be said about appreciating food in its simplicity.

 Enjoying food in its natural state can be a fresh and fast way to jumpstart a healthy diet. 

Building a healthy cooking repertoire using fine fresh ingredients and healthy cooking technique is a wonderful foundation to continually build upon.  But most importantly, respect the cycles of nature and choose seasonal foods that are at the peak of quality and freshness and appreciate the simplicity of nature’s seasonal bounty.