The Politics of Food

Image courtesy of Treehugger.com

Last week, I was horrified to learn that the USDA removed all regulations and restrictions on Monsanto's Genetically-Engineered (GE) alfalfa (USDA Newsroom Transcript). Yesterday, I read some disturbing information about Whole Foods and other known organic food companies that said that they were giving in to Monsanto (OCA Article). Last night, I read the Non-GMO (Genetically-Modified Organism) Project's response to that article which put Whole Foods (et al) in a much more favorable light (Non-GMO Project Article). So now, I am absorbing all that information.

Today, the USDA unveiled the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and much to my pleasant surprise...they favor vegetarian and vegan diets! Wow! This feels like this is such a huge step...although I'm still not at all happy with the USDA for their doings last week. Also today, I came across a petition to let President Obama know that I'm not happy with the USDA's decision last week to deregulate Monsanto's GE alfalfa (Organic Trade Association Public Policy link).

So, I've been watching a lot of documentaries lately about the food industry and the benefits of eating a plant-based diet. I've learned that the meat and dairy industries are supported by the USDA, the USDA has even sponsored some commercials for them. In the latest news out of the USDA office about the Dietary Guidelines, I am happy that they are encouraging people to eat more fruits, grains, veggies, and legumes but they could do better still, they don't happen to suggest to Americans that they could benefit greatly by eating less meat and dairy. Baby steps, I guess. Eventually I hope they will address this but for now I will be happy they've come this far. I look forward to the first legume commercial! "Beans Beans they're good for your heart...the more you eat, the more you...." oops, maybe not.

Documentaries I've watched so far...
Food, Inc.
Forks Over Knives
The Future of Food (watch for free on Hulu.com)
Chow Down (watch for free on Hulu.com)
Super Size Me (watch for free on Hulu.com)

Testing Testing...is this thing on?

Okay so I guess I'm finally making it official...my New Year's Resolution is to live more authentically and more in line with my beliefs. These beliefs are to take the absolute best care (within my abilities) of myself as well as the planet. To me, this means "going vegan". Wow. That's feels weird to say (or write). Really weird. So weird that I almost don't believe myself. Okay, well I don't expect to be flipping the switch on January 1 and actually I probably won't be giving up everything animal-based for at least a few months but I've decided that is where I want to put my focus right now...outside of searching for a job and school, of course. I have to say, it feels pretty scary and that's probably why...no, that IS why...I haven't already made the switch.

Scary because I really really enjoy my occasional steak and salmon, chicken wings from Teresa's Next Door, artisan cheeses, and sushi! OMG! I will most definitely miss cheese and sushi the most. Okay. Okay. Deep breath. That is why I'm not flipping the switch on January 1 but instead taking baby steps.

I received my associates degree in nutrition in 2004 and for quite a few years now, I've been stating my intention (mostly to myself...and a few others) of eating a diet consisting of organic whole foods and use products, both beauty and cleaning, that are organic and nontoxic. I'd dabble a little bit here and there but kept finding excuses why I couldn't make these changes. Mostly they were related to lack of time, space, and money. I felt they were all legitimate reasons and not excuses at all. Duh.

Earlier this year I saw the documentary Food Inc. and more recently I saw Forks Over Knives. Both movies reinforced my desires...but my fears were still strong enough to prevent me from acting. It was a few months ago, at a local community event, where I proclaimed my desire to live more authentically and more in line with my beliefs of taking the absolute best care of myself as well as the planet. It's time.