When it's been 2 years since you last blogged, it can be awkward to jump back in again. It's like when you have wanted to call a friend for months (in this case, years - shame!), and you keep putting it off because you will have to spend at least the first 10 minutes of the call apologizing and explaining why it's been so long.For my 1st post back, I thought it best to stay away from talking about terrorism, guns, and any other politically charged hot-button topics for multiple reasons: 1. While I have thoughts on political subjects, I do not consider myself knowledgable enough about them to write about them well. 2. I would rather everyone gather around, hold hands, and sing kum-ba-ya - I know it's pathetic, but how are you going to fight the counselor in me? 3. For crying out loud, it's my 1st blog post after 2 years. I need to start with doggy paddling in the shallow end. Truth.
So now that we've gotten all of that out of the way, I wanted to share about something that I've recently experienced that has been a game changer for me. I have been on the healthy eating train for a while bc I've wanted to feel good and have a good quality of life. What I've realized is that my version of healthy eating was throwing in a veggie or two in with the meats, breads, and sweets I had always been eating (balanced eating includes dessert! ;)). And y'all to tell you the truth, I have eaten vegetables because I know they're "good for me", never out of a craving or desire. Um...you know what would be so amazing right now? Some cucumber. Oooo, could you give me some of that carrot? Yumm. Nope. I have trained my brain to think - eat this and your heart will be happy.
So what has changed for me is my perspective toward vegetables - this is huge. About a month ago, I joined the produce co-op Urban Acres and will never look back. All of the produce is organic; all of it is locally-sourced; and it is affordable. All of these factors were the hook, line, and sinker for me. I've realized the importance of eating organically, as research shows all the hazards that pesticides and GMOs can pose to our health. I've also been drawn to supporting our local farmers. I really believe that our food industry has some major issues, and part of the reason is because it has become a big money-driven corporation, which has lost touch with what people need. It has lost the human component. Our local farmers are such a treasure, and if we do not support them, our economy will suffer, and ultimately, we will suffer. Lastly, I was able to look at this option as a financially viable option. Buying local and organic does not have to break the bank.
So one month in, I have never felt better. That part was not a big surprise to me. The surprise was how good all the vegetables (and fruit) tasted to me. Last night, we had grilled salmon with quinoa, roasted eggplant, and tomatoes with mint. I made the same thing again today with chicken because we liked it so much (My husband Gabriel is actually the primary cook in our world, so that should tell you how much I wanted to eat our produce!!). The carrots and yellow squash we had in our last shipment were so tasty, we didn't even want to cook them, so we ate them raw. I have never enjoyed vegetables so much!! What gives?!
So upon thinking about this, I reflected on the fact that our grocery stores carry produce from all over the states, even all over the world. We're not necessarily getting what's local and in season. And we're also not necessarily getting our produce the freshest because of transportation time. I have never had organic vegetables from a grocery store taste as amazing as the ones from this co-op do. Every shipment is like this great discovery of produce. Y'all I'm genuinely enjoying eating vegetables. As a girl who grew up eating PB&J almost every day for lunch and whose favorite childhood fast food meal was Wendy's Junior Bacon Cheeseburger with mustard only and Biggie Fries, this is a very big deal.
I started thinking - how would things be different for the next generation if we gave them food that is genuinely good - both for them and in their opinion? Maybe we would see kids who are healthier physically and mentally, who are able to focus in school, and who have the sustained energy to run, play, and have fun. Some things to ponder.
My recommendation to you is that you look into local, organic food options in your neighborhood. Like me, you might be pleasantly surprised with what you find.
