When Did Food Become So Complicated?

Our lives are so busy these days; there is so much on everyone’s life plate that sometimes there is no room for food on the plate. The busier we get the more we choose the convenience of processed foods. At first it may seem like a great idea to just get that frozen, fast food, or take-out meal. However, when this becomes the everyday occurrence we get more and more disconnected from the food we eat, from where it grows and how it grows. Now you may say, "So what? Why do I care where my food comes from?" Quite simply, when you know where food comes from and how it grows, you know what IS food and what is NOT food. So instead of being so confused about what is good to eat and what is not—you just know.

There is an abundance of research studies that show the negative impact of over consumption of processed and fast foods. There is an equal amount of research that shows the benefits of eating whole foods like vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. So why are fast foods and processed foods still growing in popularity?

The problem as I see it is twofold. First, there is the fact that cannot be ignored which is that we are busy and time is precious. Second, there is an abundance of nutritional research, much of which contradicts each other. I can’t even tell you how many studies I have reviewed by reputable top notch PhDs, MD, NDs etc. providing great valuable work that when viewed as whole can be very informative. However, to the average consumer without a degree in nutrition, it just all sounds like this: “I should eat this; I shouldn’t eat that; today this is bad for me; tomorrow this is good for me; what the heck is safe to eat anyway?”

I say it’s time to get back to basics. There are a myriad of actions we can take everyday that are not overly time consuming, can be very pleasurable and help us to connect with food. Here are some simple ways to reconnect with food and make eating real food a real pleasure.

• Visit a farmers market – It’s a great place to meet a farmer, ask a few questions, and taste some unique produce.
• Take a tour of a local farm – Spring and Summer are great times to visit a local farm. There are many farms that offers tours, ask the farmers at the farmers market or just Google it!
• Pick your own food – Berry picking season is upon us, so there's no time like the present to get out there and pick your own antioxidant power.

• Grow you own food – This is so much easier than it sounds. Whether you just grow some herbs in a pot or plant your own backyard garden you will get an appreciating for nature.

• Try a new food – Whether you shop at the market or the grocery store try a new whole food every week.

• Start to compost – You will witness nature’s cycle and get the added bonus of knowing you are helping the environment.

• Read ingredient lists – There are some processed foods that are better than others, read the ingredients list and look for minimal ingredients and preferably ones you can trace back to the farm.