elegantlion Posted January 30, 2011 Share Posted January 30, 2011 I am so sick of food not being food. I feel like I need a chemistry degree to read food labels. I've already had cancer once, I have some food intolerances, and am prone to other food related issues. (VEnt) I am excited to find since we moved we have a great small store near us. They carry organic, gluten-free products and have awesome prices. However, they don't sell fresh food or refrigerated products. So aside from an organic co-op, which I can not afford, how can one learn about all these food/not food issues? I've perused blogs and websites, but I'd like a magazine maybe about organic food, what the corporate busybodies are doing, how to be more proactive about my food, cutting edge information. I'd like something that is written in layman's terms, but not at the soundbite level. (I subscribed to Prevention for a year, it felt like I was reading ads) :confused:, and not something that I need a degree in agriculture to decipher either. I'd like to know the plain truth (no preservative or additives :tongue_smilie:) about my food, but it's all getting somewhat confusing. Any hive suggestions???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scarlett Posted January 30, 2011 Share Posted January 30, 2011 I am so sick of food not being food. I feel like I need a chemistry degree to read food labels. I've already had cancer once, I have some food intolerances, and am prone to other food related issues. (VEnt) I am excited to find since we moved we have a great small store near us. They carry organic, gluten-free products and have awesome prices. However, they don't sell fresh food or refrigerated products. So aside from an organic co-op, which I can not afford, how can one learn about all these food/not food issues? I've perused blogs and websites, but I'd like a magazine maybe about organic food, what the corporate busybodies are doing, how to be more proactive about my food, cutting edge information. I'd like something that is written in layman's terms, but not at the soundbite level. (I subscribed to Prevention for a year, it felt like I was reading ads) :confused:, and not something that I need a degree in agriculture to decipher either. I'd like to know the plain truth (no preservative or additives :tongue_smilie:) about my food, but it's all getting somewhat confusing. Any hive suggestions???? :bigear: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jplain Posted January 30, 2011 Share Posted January 30, 2011 I might have some resources for you. :) But first, what intolerances do you have? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted January 30, 2011 Author Share Posted January 30, 2011 I might have some resources for you. :) But first, what intolerances do you have? I have wheat intolerances, I can do rye or oats. It's almost easier to just do gluten-free. Actually I'm considering living on coffee and almonds.:tongue_smilie: I also have GERD so I have to watch some food, like tomatoes/sauce. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jplain Posted January 30, 2011 Share Posted January 30, 2011 I'm GF for sympathetic and preventive reasons, but I'm definitely sensitive to several food additives, several medications, and either soybean oil or partially hydrogenated oil (or both?). You might want to investigate the theory behind paleo eating. It has made it much easier for me to stick to stuff that I can tolerate, because stuff I can't tolerate is excluded by paleo's guiding principles. The basic idea is that grains and other 'neolithic' foods were introduced to the human diet relatively recently, and our bodies don't handle them as well as the foods that humans have been eating for a much longer period of time. The two resources I used most when I was first learning about it were Mark's Daily Apple and the blog PaNu. Here are the links I'd recommend starting with: http://www.paleonu.com/what-is-panu/ http://www.paleonu.com/get-started/ http://www.marksdailyapple.com/primal-blueprint-101/ Regarding what to buy organic, I try to go with the recommendations on the following list. The lower numbers are probably fine to buy non-organic, but if you eat items higher on the list, you might want to make organic a priority. http://www.foodnews.org/fulllist.php Regarding GMOs: I am a biologist by training. I've read a lot of hysteria about GMOs. I haven't read a lot of concerns backed up with solid peer-reviewed research. However, I have plenty of reasons to be concerned about Big Ag taking over seed stocks, so I generally oppose GMOs. My response to GMOs is to buy from local farms whenever possible. And I doubt anyone is going to make GMO kale or Brussels sprouts anytime soon (not enough profit in those crops), so I'll keep on cultivating a taste for unpopular veggies. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted January 30, 2011 Author Share Posted January 30, 2011 I'm GF for sympathetic and preventive reasons, but I'm definitely sensitive to several food additives, several medications, and either soybean oil or partially hydrogenated oil (or both?). You might want to investigate the theory behind paleo eating. It has made it much easier for me to stick to stuff that I can tolerate, because stuff I can't tolerate is excluded by paleo's guiding principles. The basic idea is that grains and other 'neolithic' foods were introduced to the human diet relatively recently, and our bodies don't handle them as well as the foods that humans have been eating for a much longer period of time. Thanks. I read The Primal Blueprint last year and I implemented a lot of his ideas, and plan to revisit . We are now in an area where there is more local/organic to be found and more affordable. I need to add his newsletter. I'd also like a magazine, something in print, that would contain something like the latest food news, education about food labeling & processing, some information on government bias, new research, stuff like that. Something I could hand to ds to do a report, or to dh to read at his convenience. While I'm working to make better choices for my family I'd like to be informed about what else is going on in the industry itself. While fresh and local is great, that's not always what we can afford and I do buy some things in a box :D. I can and do read labels, but sometimes can't determine which is the lesser of two evils in regards to some of the labeling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravin Posted January 30, 2011 Share Posted January 30, 2011 For some background, I recommend Michael Pollan's books: The Omnivore's Dilemma In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto Food Rules: An Eater's Manual They have the bonus of an entertaining writing style (imo, at least). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.... Posted January 30, 2011 Share Posted January 30, 2011 Is there a Farmer's Market near you?? My husband also had cancer 2 years ago...in 17 different places. Can you believe it? The chemicals in our environment are bad, bad, bad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Giraffe Posted January 30, 2011 Share Posted January 30, 2011 Regarding what to buy organic, I try to go with the recommendations on the following list. The lower numbers are probably fine to buy non-organic, but if you eat items higher on the list, you might want to make organic a priority. http://www.foodnews.org/fulllist.php Trying to understand the list. If you eat a lot of celery, spinach, carrots, etc. - you're better going organic? Or am I misunderstanding? (It's early here, I'm rushing before church, please forgive me if this is obvious and I'm just sleep deprived and fuzzy-headed.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jplain Posted January 30, 2011 Share Posted January 30, 2011 Trying to understand the list. If you eat a lot of celery, spinach, carrots, etc. - you're better going organic? Or am I misunderstanding? (It's early here, I'm rushing before church, please forgive me if this is obvious and I'm just sleep deprived and fuzzy-headed.) Yeah, it can be a little confusing. Yes, celery, peaches, apples, bell peppers, etc. are more likely to contain pesticide residue(s), so it may be a better idea to purchase those organic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FaithManor Posted January 30, 2011 Share Posted January 30, 2011 Also, if you are going to eat strawberries, eat organic, grow yourself, or get them from an Amish Farmer who doesn't buy any convention sprays. Those soft exteriors means that they absorb the toxins into the fruit and damage it's DNA...proven in several countries but the FDA, USDA, and EPA - generally controlled through lobbying and large contributions from big Ag and big pharm companies - refuse to accept the studies, though they have been vetted by the appropriate international science watch dogs. So, if you are trying to make a list of the best things to spend that extra money on for organics - strawberries should be at the top of the list. I am not certain where you live, but if you are within driving distance of some good state land and live north of a line extending west of the Ohio River through say, Kansas...that line then needs to jut north a couple hundred miles or more after that because of the drier areas, you may be able to pick blueberries and blackberries on stateland. We do. Our DNR does not spray any of these areas as they are trying to let the forests and wetlands within the state's control be wild, natural, and uncontaminated for wildlife. So, it's good, clean food. Also, raspberry canes are prolific and I swear they will grow just about anywhere! You can't kill raspberry canes or so it seems. They'll even grow in containers and are very pretty. I know several people who live in covenanted suburban homes who planted them as ornamental shrubs (just be active with the pruning sheers after the first year - let them grow unmolested that first year) in their backyard landscaping. They get several quarts a year...some for eating fresh and some for freezing. This kind of thing makes me crazy. All of these things were allowed into our food supply. The USDA and FDA's policy that "it's safe until we find out later that it's not" is a policy of legalized murder if you ask me. It's interesting that cancer was very, very rare in this nation until after WWII and the guy that invented the EKG machine was laughed out of Harvard because cardiac problems, except for in the very, very old, was also rare despite in the 1910-1920's the average American consuming massive amounts of saturated fat...pork, 18 lbs of butter per person per year, whole milk, etc. Faith Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted January 30, 2011 Author Share Posted January 30, 2011 Thank you all. I'm just waking up again and will look into your suggestions. I am reminded of the book The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear. There's probably a retelling of it to be told rattling around in my brain. It could involve the mouse letting the bear have the strawberry to avoid ingesting all the chemicals himself, or perhaps the mouse lives on an organic farm...:lol: I'm off to get coffee now (I'm not reading the label on that for now) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texasmama Posted January 30, 2011 Share Posted January 30, 2011 Do you have a Costco nearby...or even one within driving distance which would make a once a month trip worthwhile? They have reasonably priced organics, nuts, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheryl Posted January 30, 2011 Share Posted January 30, 2011 We have a tiny garden and we grow organic veggies. Honestly we don't even put bloodmeal on anymore. Sun and rain from Heaven. We water of course, but no chemicals whatsoever. Now, I'm beginning to wonder about the water...:glare: I do buy organic, as much as I can (afford), at the health food store, but now, again, I'm wondering about that. :bigear::bigear::bigear: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SonshineLearner Posted January 30, 2011 Share Posted January 30, 2011 Here's a book that comes with a recommendation from a DR that is known. "Outsmart your Cancer". Someone here recommended it to us. It's very informative and solid on the suggestions for what to eat and the reasons behind it. I'll tell you that I'm also VERY excited about the Vitamix to blend it all (hello "beautiful" green smoothies) and the only thing the book didn't mention... was beetroots... That's an extra that I saw in another book. They said that beetroots are healthy... and help "break down" the cancer cells... but you do want to see what the guidelines would be... Not sure how much to eat... still checking... (if in huge quantities could make it hard for the liver to catch up) Sorry... and.... Well... hoping you find what you need!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justamouse Posted January 30, 2011 Share Posted January 30, 2011 For some background, I recommend Michael Pollan's books: The Omnivore's Dilemma In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto Food Rules: An Eater's Manual They have the bonus of an entertaining writing style (imo, at least). Excellent books. I actually required my 16 yo to read them for school. She started eating better right away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted January 30, 2011 Author Share Posted January 30, 2011 Again, thank you all. I'm taking lots of notes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audrey Posted January 30, 2011 Share Posted January 30, 2011 How much could you grow yourself? I know that's not a practical solution for many, but it could solve a large part of the equation for you if you are able to grow some yourself. Grow extra, if you can, and learn to preserve your bounty (canning, freezing, storing, etc.). Second best would be to establish a relationship with a reliable grower, market gardener, or a reputable food co-op (not all food co-ops are equal). Eating seasonally is something else to consider. It does limit your choices (for us, especially in winter), but you'd be surprised at how you feel about food when you can't get certain things all year around. The first strawberries of summer are the most wonderful joy! My dh will talk about getting fresh garden lettuce for months before Spring. You really appreciate what you have when you can't get it on demand 24/7/365. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OrganicAnn Posted January 30, 2011 Share Posted January 30, 2011 (edited) We like to grow our own as much as possible. We make up our own pasta sauce and freeze it in the later summer. We eat out of the garden all summer and about 1/2 the rest of the year. We definitely run out before the spring comes, but we keep getting better. Also last year we've added apple and pear trees. You can get dwarf varieties if you don't have much room. Research the varieties that do not require pesticides, since many apples will be wormy if you don't spray or get a good variety. Some people will even convert their front yards in order to grow fruits and veggies. Make small changes each and every year. Also more farmer markets are staying open all year. We try to buy eggs from the farmers market and also fruit or veg that we can't grow or didn't do well. It is disheartening to distrust the food produced in the US and sold in US stores. Organic gardening magazine is very up on all the issues. They also have a website. If that helps. Edited January 30, 2011 by OrganicAnn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gratia271 Posted January 30, 2011 Share Posted January 30, 2011 For some background, I recommend Michael Pollan's books: The Omnivore's Dilemma In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto Food Rules: An Eater's Manual They have the bonus of an entertaining writing style (imo, at least). Thanks. I am going to try to locate these at my library. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simka2 Posted January 30, 2011 Share Posted January 30, 2011 I am so sick of food not being food. I feel like I need a chemistry degree to read food labels. I've already had cancer once, I have some food intolerances, and am prone to other food related issues. (VEnt) I am excited to find since we moved we have a great small store near us. They carry organic, gluten-free products and have awesome prices. However, they don't sell fresh food or refrigerated products. So aside from an organic co-op, which I can not afford, how can one learn about all these food/not food issues? I've perused blogs and websites, but I'd like a magazine maybe about organic food, what the corporate busybodies are doing, how to be more proactive about my food, cutting edge information. I'd like something that is written in layman's terms, but not at the soundbite level. (I subscribed to Prevention for a year, it felt like I was reading ads) :confused:, and not something that I need a degree in agriculture to decipher either. I'd like to know the plain truth (no preservative or additives :tongue_smilie:) about my food, but it's all getting somewhat confusing. Any hive suggestions???? Have you found the store just south of you right off 35 next to the fireworks stand? I can't remember there name, but the prices were amazing...I just wish they had a seasonal produce stand too. Costco is in Independence! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted January 31, 2011 Author Share Posted January 31, 2011 How much could you grow yourself? I know that's not a practical solution for many, but it could solve a large part of the equation for you if you are able to grow some yourself. Grow extra, if you can, and learn to preserve your bounty (canning, freezing, storing, etc.). Second best would be to establish a relationship with a reliable grower, market gardener, or a reputable food co-op (not all food co-ops are equal). Eating seasonally is something else to consider. . We just moved to a small city lot. We do have a mature pear tree but by the time we closed on the house the pears were gone for the year. We hope to have a small garden next year, but I've never been successful at growing much (I kill house plants) so I'm hoping dh will take this on as a hobby we can do together. Make small changes each and every year. Also more farmer markets are staying open all year. We try to buy eggs from the farmers market and also fruit or veg that we can't grow or didn't do well. It is disheartening to distrust the food produced in the US and sold in US stores. Organic gardening magazine is very up on all the issues. They also have a website. If that helps. Thanks, I'll look into Organic Living. I haven't looked into the Farmer's Market here to see if they're year round. I would like to find fresh eggs. Have you found the store just south of you right off 35 next to the fireworks stand? I can't remember there name, but the prices were amazing...I just wish they had a seasonal produce stand too. Costco is in Independence! I haven't been there, but there is another grocery in town that has organics/gluten free. They don't carry fresh items, but have a plethora of healthy snacks. I swear I heard a chorus of Hallelujah when I walked in there. They buy things like dented boxes and items nearing their expiration date so their prices are cheaper than Walmart. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SonshineLearner Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 Hey :) If you don't have time to read the book... broccoli (not organic is better than not at all)... and my mom peeled the stalk and ate that too... like carrot sticks... raspberries, blueberries, beets (can be raw... best for you... find the right dosage... you don't want...too many... as they detox your body... so you don't want your liver to go nuts... and it mentions that you want to be careful) medicinal mushrooms... figs... and by eating protein like almonds with things that break down into sugars... you help your Insulin?? levels... You want to NOT eat sugar that is processed.... My mom started doing green smoothies with kale and other "stuff".... and a probiotic that isn't dairy based. (You want low to no meat/chicken... and not to eat dairy... although I'm not sure about eating things like yogurt... no sugar:)) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audrey Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 We just moved to a small city lot. We do have a mature pear tree but by the time we closed on the house the pears were gone for the year. We hope to have a small garden next year, but I've never been successful at growing much (I kill house plants) so I'm hoping dh will take this on as a hobby we can do together. Houseplants are a whole 'nother ballgame. You'll be fine with a garden, I'll bet. I would recommend you take a look at the classic Square Foot Gardening. Any decent library should have it to check out. It's also fairly cheap on Amazon, and worth every penny. You could start planning now and sleep to dreams of a bountiful garden. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LittleIzumi Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 Houseplants are a whole 'nother ballgame. You'll be fine with a garden, I'll bet. I would recommend you take a look at the classic Square Foot Gardening. Any decent library should have it to check out. It's also fairly cheap on Amazon, and worth every penny. You could start planning now and sleep to dreams of a bountiful garden. :001_smile: :iagree::iagree::iagree: I kill houseplants too. Still have my Square Foot Garden out back! ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted January 31, 2011 Author Share Posted January 31, 2011 Houseplants are a whole 'nother ballgame. You'll be fine with a garden, I'll bet. I would recommend you take a look at the classic Square Foot Gardening. Any decent library should have it to check out. It's also fairly cheap on Amazon, and worth every penny. You could start planning now and sleep to dreams of a bountiful garden. :001_smile: :iagree::iagree::iagree: I kill houseplants too. Still have my Square Foot Garden out back! ;) Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.