As I mentioned in my last post, I am reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracleby Barbara Kingsolver and never have I been more inspired to make personal changes in my food choices. Many of the suggestions in this post will be points that I picked up from the book. What I know for sure is that I will no longer look at food value in the same way. I used to consider food value as a good deal at the grocery store. I looked for more and more bargains and then bought more and more food. Today, my outlook on buying food is more about quality. Food value now means to me that I will pay for food that will be nutritious and beneficial to my family. Massive choice is overrated. I think people shortchange quality food because the effects are not highly visible. It is not always easy to see the positive ways a body is responding.

1. Peaches in February means that they have likely traveled to you from Argentina. Which means they have very likely been genetically modified to travel well and have spent possibly a week in some sort box car or hull. Wait for fruits and vegetable to come in season and then buy them locally.
2. Buy organic when you can. If it is not organic, you and your children are consuming pesticides, food that is genetically modified to be indestructible, and artificial growth hormones. Sound delicious?
3. Buy free range when you can. If meat is not from a free range animal, then it has been genetically modified to withstand poor pen/coop conditions and produce more meat, and it has been fed food that it would not eat naturally.
4. Grow a garden. Getting involved in your own food production can make your family more aware of where food comes from. Carrot, potatoes, tomatoes, and radishes all grow from the dirt. Where does high fructose corn syrup come from? It is a fun family activity to get you outdoors as well.
5. Imagine each bite being the building block for your child’s healthy body. Don’t reach for the pre-packaged snacks. Peel a few carrots and store in the refrigerator for quick access. Spread some peanut butter on a slice of bread.
6. Truly consider the foods that you are picking up at the grocery store. Read the ingredients. Be thoughtful. Get out of a rut.

What are some ways that you are improving the food value for your family?