I love this photo of my granddaughter Violet doing her shopping, when she was about 3, rushing nilly willy down the baking aisle. Have you ever thought about how and what you shop for and what your personal food philosophy would be? Now that my course to become a Culinary Nutrition Expert has begun, this is one of the assignments I have been given and it has been enlightening. Over the years I have adopted different food strategies, low fat, low sugar, more veggies, etc, etc, etc. All those health washing ideas printed on the packaging of processed foods that I purchased, but I have never really put it all together, and wondered if it was good for me and my family. I know all too well, that as my children were growing and I was busy working, getting meals on the table was the most important thing. Then getting to the end of the week so that we could relax for a couple of days before it all started again. Even though I am a planner by nature, it all just never came together to think about our overall food and eating habits. I have also been overweight most of my life. When I think of the different diets I tried, lost weight then gained it back when I went back to my old habits, it was a downward spiral. Maybe if I had a food philosophy back then it might have been different. If I knew some of the things I have learned over the summer doing the pre-reading for my course, things might have been different. I accept that I cannot change the past and I am now in possession of some knowledge that I think will help me walk the future at a healthy weight. So what is a food philosophy? I would say that a food philosophy is an overall strategy that governs how you shop and make decisions regarding the food you purchase for consumption. As well, it goes to whether you process the foods yourself or purchase already processed. Sometimes it also goes to what you are willing to do, have the time for and what you feel is out of your wheelhouse of skills to do, like growing your own, or preserving, making jam, baking, etc. It is also something that will always be changing and evolving. Previously I would have said my food philosophy was that I am a “Gluten Free, Vegan who eats Meat” with food sensitivities. If I think about that I guess it makes me an oxymoron but the statement covers off a lot of my sensitivities. Now however I have realized it is more than just that. Although I was already eating whole foods, I now find that I am eating even less processed foods than I used to and when I do purchase them I look for organic, Non-GMO products where sugar is not in the first five ingredients. I consume grass fed, pasture raised meats and poultry, raised without the use of antibiotics and hormones as my budget allows. I prefer wild fish whenever possible, but if not cost effective I look for farmed fish raised without antibiotics. I also try to purchase local foods when they are in season. I think that the biggest influence on my latest food philosophy, would be Michael Pollan’s book In Defence of Food. I agree with him that real food should be our source for nourishment, vitamins and minerals before looking to supplements to achieve optimal health. I would say my current food philosophy is that I am a “Gluten Free, Vegan who eats Meat”, still an oxymoron, that is sensitive to gluten, eggs, dairy, peanuts, almonds, banana, and pineapple. I try to purchase products that are organic, Non-GMO and whole foods that have been humanely raised, without antibiotics and hormones. I also prefer to do as much processing of food at home where I control the ingredients. That is mine! What would your’s be? Is it something you have given some thought to? Or is it something you have not really been concerned about? Please let me know in the comments on my blog, I would love to hear what your food strategy is! This is such an amazing journey, I have grown so much already!I look forward to further exploring the world of food with you. Stay tuned, there is still lots coming to share and ponder on. Food Sensitivity Coach and food lover passionately exploring the world of food.
Deb Hallman
11/5/2020 09:09:12 am
Dear Diane,
Diane
11/5/2020 09:21:29 am
Thanks Debbie! I love what I do! I am so sorry to learn of the food challenges in your family. It makes such a difference knowing what to eliminate. My recent blog posts have been learnings I had in preparation for my Culinary Nutrition Expert program. I am now half way though, and the journey so far has been amazing! Looking forward to adding my new skills to my business working with clients. Please let me know if there is anything I might be able to help with. Keep Well! Comments are closed.
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The Food Sensitivity CoachI am passionate about exploring the world with a view to food allergies and sensitivities. I look forward to sharing with you what I find, from books, blogs and websites to recipes, hacks, inspirations and opinions, join me in a journey to live your best life. Archives
April 2023
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