Cleaning It Up: Final Countdown

I have shopped at 3 stores (some 2 times) and stopped at the farm to stock up on all of the things I will need beginning on January 2. And I have made some observations.

First, eating healthy is expensive. I am struck that highly processed foods (take boxed mac-and-cheese for example) is so inexpensive while food in its simplest form is much more pricey. My grocery budget was larger this week and I do understand that produce, for example, is more fragile to ship than boxed meals, but very little needs to be done to it to prepare it prior to shipping. Think of all the steps it takes for a box of mac-and-cheese to be produced vs. an apple: noodles, cheese powder, cardboard box, little bag vs. tree. (I know I am simplifying things but it is an intriguing concept.)

Second, the majority of the grocery store is processed foods. I searched in a new store for frozen raspberries. There is one small shelf for frozen fruit. There is an entire wall of ice cream and another wall of packaged dinners. Have you seen how many ways you can consume a potato from the frozen food section? We are a do it fast society and many of our consumed items are pre-made.

Finally, I pride myself on being fairly aware of what I put into my body. I have read The Omnivores Dilemma and watched Food Inc. I have been a member of a CSA (community supported agriculture) farm for years. I order my beef, pork, and chicken from farmers that I have actually had conversations with. But I consume so many other things. I absentmindedly munch on crackers or pre-made dips without giving much thought to where they come from or how they got to my kitchen. I love quick meals and convenience snacks for my busy family because they are so easy to make. And, they are everywhere!

So I will take this journey one step at a time, knowing that I can't make every change at once (that would be too overwhelming), I have to live in this society and don't want to be that house guest who annoys her host with special food requests, and I will do the best that I can. I will forgive myself for the occasional stop at the drive through window (after these 3 weeks, of course). I will also continue to teach my kids to think about their food choices and my primary method of teaching will be with my actions.

And for three weeks, I will feel good about what I eat and hopefully just feel good.

Happy eating!

Kara