Warning: Food is a very personal subject close to many people's hearts. It can be offending to be told that you are not eating "right". This post is not to criticize how people are eating, but to show my opinion on how I eat. If this doesn't work for you, that's ok. But please try to keep an open mind as you read this...and maybe explore a little before you make your decision on where your food comes from.
I just finished reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. It has to be one of the best books about food that I have ever read. Where Michael Pollan explores our corrupted and non-sustainable food culture in The Ominvore's Dilemma, Kingsolver shows that it is possible to each locally without giving up good food or flavor. She basically said that if there is something wrong with our food system, then let's not support it. It was more work than just going to the grocery store or supermarket, but local they ate. The goal for her family was to eat local food without sacrificing quality. Basically, vegetables and meat from their garden and neighboring farms or the farmer's market, dairy from the closest organic dairy farm, etc. And it worked...and after the year for their project was up, her family didn't want to go back!
After reading The Ominvore's Dilemma I told Price we could eat whatever we wanted, as long as we knew where it came from. Now I have a new project in mind. I might not be able to go quite as local as the Barbara Kingsolver and her family, but this summer, Price and I are going to try and eat locally grown food. There is a local mill that sells flour, a local bakery that uses it to make their breads...There are local produce stands and farmer's markets that sell everything from meat and eggs to veggies and handmade clothing all from within about 150 miles from here. Local can mean 2 miles or 200 depending on the amounts available where you are. But I will try...
And I will start this winter by eating as much nonprocessed food as possible. Who wants to support the overgrown corn and soy industries anyway? If you don't know what I am talking about look it up. I'll even give you a few places to start.
The Ominvore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver
Food, Inc.
Fast Food Nation
Slow Foods USA
Ark of Taste
