Although I don't particularly enjoy making New Year's resolutions, or at least making formal ones, as in writing them down and sealing them in an envelope to return same time next year to see with my own eyes how miserably I failed, but I do find that I seem to make a mental note of the things I'd like to change, things I'd like to see happen.
My big "resolution" for 2011 (or maybe "committment" would be a better word) is to make the change to eating completely organic fare, in all food catergories. I've been gradually making changes here and there, for the benefit of myself and my family, but I've also been doing so much reading that shows, time and again, that choosing wholesome, organic, and preferably, sustainably-raised foods, is best for our bodies and our planet. What is there to discuss----it's really plain and simple.
I'm well on my way to a healthier lifestyle and as I write I'm smiling. I really do feel better when I eat better. Don't you? Now, that's not to say that I will never indulge in a pizza from the local take 'n bake, or that I will never eat something that is not all the things I mentioned previously---I won't say that because I know I will. I would never be such a "food snob" as to turn down a meal with a dear friend or refuse to eat what someone lovingly prepared for me and my family simply because it didn't meet my criteria for healthy food. I suppose that what I'm saying is that I am making a committment to make good food choices as much as is possible and not beat myself up when I don't or can't. I will say that because 'organic' and 'healthy' are becoming synonymous, though, it is becoming much easier, and more affordable, to find those options when dining out.
Before the new year began, I flirted, rather briefly, with the idea of trying a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. Now, this was mostly for health reasons, although doing my part to stop the needless suffering of animals in conventional feed-lots is important to me, too. I weighed the possibility of a strict new way of eating against the fact that I enjoy consuming small amounts of both meat and dairy and decided that, although I respect those who make such choices, it just wouldn't do for me. Instead, I chose to reduce the amount of animal products I eat and make sure that those milk and meat items are mostly organic/grass-fed/sustainably and humanely raised.
Jersey Cows in Humboldt County
I recently discovered an organic ,"cream-top" jersey milk that is so delicious and local to my area. The Borges Family Creamery in Smith River is a family-owned dairy that cares about how they raise their cows and cares about the quality of product they make available to the public. As a now-loyal customer to their non-homogenized milk, I hope they will expand to include butter and other dairy products of the same high-quality.
My favorite yogurt is from another organic producer, Straus Family Creamery, in Sonoma County. They use fresh Jersey whole milk for their yogurts and also produce various other milk products, including butter.
I have been buying Humboldt Grassfed Beef for some time now. It is locally raised and processed right here in Humboldt County where I live. Contrary to what some folks say, there really is a huge taste difference between conventional beef and those that are fully grass-fed. We had a BBQ last July for my oldest son who was returning home after serving 3 years in the U.S. Army-----folks couldn't stop raving about how delicious the hamburgers were and I was happy to tell them it was Humboldt Grassfed Beef. Yummy!
I am fortunate to live in an area that supports a large seasonal farmers' market from April-October and that also has many local farms and small food businesses. The North Coast Co-op, where my son, Matthew, is employed, offers a plethora of these products, too, and is an important vehicle for spreading the news about the availability of local foods. With so much being offered at mostly reasonable prices, there is no reason not to try to incorporate as many local, organic food choices as possible. I can imagine that, wherever you live, you will find at least a few sources for seasonal produce, although you may have to do a little research. Of course, the best way to provide ourselves with whole foods is to grow them, but we can't always do that, or simply don't want to. That's why it's important to encourage our local farmers by buying what they work so hard to grow for us.
Considering that there is a wealth of information about healthy living and organic eating, I would imagine that it would be easier than ever to find support and encouragement for this journey. At no other time during my 43 years have I noticed a bigger shift toward "green living" than I do now. We are becoming more aware of how our living choices and eating patterns effect, not only our bodies, but this planet that we share with every other living thing.
HAPPY EATING!!!
"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food" ~~~ Hippocrates
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