What Real Food Tastes Like

People said it would happen. I didn't believe them. They were right... About what you ask? That someday I would be able to taste the difference between "real"/whole foods and processed/artificial foods.

I thought that food was food. It either tastes good or it doesn't. I didn't get what it was to taste the "artificial." It's been almost a year since we significantly reduced our use of processed foods in exchange for whole/unprocessed foods. We did it out of necessity for my son's health/allergies but we have all benefited from the transition.

Today (and a few other times lately), in a hurry, I made a fast food choice to get by on for lunch. It tasted off, flavorless, with a residual flavor on the tongue afterwards. I missed the satisfied feeling when I was done. The difference is hard to explain, but "something" is missing and "something else" is in it's place that isn't quite right.

In that same way, I want to help kids learn early on about what real food tastes like. Join me over at Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution to speak up for students.

"The USDA is taking comments from the public on the new, healthier school meal guideline, and Jamie is speaking out in support of them. Will you join us and submit a comment to help get healthier school food standards put in place across the nation?" -- add your voice here

Learning

I've loved to cook pretty much all my life. Over time, I've started to do okay with it. Sometimes pretty darn good. Other times, complete disaster... but I'm learning.

Lately, I've been learning even more. So much of how and what I've learned over the years is missing information. I did the best with what I knew. But with what I'm learning about food today, genetic engineering, additives, preservatives, chemicals, etc... I have to do better.

If you haven't read already, I have a child with a severe peanut allergy. That is part of why I am on this food quest. We are taking him in next week for more testing to see if more allergies have appeared. Something isn't right and we are trying to find out exactly what that is.

In my quest, here are a few of the resources that have me thinking these days.

JAMIE OLIVER'S FOOD REVOLUTION

and his Petition to Change speaks to what we can do to create a healthier life for our families. Much of that is about cooking from scratch and not relying on processed foods. This is a quest that I've been on for a while. We do well, but there are still "easy" crutches in my cupboards.


THE UNHEALTHY TRUTH: How Our Food Is Making Us Sick and What We Can Do About It by Robyn O'Brien

This book was startling to me to find out how little testing was done on products that the FDA clears. The impact that all of the additives, engineering, chemicals, and processing has on health and allergies is unknown. But it doesn't have to be this way. Studies can be done, they just aren't funded except by major corporations.

As a mother with a food allergy child, I have lots of concerns about what this means. I'm not taking everything at face value of what I've read, but rather this is starting my quest to research.


So I'm passing this on for you and your family to do your own food quest. If you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them.

In the meantime, you might see a difference in the recipes you find here. I hope that you enjoy them a bit more knowing that they are better for you and your family. I know that I'm feeling better at my kitchen table...

Cheaper Doesn't = Frugal

Some of the recipes you may find on this blog aren't "cheap." You could follow the stockpiling blogs and shop for a lot less. However, that doesn't mean that you will eat well. And if you aren't eating well and balanced there is nothing frugal about it.

I'm just starting to truly learn the importance of that. What is a true value? Which organic items are worth the cost? Which foods add a great deal to a meal at a great price? Which items are important to be eating more of? These are all the questions I'm asking myself.

I want to eat well and eat food that I love. I want my kids to grow up and enjoy food responsibly - taking care of their bodies and health. I want the same thing for myself. Now in a new location it's a great time to reevaluate the way I eat and cook before getting established in my personal patterns.

This Week:

• Coconut oil - I've learned about it's health benefits for a long time. At room temperature it's a solid, but melts quickly and easily. I used it for stir fry this week. Planning on using for pancakes in the morning. I've heard it's great for skin as a moisturizer too. Time to read up. Do you use it? If so how?
• Flavored Stevia - It's a natural sweetener. It's taste is good, but the aftertaste is a bit acquired. Only a small amount is used, and it's very low calorie. I'm hoping to make my own coffee creamer. I love flavored creamers but reading the ingredient list is a bit frightening. I bought chocolate flavored to try making my own "chocolate milk."

Next Week:

• Looking for local co-op farms. Living in a rental isn't going to let me grow much, just what will fit on my mini deck in pots. So I'd like to find a place where I can make something grow.
• New Spices - I'm clearing out the old and starting over. Spices don't last forever. A store in town offers organic spices by the scoop at an incredibly low cost. I have my own spice rack/jars so this is perfect and inexpensive. What's the spice that you can't live without? Best surprise taste?
  

Your Turn

Here's your chance to share. I'd love to know what your favorite Christmas recipes, tips, and celebrations are. Share away!!! Please.

Needed: Blueberry Muffin Recipe

I'm looking for a blueberry muffin recipe. I've tried a lot and they are good, just not stellar. Do you have a recipe that you love and want to share? I'll gladly do a bake off with the ideas provided.

Looking for Inspiration

I find myself looking for inspiration. I've fallen into the rushed rut of cooking the same things. I have a recipe book full of favorite recipes ready to share with you, but I'm on a quest for imagination.

So this week I'm looking for something to light a fire in my soul and my mouth. Want to share with me what you love? What makes you happy when you eat?