I Walk In This World

Blog friends.  Lately, there’s been buzz in the blogosphere and the real world about the movie Food, Inc.  I am so happy and proud of all you peeps taking the time to see it, listen to its message, and then spread the word here!

I’ve been in contact with some people involved in the production of the film and have gotten mixed reaction from these folks as to the extent to which the film expands on some issues and maybe skimps on other issues.  But hey, that’s to be expected when trying to squeeze years worth of research into a 90 minute documentary.

Now.  For those of you who have been touched by the film and are serious about making lifestyle changes when it comes to meat, local, and organic, I wanted to share with you the top books, in my opinion, that are worth reading in order to *really* educate yourselves.

For years I’ve been doing research on the issues covered by Food, Inc and am sharing with you, what I consider to be, the most relevant and thought provoking books on these subjects.

I’ve been, what I call, an ethical eater since 2005.  At first I was a veggie and then I morphed into and ethical omni after actually learning a LOT about the subject of food, where it comes from, what it means, and how we can make a difference in the choices we makes.

A few of the things we do here in the IWITW household…

• all meat comes from local, organic, free range farms OR if bought in the store, meets all those criteria except being local
• all eggs, milk, and butter are Organic Valley brand that ensures free range, cage free hens and happy cows that are humanely cared for   
• most dairy is organic, including yogurts and milk
• most cheese is purchased from small farmers that specialize in goats milk cheese, etc
• we shop at local farmers markets for produce and meat
• we also shop at the grocery store, and focus our produce purchases on local fruits and vegs, or organic ones if not local
• We do not shop at Costco, Sam’s Club, or BJs
• I haven’t eaten at a fast food chain like McDonalds, Burger King, etc since 2004 

And I should point out that I have a FT real job, a FT blogging job (self imposed), a husband, a dog, and an hour commute to work.  And I still find time and energy to make the effort to follow thru with these choices.  Oh yeah, and I’m 30. 

So.  If you’re so inspired and are looking for information and further reading on these subjects, I suggest my book collection up there.  You CAN do it.  It’s just about making some shifts in the way you look at what you eat and grasp where it comes from. 

Din was excellent and I owe it all to the addition of the lovely array of veggies down below.  Well, that’s not totally true.  We used my Dad’s homemade marinara (rocks) and added in 1/3 lb of humanely raised, hormone free ground bison.  Yum.  All atop whole wheat noodlies.

• zucchini, green peppers, onion, mushrooms sauteed in olive oil and garlic
• Dad’s marinara with ground bison
• whole wheat spaghetti

As to the amount that I eat,  pasta is one of the few things I do measure for portion control.  I ate a little less than 2 oz and Hubz ate about 2.5-3 oz.  Perfect amount!

For exercise today, I got my booty on the treadmill and ran for 30 minutes with 3 mins warm up and cool down pre and post.  And lots o stretching afta.

Lunch ala cube farm.

• Applegate Farms uncured ham + American cheese + lettuce + dijon on whole grain panini
• naked carrot
• blueberries aplenty
• unsweetened applesauce

HUGE giant work stuff happening.  And stay tuned for Tuesday’s work surprise which MAY include a helicopter ride…

Breks was a frothy little number.

•  half a banana
• handful of mango chunks
• about 10 black raspberries
• almond milk
• a few T of ff vanilla yogurt
• ice

Thanks for listening to my reading recommendations.  For anyone serious about making eating lifestyle changes after watching Food, Inc., these books changed my entire eating life.  They helped me forge the path I am on as an ethical eater.