Food is such a complicated and touchy subject. At some point in the quest for simple living, the subject of what to eat will come up. People often make judgements about someone's lifestyle by how they eat, just as they do with raising children, watching television, keeping a supply of reusable bags ready to go, driving a hulk vs. a compact, or anything else. It can be used as a sort of barometer about where our mindfulness lies. Of course, people are quite often wrong about these stereotypes, but it doesn't stop them making them - and food can be explosive. Anyone who has stumbled upon an argument involving Weston Price followers and vegans/vegetarians knows this.
My upbringing and background are very health conscious, so it's natural that I would be actively seeking to improve my family's diet now that I'm older too. The question is: Just what is the best way to eat?
We eat a diet of whole foods, mostly plants, some dairy, a little fish, very few sweets. I think our biggest vice is our overindulgence in bread. Just as I believe there is no one way to raise children, be a minimalist, worship, or live I don't believe there is one perfect way of eating that will satisfy and nourish all human beings. Because, um, we're all different and live in different places. I base my views on eating firmly around logic, and I'm certainly not going to expect Laplanders, Inuits, or Saharans (or anyone else, for that matter) to become vegetarian in climates that clearly cannot support growing produce for much, if not all of the year. And no, I have heard the argument that they could import these items - I see that as completely unsustainable, both economically and environmentally.
We are bombarded not only about what food is better to eat, but also the pros and cons of certain foods, sometimes backed up by scientific studies, often not. I find it incredibly difficult to wade through the chaff sometimes. For instance, a few years ago, after reading a series of articles about soy; I cut our consumption back to only one block of tofu a week for the four of us. While I was concerned about The Simple Man possibly getting too much estrogen from soy, I was more horrified by the suggestion that it might block nutrients from getting to the thyroid, causing it to glean what it could from other sources, as in nuclear. We in Philadelphia are surrounded by working power plants and the rate of thyroid cancer in our area is 42% higher than the national average, and is thought to be linked to the plants. BUT THEN, Leo Babauta wrote this fantastic article about soy, and I'm completely rethinking my views on it. I still don't want to eat highly processed soy, but I'd definitely add more tofu, which we all love, back in, and not be so wary of other soy products. I had no idea there was such an underlying agenda against soy, but I realized how clear it was after reading his post. All this is to say, at least in my case, instead of truly researching new information (which, frankly, I don't even know how to do, especially when we're talking about peer reviewed studies . . .blahblahblah) I just believed. Hmmm.
Another food I quit buying was agave syrup. Again, I read some eyebrow raising facts about it, such as it being anywhere from 50% to 90% fructose (HFCS is only about 45%) and how refined and processed it is. I really loved it too, but I gave it up, worrying about the fact that fructose is processed in the liver. A friend recently asked, on this post from last year about jaggery (unrefined sugar) whether raw agave was better than regular. I don't know, but I started reading about agave again. While it's been proven that a steady diet very high in HFCS will damage the liver, will eating a few tablespoons of agave a day harm you? Just as consuming some dairy and meat? Or soy? And after all, a lot of fruit has a very high fructose content, and while fruit is in it's original form, I still wonder.
I don't know the answer to this. It seems that in our society we want to be able definitively label foods good or bad according to our own agendas and beliefs. I'm also backing away from information propagated by groups who are dogmatically attached to a certain way of eating no matter what. I'm beginning to think that's simply not the way to choose what to eat. Naturally I'm not talking about highly processed and refined foods, but rather the arguments for and against meat, dairy, various sweeteners, lowfat vs. regular fat, soy etc. I've even recently seen articles advocating against honey because it's too sweet and I just have to say, seriously, give it a rest people. Honey is like a magical food, I will believe nothing else!
I'll end my food musings here, and just say that this post is about health. Also, I know there are people who feel it's wrong to eat animal products, just as there are people who feel that animals were given to mankind in order for us to eat them - I respect both positions, while not adhering to either one. I prefer not to eat meat that isn't fish, and that feeling is primarily compassion based, but I'm flexible, and if I were truly starving, I'd have no compunction whatsoever!
Tell me how you eat and if it's related to simple living. Are you eating the way you want to? Are you confused about what's healthy or not? Strong feelings one way or the other?
Edited to add (8/18/2011): Two things - first of all, I think it's so great this discussion has been so civil! I was worried because a lot of people unsubscribed when this post came out and I thought maybe it was offensive, but everyone's comments have been so interesting, so I appreciate it!
Secondly, I mentioned that I don't know the answer to the agave question. Just this morning, though, I came across an outstanding series of articles on it and felt I had to share, since it was agave that sparked this post. Below are the links:
http://betterworldcookies.blogspot.com/2010/06/why-i-use-agave-nectar-examination-of.html
http://www.braintoniq.com/is-agave-bad-for-you-fallacy.php
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA400722/Is-Agave-Syrup-Dangerous.html
Go forth and be informed! Or maybe more confused, but hopefully not!
I eat vegan, with a focus on whole foods. I cook most meals from scratch. I also make my own jam and pickles and some other preserving. I do think it related to a simplified life, because my meals are real, not processed. It's not easy, but it's simple. I like the Michael Pollan quote "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants". Easy, simple, good.
Posted by: Camellia Senensis | 08/16/2011 at 09:57 PM
"Food can be explosive. Anyone who has stumbled upon an argument involving Weston Price followers and vegans/vegetarians knows this."
LOL! It totally can be. I'm on the Weston Price side of things, but look at their recommendations wtih a lot of skepticism also, especially the breastfeeding stuff. Some things they say are backed by good science, some is iffy, like so many things. For me, cod liver oil pulled me out of a suicidal depression almost miraculously fast (just one $9 bottle) and raw milk did a huge amount for me healthwise. However, I do agree with Michael Pollan's quote and try to eat plenty of fruit and veggies and nuts. For me, I am TRYING to make my food choices based on "Pretend I grew/killed this." When I do that it's like magic how well balanced I eat. However, I still eat way too much sugar most of the time and am working on that. The more fat and overall super nutritious food I eat, the less sugar I want, so it's interesting, but I have made progress the last few years. I'm as educated as a major health nut, but don't look like one yet!
Posted by: ladycopper5 | 08/16/2011 at 11:09 PM
I think that Michael Pollan quote is words to live by! I also like his little reminder to not eat anything your great grandmother wouldn't recognize - very helpful, especially when shopping with the kids.
I mostly cook from scratch also, because it's better for us, more environmentally sound (less packaging), and frugal. I definitely think that for us it's part of simple living. And I'd love to make my own jams and pickles, I missed out on preserving this year because my kitchen is being remodeled, but I have hopes for next year. Thanks for commenting!
Posted by: TheSimplePoppy | 08/17/2011 at 04:05 AM
Hi Ladycopper, I think the WAPF is on the right track with several things, but I would say that the sheer quantity of meat and dairy, as well as their avowal that high cholesterol isn't bad is my main issue with them. And yes, saying that a vegetarian mom's breastmilk is so lacking compared to an omnivore's that she should give baby homemade formula is just irresponsible, among other things. We use raw milk (love) and I completely know what your talking about with the cod liver oil. There have been extensive studies proving that the omega 3's in fish oil can dramatically help mood disorders, even major ones such as bi-polar. A close family member was helped by it, and my mom is always hounding me to take it for my um issues ...OCD and anxiety.
And what a great way to make your food choices - definitely cuts out a lot of crap, since most of us aren't whipping up batches of corn syrup in our kitchen!
Posted by: TheSimplePoppy | 08/17/2011 at 04:14 AM
My food views have changed and continue to change, but one thing that stays the same goes back to the Michael Pollan quote. I eat food (whole, both plant, fish, and some poultry, but no dairy.); not too much (the right number of calories for me and bmr); and mostly plants (eat enough fruit, veggies, and nuts to reflect my past vegan life, but no grains now -- found out gluten was the cause of my inflammation).
I'm currently grain free until my system purges them and then try adding in the non-gluten ones to see how I handle them.
Kim
Posted by: Kim H | 08/17/2011 at 06:50 AM
Hi Kim, you bring up a great point - things change! Our bodies and circumstances change, sometimes being a vegan is what saves our health and then we realize sometime later than we need other items or vice versa. I think for the person on a typical American diet, their system is probably overwhelmed and any step in a healthful direction is good. Once you've been eating relatively well, you can then find out what your particular needs are - I guess how you discovered your grain problem!
I went over to your site - your story is inspiring! I find it so sad that at the young age of 40 your doctors told you what you were going through was normal and handed you a prescription. Where is the prevention in this country?!?! People at 40 can and should be vibrant and healthy! You look great, too.
Posted by: TheSimplePoppy | 08/17/2011 at 08:52 AM
I find the tendancy to fall back on studies as evidence of proper nutrition to be concerning, mainly because with human beings and nutrition there is an infinite number of variables to contend with. All studies, no matter how random or broad or lengthy will always encounter that roadblock. Nutritional studies aren't repeatable, and by definition are junk science. Even two family members who had lived in close quarters all their lives can potentially have very different results thanks to unforseen circumstances.
It's sad but I think that science knows less about nutrition than our own instincts do - and my instincts tell me that eating mostly raw vegetables & fruit with eggs, some dairy and occasional meat is the best way to go. But that's just me, and what everyone else eats is their business! ;)
Posted by: Karma | 08/17/2011 at 01:56 PM
Hi Karma, I agree with you about studies. I mean, I do read some, but I've dismissed many others. I think I learned my lesson with the soy! Also, as you say, there are too many variables involving not only the individual person but also where they live etc. for one diet to work for everyone.
For a long time I was very dedicated to eating no meat and eggs at all, as well as going through an 8 year period of veganism. Then I started to get interested in Ayurveda, which bases food selections around a person's core body type and realized that good dairy would benefit me. After I had children I began to crave fish, so I eat that on occasion too. I'm done labeling myself! I'm happy following my instincts, as you say. Thanks for commenting.
Posted by: TheSimplePoppy | 08/17/2011 at 04:08 PM
This is my first time commenting. I am so glad you wrote this because I am confused. I hear totally opposite nutritional advice every day. I've read The China Study and The Primal Blueprint. Both claim absolute knowledge on what's best and they're as different as different can be. It can be argued that veganism and carnivorism (sp?) are both whole foods approaches to eating. But HOW can they both be right? I swear, I have an identity crisis every time I walk into the grocery store these days. So many people I know now, especially those in excellent physical shape, are eating "primal".
Posted by: kerri.pelz@gmail.com | 08/17/2011 at 05:56 PM
I just found your blog a couple of weeks ago, and I love it. I think you are a very refreshing read ;-) I try to eat vegan, and I try to eat raw. That said, I don't always do so well. I have a really hard time giving up meat -- maybe because my husband is a butcher, and he's does wonderful bbq. But. . . I always try -- day in and day out I try. Some days are only fruit and I try to eat out of the same bowl each meal too (washing in between of course). Tonight it was sauteed fresh kale, broccoli, yellow squash and onions out of the garden over brown rice -- delicious! I am enjoying simplifying my life. Downsizing and decluttering have been making me so happy. I've been on the path since May after reading Francine Jays' book.
Posted by: Heidi | 08/17/2011 at 11:23 PM
Hey Kerri - I know, it IS confusing! I think you have to listen to your body and figure out what you are drawn to. And, as others have mentioned, that might change over time as you acclimate to a healthier diet. The only thing I think about with the Primal or Traditional diets, which I mentioned above, is the sheer amount of meat eaten. I think some people can handle it, other people genetically can't. I've known people in their mid 20's eating this way who end up having very high cholesterol and having to rethink it. I mean, bacon several times a day! Maybe if you try what appeals to you most and see how you feel. It's really hard to know what's right for you from a study, but at some point your body WILL tell you! Good luck!
Posted by: TheSimplePoppy | 08/18/2011 at 04:39 AM
Hi Heidi - I can't believe you're going vegan while your husband is a butcher! Must be awfully hard, what does he think?
Your garden meal sounds delicious, maybe it makes up for the meat you're not eating? I'm reminded of Mark Bittman (the food writer) who had some health problems and decided to go vegan for breakfast and lunch, but not dinner. He couldn't give up meat because food is his living and he has to try different things, but he found that his health improved remarkably just going vegan for those two meals. There's all kinds of option out there!
I too, love the one bowl philosophy, I've been intending to start it myself, but with our kitchen a mess and we only have one bowl now after a lot of breakage, the toddler has first dibs on it! Francine's book is the best - I'm so glad it's making such a difference in people's lives - I know it did in mine! Thanks for reading and commenting, Heidi.
Posted by: TheSimplePoppy | 08/18/2011 at 04:45 AM
I just turned 60 and have not eaten meat (except, I admit, the occasional piece of irresistible bacon at a conference!) since I was 28. When we made the decision to stop eating meat, my husband was already disturbed by animal treatment; I was more motivated by the food chain and the fact that U.S. cattle are better fed that many people in the world. I never tried to foist my stance on anyone else, but even in the 70s and 90s, people would get very defensive when they heard I didn't eat meat. "I almost never eat red meat, just chicken" would be the kind of reaction I'd hear.
I had my own eating journey to travel-- more related to letting go of compulsive overeating habits I developed as a child and the extra weight that came with it. I'm aware of the frenetic intensity of the food conversation in our culture, but maybe because I've been living with my non-meat decision for over 30 years, I'm secure in my decision and I don't feel a lot of anxiety about what to eat and not eat.
Which doesn't mean I haven't made changes. As I age, I'm more aware of health issues. My mother and my sister both died of pancreatic cancer and I believe animal fats are complicit in certain cancers, so I've cut way back on dairy. I also now eat a variety of fruit-- a big change. Because I didn't know otherwise, I thought I was normal before, but now I realize I was semi-constipated for many years. As soon as I started eating fruit everyday, that changed. I feel so much better!
I think we need to lighten up about food. The self-righteous black/white, us/them approach to food doesn't make eating decisions any easier for people. I also see the intense polarization of the food discussions as part of a larger anxiety that is everywhere in our culture.
Posted by: Louisa | 08/18/2011 at 08:27 AM
Hi Louisa - I have found people are defensive about this also, which is part of the reason why I didn't ever announce my quasi-vegetarianism unless I had to. I don't believe in lambasting people about their food decisions, as you mentioned, it's very polarizing and to my mind, completely unnecessary. We all make choices all day long, all year long, all life long, that will differ from other people's because WE ARE DIFFERENT!
I find your story about eating more fruit similar to what other people have said. Even after years of eating mindfully, people can change one thing and suddenly realize that they feel much better! Amazing! I know that when I recently cut out wheat, added more fruit in the form of smoothies, I felt and looked fantastic. I can't keep that up all the time, but it's a good indication of the direction I should work towards. Thanks so much for commenting, Louisa!
Posted by: TheSimplePoppy | 08/18/2011 at 09:14 AM
Loving the topic!!! And I appreciate your approach to food more than you can imagine. I am completely plant based and have experienced seeing and feeling my body make this incredible transformation as a result of choosing the plant based journey. I did so about a year and a half ago. I have struggled with the same shrug your shoulders issues to soy and agave as well!!! And in the end, I just kinda gave up and chose to be neither here nor there. If I'm feeling like tofu today, so be it. If I feel like agave will work well with the apple crisp, so be it. Discovering brown rice syrup helped ease me away from agave but again, if im feeling it, I go for it!
My boyfriend hopped on the plant based wagon 3 months ago. This was his own decision. Sounds crazy but I can say that I never not once urged or asked him to take this path with me. We have been together for 5 years so If I wanted to urge him, I would have trust me!! I asked him the other day what his motivation was and his answer made my heart smile. He said that watching me become so excited about food, and so enthusiastic about the learning process that goes along with changing ones eating lifestyle really motivated him. He said he has never seen me so passionate about anything else and wanted some of that passion himself. He is really enjoying his journey so far and it's been a magical time. I think the key is to be undertanding of everyones' journey, to continue learning every day and to remember to love yourself every day!!!
Posted by: Tali | 08/18/2011 at 10:51 AM
Interesting. I *just* learned about WAPF a few days ago. Some things definitely resonate: grass-fed livestock vs. grain-fed; non-factory-farmed meats from responsible farmers; fermented cod liver oil. I could never follow a real WAPF diet for a number of reasons, but it certainly made me think about my food choices in a different way. I am a poor graduate student in a large city, so I do have many food options, even if many of the options I'd like to choose are not in my budget. I eat meat infrequently, mostly because I can't afford the quality of meat I would prefer. I eat as many vegetables as I can get. I've mostly cut out dairy because it doesn't agree with me.
The more I think about the impact of my dietary decisions, the simpler my diet and my approach to eating becomes. Even better, though, is that I've become a lot healthier: my nails and hair are growing stronger; my teeth feel stronger; I tend to bloat less and experience less severe PMS. All really interesting.
Thanks for this post.
Posted by: philosophotarian | 08/18/2011 at 11:51 AM
Hi Tali! Wow, your enthusiasm is obviously catching, as they say, if it impressed your boyfriend enough to change his diet too! I must be doing something wrong! My husband and I grew up vegetarian, and we eat as I've described in my post, but he's unwilling to try anything too off the beaten path, like a cleanse or cutting out wheat.
While I'm not glad everyone seems confused about what's healthy, I'm grateful to know I'm not the only one. I feel more and more confident about making choices based on how I FEEL rather than what someone else says or what I read. It's so great that you feel transformed by your diet, and now you get to share that with your partner! I love your last line - so true!
Posted by: TheSimplePoppy | 08/18/2011 at 12:14 PM
Hi Philosophotarian, there are certain things I appreciate about WAPF also - I definitely believe that animals should eat what they were intended to eat, both for their own health, but also and especially if we choose to partake in animal foods. That just makes sense to me. I knew when I discovered and read about them that I would never follow it because I don't believe their core philosophy involving animal products, BUT there is no sense in throwing the baby out with the bath water! When someone says something that you feel is right, you don't have to believe everything else they say.
You bring up something that bothers me a lot about healthier eating habits; it's not always available to those who don't have money. I know that if my family were true omnivores, we'd probably still be eating almost exactly the same way because I cannot imagine being able to afford pastured organic meat more than maybe once a month. As it is, I have to choose between organic and non organic as well as getting vegetables that go farther than something expensive and delicious, like asparagus. Sometimes it seems like the elite are the only one's who can afford to better their lives. Thanks for reading!
Posted by: TheSimplePoppy | 08/18/2011 at 12:33 PM
I have to laugh about the "one bowl left after the toddler broke them all" We also only have one bowl. I guess it is a good think I am taking a pottery class this fall!
Posted by: jaime | 08/18/2011 at 04:38 PM
Pottery class sounds like loads of fun. I've been scouring etsy for a perfect bowl for my one bowl eating. I thought about getting everyone their own special bowl because I love that idea - but it's expensive and I'm not sure how many of us can be trusted not to break beautiful pottery. Ahem. Maybe when the squirt is older!
Posted by: TheSimplePoppy | 08/19/2011 at 08:09 AM
I've been traveling on this food journey since 2007, so my husband is used to it now. Knowing that he's not going to go vegetarian and certainly not vegan, has helped me to be more compassionate about other people's food choices. During this journey, I have learned how difficult food addictions are to break. Knowing that food addictions are so strong for some, makes me more compassionate about what others choose to eat.
I, too, have been looking on Etsy for the perfect bowl for all meals and all seasons. I'm drawn to the beautiful hand carved wooden bowls.
Posted by: Heidi | 08/20/2011 at 08:38 PM
Just found your blog and LOVE it! For me, I'm a staunch vegetarian who eats eggs and just learned that I can start eating dairy again. My faults are that I love processed crap. Even though I buy organic, the items still lack almost any nutritional value. I'm trying to learn to cook more and use more fruits & veggies. It's a long, hard road...but all I can do is try.
Posted by: Megyn @ Minimalist Mommi | 08/25/2011 at 12:10 PM
Hi Megyn, I'm glad you're enjoying the blog! I think most of us like processed crap. In our house I've pretty much weeded out that kind of stuff, but we are still loving pretty hard on cereal bars, which, as you so rightly pointed out, are organic, but nutritionally value-less. I'm not sweating the small stuff. I've found for our family that our real problem lies not in eating crap food, but in not eating enough plant food - we eat too much bread! Thanks for reading!
Posted by: TheSimplePoppy | 08/25/2011 at 04:57 PM
Came here from a link on someone else's blog... have had chronic illness for sometime and have tried various 'alternative' ways of eating for a number of years, recently I have gone back to ... A glass of water with a squeeze of lemon rising, followed by freshly juiced beet, carrot, celery, ginger, whatever greens I have and sometimes an apple to sweeten.
Then I eat my first meal when I feel hungry...sometimes soon after, sometimes up to 2 hours later. I try to space meals by at least 4 hours and only eat pesticide free or organic almonds for a snack if necessary.
I have gone back to no grains, eating 1/2 plate of veges, raw if possible or steamed (or as soup when really cold) and a small serve of animal protein- free range eggs, fish, chicken, or red meat occasionally.
I have almost cut out dairy again as well. This simple way of eating seems to suit my digestive system better and I feel more energised and my health has improved significantly.
For me grain foods and dairy clog up my system and add to the 'unwellness' this has been a journey of 6 years of trial and error and research and discovery.
I try to make a 'dressing' to pour over raw or steamed veges that is made from cold-pressed virgin olive oil, lemon juice, chopped parsley, garlic and a pinch of unprocessed Celtic sea salt.
Posted by: Delcie | 09/05/2011 at 12:21 AM
I can get so many best information about the foods with which we are going daily.they all have its own pros and cons too.Here you have provided such a great things about the Foods and their quality.
Posted by: steel buildings | 10/05/2011 at 01:36 AM