As I mentioned in one of my earlier blogs, I only learned how to really cook and appreciate food about 2 years ago…and still am learning every day. As I start to read and devour (pun intended) books about cooking, inevitably the subject of “eating right” comes along. In the beginning you see, it was such a giant leap for me to actually be preparing a meal in my kitchen versus dining out of something that came in a paper bag or was served by a waiter. So, ergo…I thought I was already doing an amazing job. Of course I give my kids fresh fruit, and vegetables that I actually wash, dice, and chop versus out of a can or a freezer bag, of course I do that now. Look at me! I’m such a good mom!
Enter my more educated foodie friends squashing my boasting ego telling me how so much of that food that I serve is either really bad for you or bad for the environment. Hence begins my education of the organic movement. I call it a movement, in my naiveté no doubt, having associated the word “organic” with being a “fad,” probably something born out of California, meant for people that had the time to worry to this extent about their food. I mean, if fruits and vegetables were unhealthy for us in some way, wouldn’t the government or some other formal organization do something about it?
Like I said, my naiveté ignored this “fad,” for a while, until as my love and appreciation for food continued, I was abruptly shaken by my foodie, wellness, and environmentally savvy friends waking me from the dream. They thrust books in my hands of authors like Michael Pollan, Suzanne Somers, and others bringing visibility to this issue; I finally read them.
Let’s pick on the innocent apple here as I’ve read that apples are one of the most contaminated fruits as per the USDA; that the residue left on them is from different pesticides that are known or suspected to cause a slurry of health issues including cancer. Even if that is partially true,it is scary. So now, I wonder why instead of using the word “organic,” for something like organic apples, why we don’t just change the signs over the non-organic apples to read, “Poisonous food sold here!”
Feeling a little like Snow White? I know I did!
Though I am certainly no expert in this matter, I think that we need to drive more awareness of this issue and continue to be educated so that not only can we feed ourselves and our families well, but in good consciousness, know that the food we eat does not poison us!
Let me know if you’ve been bitten by the Organic Bug…..
Roopal: I love that you have been sharing your journey towards healthier food for you and your family. We all need to start somewhere and as we learn, we make changes. I have been a health educator for eleven years now and am still adapting, still learning. When I look at my diet today, I cannot believe (nor can others) that I proudly fed my toddler fat-free twinkies because I felt they were “healthier” than the regular ones! Yes, that is where my journey began! You are an inspiration to me and I know to many others! Keep sharing!
I try to do the organic thing where possible. At the very least, it makes me think more about the ingredients I’m using and if I’m not going to use organic ones, to decide why not consciously rather than unconsciously.
But I like your idea of picking a few foods and sticking to organic production for them. Apples are a good one because of the residues. And I also try to use organic greens and herbs wherever possible.