I've got a big problem with how America has grown to devalue their food. We know cows can't digest corn, yet we feed it to them anyway. We coat our farms with pesticides. We accept processed foods as "food". When did this become acceptable and ok?
I'm not here today to look at the history of food production in the U.S. and how the modern supermarket came to be and what it offers. That might be another blog post.
I am very careful and conscientious of what I feed my children. Their diet is heavy on fruits and vegetables, homemade meals, pizza maybe once a week. When I make mac 'n cheese, it is from scratch. I don't buy frozen meals; I make bulk batches of meals and freeze them for later use. Cookies and sweets are treats, not an everyday occurrence. I pack their school lunches. I would never feel comfortable giving my kids heavily processed foods.
I always rely on the phrase "if it's too good to be true, it probably is". The ultra-convenience of the processed foods we eat are convenient (sometimes), but at what cost? Diabetes is an epidemic in our country. Our sugar intake is off the charts. We are overweight. Where does it end?
Honestly, I don't venture to the middle of the grocery store very much. The middle is a haven for processed cereals, frozen foods, ready-made "dinners" (a la hamburger helper). I stay to the outer aisles, the "circle" of the store: produce, milks and yogurts, wine! The outer edges also tends to house a market's organic and natural food offerings, as well as bulk foods.
I would LOVE to hear where my readers are with the issue of food in our country. Is it an issue for you? Do you avoid processed foods? Are you aware of the danger's in some of our foods? What are your "weak areas" when veering off the healthy eating track?
Love this post! It is a relief hearing other people say what I think too! I am trying to figure out moderation and where I draw the line. RIght now I don't know if I should even be buying juice, but I can't make everything! I figure if I am making all my meals, and staying away from processed foods as much as we can, we are better off. We also try not to buy red meat. Can't wait to live in a house so I can have my own chickens too!
ReplyDeleteI don't know how I missed replying to all these great posts! I know, sometimes I get burned out on cooking, cooking, cooking! I occasionally have a healthy convenience food and we do pizza almost every Friday night. Good for you for aiming to own your own chickens!
DeleteYes, I feed my kids Kraft Mac and Cheese. I remember when I was pregnant, there were all these rules (no lunchmeat?!) and I decided then and there that I wouldn't go overboard on any of that stuff. I do give them homemade food as much as possible, mostly because it tastes better, but I don't feel bad for the occasional Kraft mac & cheese or trip to McDonalds. I think everything is fine in moderation. Besides, I'm 37. Over the years, I've heard that eggs were good, then bad, then good, then bad...there's too much conflicting information out there for me to bother. Some study is always going to say something is bad, then another one will contradict it.
ReplyDeleteStephanie,
DeleteI totally agree with you on the moderation piece and how our society promotes the "fad" of what is good and bad for you. Remember oat bran? Sugar free products? I think the bottom line is that if you think you are going to have all your problems solved with the latest and greatest, that you should realize this is not the case!
My adult sons in their 20's LOVE Kraft macaroni and cheese. They buy it in bulk! They live on that stuff. Top Ramon too. I think it's because I always made Mac and Cheese from scratch when they were young and its cheap and convenient for bachelors. They save the steak and ribs for the weekends!
ReplyDeleteI can imagine it's tough when they are that age. I remember eating a lot of pizza and packaged things in college. And I grew up with home cooked meals all the time! But college is also when I became a vegetarian and started paying attention a little more. ;)
DeleteWe don't give our kids Kraft Mac and Cheese. We've actually boycotted Kraft products (not that they care, but it makes us feel better!) Like you, we try to stay away from processed foods, however, we don't want food to become an issue such as good or bad. They do get store bought cookies, or Goldfish, or Lucky Charms on occasion, but we don't make a huge deal out of it.
ReplyDeleteI do wholeheartedly agree that the population in general needs a wake up call...I think we're getting there, but it's going to take a while. We can use our money to vote...if more people who buy organic or non-processed foods then the big wigs in the food industry are going to realize that we don't want all that junk!
Wise words about associating the word "bad" with food. I agree, but it's tough. Some foods truly are bad!
DeleteI totally agree with you on all your points. I also rarely venture to the middle any more either. I try to feed my family as close to paleo as possible because I have a gluten sensitivity and so does my older daughter.
ReplyDeleteAs a nation we have come to rely on quick and easy, and this is not a good thing. Fast and easy means processed out the wazoo and chemicals in everything. And we wonder why cancer and other diseases are on the rise. The more our food is tampered with the more disease and sickness we will see in future generations.....
Here here!
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