Organic Dilemma
I change my position. I once believed organic produce / food was the way to go, but after further deliberation (reading, researching, conversing with other thinkers). Uh, no.
As typical with Americans, we’ve overdone it. We’ve lost our way. Now, organic food just comes down to business. The industry has strayed away from the very nature of what organic originally stood for – sustainable practices. And has moved towards a typical American food industry model: Mass production. Mass pollution. Mass distribution.
If broccoli travels 2,000 miles by truck, is it still organic? I now see that it makes more sense to buy local produce. The food doesn’t have to travel as far – environmentally friendly. Besides, most local farmers implement sustainable, organic practices, but just choose not to buy into the organic label. The organic label is regulated by the government and it cost money. Also, supporting local farmers means stimulating the local economy. A win, win.
The way I see it: Eat local produce that is conscientiously raised over corporately regulated organic. More importantly, eat fresh, whole food and prepare your meals at home. Include plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits. Don’t forget your water. Oh, and it would help to add some exercise to your regimen.
I’m reading a terrific informative book that has recipes too: Food Matters by Mark Bittman. Check it out.
Chrisetta Mosley
I am a product – and now a survivor – of childhood obesity. As a child, my family always told me that my extra weight was merely baby fat and I’d eventually grow out of it. I never did. Instead, my childhood is filled with memories of not being able to ride a bike, flattening its training wheels from being over the recommended weight, and avoiding P.E. classes by any means necessary. For years, I wore my fatness like a wounded soldier wears a Purple Heart - with pride. I owned the look. I dressed it up. I worked the room. There wasn't a skinny girl who intimidated me. I made sure my hair was laid just right. Nails polished. Outfits coordinated to the tee. Accessories to compliment every outfit. But everyone has a breaking point, and mine came in the spring of 2004 when I tipped the scale at nearly 400 pounds 388 to be exact. I was MISERABLE trapped inside of that body. I no longer wore my Purple Heart with pride. Rather, I was ashamed and frightened. Ashamed that I had allowed food to become my everything – frightened I would die because of it. Drastic times called for drastic measures... Today, I’m bound and determined to live a better, healthier, active lifestyle. I realize I’m no longer a passenger in my life, I’m the driver. I’m overcoming my inhibitions and I’m slowly but surely saying farewell to my old childhood nemesis, obesity. For once and for all, Farewell Fatso!