Over the past 2 years I've resolved to learn how to cook while branching out into new recipe territories. I'm happy to say these resolutions have led me into a more thoughtful way of thinking about and preparing the foods I eat on a regular basis.
Through learning and loving the process of assembling a recipe from start to finish with basic raw ingredients, I now look at food in a completely new way. To expand on the resolutions that have helped me acquire a new skill, this year I resolve to take it a step further by continuing to learn more about where these ingredients come from and what they contain. I'd like to place an even greater emphasis on supporting local farms and markets, eating organic, and avoiding foods which contain high fructose corn syrup when possible. Definitely not saying this will be an all or nothing change, but I want to take baby steps over time...starting today.
Sound interesting or just what am I talking about, you say? I'd recommend a couple films I've watched recently that led me to this year's resolution:
If you've got recommendations for my resolution, tips, or even more films, books, or other media that may help in my personal food education, would love to read them in the comments. Happy New Year to each of you; you all contribute so much to my life. Here's wishing you much success and happiness in 2010!
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That is a wonderful resolution and not far off from one of mine.
ReplyDeleteTo start off this new year my husband and I are eating raw for the first week. My main goal this year is to get my family to eat about 80% raw everyday.
It takes such time and dedication to change eating habits and I wish you the best with your 'thoughtful consumption'!
Happy New Year!
I love this resolution, and am definitely trying to incorporate these ideas into my life too. In fact, my husband and I were just talking about this last night! If you haven't yet read 'The Great American Detox Diet' by Alex Jameison (partner of Morgan Spurlock, Super Size Me) I would highly recommend it. It isn't a diet book, but is a kind of how-to vegan detox. However, even if you don't do the detox, the research and info into where our food comes from and the way we think about eating was totally inspiring for me, ha and sometimes terrifying.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year! I didn't realise you had a blog, and I'm glad to have found this wee space :)
Great resolution. I love cooking from scratch with ingredients that come from local or family farms. Makes me happy to know I'm getting fresh, local, 'real' food.
ReplyDeleteAnother movie you might want to check out is Fresh: http://www.freshthemovie.com/
It paints an amazingly clear picture of Big Food without demonizing anyone, and it helped me understand better what it is I'm choosing when I choose what I wat.
i love how you phrased it. 'thoughtful consumption'. i try to both eat & purchase mindfully. its a great way to live, but like everything- moderation is key. if a coworker offers m&ms there is no reason to turn them down!
ReplyDeletethat being said, i recommend The Omnivore's Dilemma [of course] but also the book Stuffed & Starved. It completely got my boyfriend on the sustainability bandwagon. And lastly, the website www.good.is its a great resource.
Hi Mary,
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed reading your new year's resolution post! I must watch Food, Inc.--i keep meaning to. Thought I should stop in and say "hello" as I've finally joined blogger :)
Wishing you a wonderful New Year!
Suzanna (aka sushipot)
Miss Mary, heloooooooo!
ReplyDeleteYou are my first blog visit for the new year ;)
I am so with you. I love to cook, I love fresh natural ingredients. I am mastering baking my own bread, of which I just nibbled the last piece.
I have a movie in my netflix queue called "to market to market, to buy a fat pig." I am not sure if it will be good, it doesn't teach about food per se, but it is said to inspire for the desire to shop for ingredients. We shall see ;)
I have missed visiting you, I am salivating over the mermaid knife necklace. I have not been a very good blog reader this year, with construction and such at our pad, but in going over the important places on my list, you are one for sure. I met you in the beginning of my blogging adventure years ago, and I still love your vibe.
Warmest ~ V
Happy New Year Mary,
ReplyDeleteThoughtful consumption is really a lovely way to put it. The more you do it, the easier it becomes. I stopped eating meat about 15 years ago and it has made a great difference in my life, not just the food choices I make.
I think your book choices and videos are really good. I find that buying locally in season and our vegetables and fruit from the Asian market in the winter is a good choice. Plus, you can get great grains in bulk.
I wish you great success in your journey.
xoSherry
This is such a great post, I completely identify with it and have also been on a similar journey of "thoughtful consumption." Books I recommend on the subject are:
ReplyDelete-Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver
-In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan (all of his books are amazing!)
-Food Not Lawns by H.C Flores
-Anything by Vandana Shiva or Wendell Berry
Thanks for sharing this! I look forward to checking out some the documentaries that were listed in your post and in the comments.
Wishing you all the best!