Raw Thoughts for Food
The driving reason that many of us seek out the raw food diet lifestyle is because we have discovered that the way we have been eating is not serving us, our health or our planet. I came across a quote from Jonathan Safran Foer’s Book, “Eating Animals”, that struck such a profound cord in me, I simply had to share it with you. The quote actually comes from Frank Reese of Good Shepherd Poultry, taken from a discussion of animal farming practices.
“Just the other day, one of the local pediatricians was telling me he’s seeing all kinds of illnesses that he never used to see. Not only juvenile diabetes, but inflammatory and autoimmune diseases that a lot of the doc’s don’t even know what to call. And girls are going through puberty much earlier, and kids are allergic to just about everything, and asthma is out of control. Everyone knows it’s our food. We’re messing with the genes of these animals, and then feeding them growth hormones and all kinds of drugs that we don’t really know enough about. And then we’re eating them. Kids today are the first generation to grow up on this stuff and we’re making a science experiment out of them.”
How often do we really consider where our food is coming from and what is actually in it. Was the soil it was grown in sterile, requiring petroleum based fertilizers or was it grown in healthy, organic matter, full of the minerals that our bodies so desperately need? Do we really put any thought into what we are putting in our mouths and calling food?
On Monday, our Challenge 21 tab will change. Join me on a 30 day, mindful eating challenge. We will be examining all kinds of issues associated with food. From becoming not only more aware of what you are eating, but also how you are eating. We will look into where our food comes from and our attitudes about it. It should be a fun and interesting journey, as we go deeper into our relationship with food.
Watzzupsport wrote on May 1, 2010
This is something that I hope comes across when I speak to people regards a rawfood lifestyle. It is not so much about what you eat but the consciousness of where it comes from, how did it impact the other balances of our lives. We have to remember the earth is a living breathing organism, we share the planet with other non 2 legged species that do not have a voice. Making a conscious choice in regards to food choices I believe leads to a greater conciseness of other issues.
Russell
Susan wrote on May 5, 2010
I couldn’t agree more.
Nancee wrote on May 1, 2010
Dear Susan,
Your message about beginning “Challenge 21” on Monday was like a spiritual sign that I have made the correct decision to enter a RAW and holistic lifestyle, instead of agreeing to taking the numerous pharmaceuticals suggested by my allopathic doctor last week to “solve” my health issues. I live in a little “meat and potatoes” town in The Ouachita Mountains (Arkansas), so I will have very little social life once I change my diet. But what the heck! We are what we eat — so my VitaMix, Excalibur, Cuisinart processor, Samson juicer and Positive Attitude await your wisdom and guidance, as well as the additional information from your fans! 😉
Gratefully yours, Nancee
Susan wrote on May 1, 2010
Nancee…I am happy to have you along for our exploration of mindful eating. We are going to be discussing issues surrounding why we eat, what we eat, etc. I do however feel that it is important to repeat our disclosure: because I am not a medical person, nothing written here should be taken as medical advice for treatment of any illness. If you are having health issues, I would continue to discuss with your doctor and let him know what your plans are. I encourage you to eat as healthy as you can.
Sarah Ince wrote on May 1, 2010
Count me in!
helene wrote on May 1, 2010
I too am an advocate of understanding what is happening in our environment and how it affects the foods we eat. This is why i started http://www.strawandberries.com which is a conscientious social bookmarking site that allows users to post their favorite vegan recipes, articles, books, products and related movies from their favorite blogs and sites and share it with others.
I am a huge fan of your site and have bookmarked a few of your recipes in our absolutely raw vegan recipe section. I love how you share and care about the foods we eat and you do it in such an eloquent way.
Barbcam wrote on May 1, 2010
Amen!
Kristina wrote on May 1, 2010
The gauntlet has been thrown down! I will give it a try.
Janet wrote on April 30, 2010
I’m in!
Roxanne wrote on April 30, 2010
It has been a year since I euthanized my best friend. The day was May 1,2009.
I have been punishing myself since the euthanization. So,I recently volunteered for the 2010, May Day Festival. Now,I can’t help but think of the animals that are or will be affected by the latest Oceanic Oil Spill.
Your upcoming “Mindful Eating Challenge” has been perfectly timed for me and others. Thank you.
Here is a link for anyone interested in attending a truly unusual May Day gathering.
http://hobt.org/