Industrial food and the cost of eating well

Food is once again in the fore front of my mind as I’ve just finished reading “In Defense of Food” by Michael Pollan. This is the third book of his that I have read and when I get my hands on the others I will read them too.

While I have always loved the whole subject of food and cooking I have discovered a fresh point of view in Pollan’s work. I have been chastened, educated, and inspired all at the same time. More than ever I am convinced that how we eat what we eat and where it comes from is as important as what we eat and how much we eat.

Raising 3 children really puts a sharp focus on what passes for food these days. Having the good luck to be raised with an appreciation for real food myself, I am appalled by the kinds of things we eat on regular basis. We actually have convinced our selves that “food” should last on a supermarket shelf indefinitely, and that indefinite food can still be good for us. Couple that with a general break down of the definition of cooking which has become heating, or just as likely re-heating, and its no wonder we have so many hangups and angst about food and diet.

There are a great many things we can and should do to regain our dietary footing (the effort could be the driver that serves to save the planet) and while the long list can be daunting I would suggest an easy starting point – grow some food. In the back yard, on the front stoop, a window box or a plant hanger. I guarantee you that the tomato or parsley or chives will be the best you’ve ever had.

Eat your view – KRAS