I have been thinking about eating this summer. I have always considered myself a healthy cook and eater, but I have been thinking and trying to be even more this way. I read In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan, and it made a lot of sense to me. His message is boiled down to this: "Eat food, not too much, mostly plants."
So I have reduced but not eliminated my chicken, fish and meat intake, and ramped up my fresh fruits and veggies. I have tried as much as possible to stop eating multi-ingredient manufactured foods. If it has lots of packaging, ingredients I can't pronounce, or makes outlandish health claims on its excessive packaging, I do not eat it. I didn't eat a lot of that stuff before, but now I pretty much don't eat it. I don't miss it.
Cooking fresh and clean takes a bit more work and thought, but it is so tasty and nourishing. I have lost weight and have better energy and I just feel generally happier and better. It feels good to be truly hungry before I eat, and to satisfy that hunger with something that is really worth it both in terms of flavour and nutrition. I am packing my lunch more frequently and enjoy food shopping and cooking more than I did before.
A favourite source of recipes is the New York Times, ever since my Dad began sending me recipe links. Now I find out that the Times food columnist Mark Bittman whose Minimalist recipes are the greatest (he wrote the 101 salads article) has a book too. So now I'm going to read Food Matters.
Maybe I'll share a recipe or two as I go, or a foodie photo feature. mmmmm
question: what do you like to cook and eat these days?
mompoet - giggling at the thought of eating in a way that reduces greenhouse gas
3 comments:
Frances Lappe wrote about this nearly 40 years ago, in her book "Diet for a Small Planet". It's still available, for about US$8 per copy from Amazon USA. We still have our copy which probably cost more than that in deflated dollars back then. My student and later hiking and climbing companion, Mary Williams, used to give copies of this book to people as a political act.
Don't omit dairy-based protein along with the fish and poultry. A little bit of any of these will help complement the protein in vegetable sources, supplying some of the missing amino acids that the human body cannot synthesize. Stay away from the red meat and you'll do fine, as will the Earth.
And this stuff tastes so good!
mompoet's dad
I know Diet for a Small Planet, Dad. I will re-read it! I remember reading about "eating low on the food chain," when I first encountered the book.
Don't worry, I will always be an omnivore, especially eggs and milk. I'm just re-adjusting the balance.
mp
How appropriate to open your blog after I have been researching brown rice recipes. Since being diagnosed with my thyroid disease, I have been more aware of what I eat on a daily basis. Less refined sugars and breads. We are eating more fish, lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. I have to watch the balance of my food intake so I can ensure my thyroid operates properly. Right now I'm reading and experimenting with my diet and having quite a good time eating well. I have more energy and I feel better!
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