I am completely distraught about food after our conversation about
your lessons in the sustainable food class. Ok, so dairy sounds like an
environmental disaster. What to do?! Soy yogurt is over processed... soy
milk doesn't really actually seem that healthy for you either. What to
do?! Also, as I TRY to have my veggie/vegan meals I was thinking that
tofu would be the lesser of the evils (tofu vs chicken vs meat vs
fish...). But seems like it is all bad. Tofu is over processed soy and
supposedly filled with things we don't need except protein and
isoflavins. I am so confused. I need help. I feel like I don't have any
idea about what is healthy anymore. Are you finding some answers? I
don't really think I can live on veggies, fruit, nuts, and beans -
ALONE.
This is an excellent example of how so many of us feel: wanting to make smart decisions, yet overwhelmed with information. From confusing food labels to news articles to conversations with friends, we are bombarded with so many choices it's confusing. Soy or not? Low fat? Free range? Hormone free? GMO?
I'd like us all to take a deep breath. Enjoy a piece of cheese. Any perhaps enjoy the few simple guidelines I recommend about sustainable eating.
1. Loco for local.
Many of the issues we worry about today: global warming, water, fossil fuels, hormones, freshness, taste, and price can be solved by simply focusing on supporting your local food system. Most likely your farmers are using very few or zero chemicals when growing food. It takes less fuel and energy to get these foods to you. It also takes less time to get to you, preserving freshness, taste and nutrient levels. Buying organic may be an important part of your lifestyle, but it isn't the answer to thinking globally. Invest in a CSA, read more labels to learn where products are coming from, and visit your farmers markets in the summer. Check which dry goods are available all year round, and stock up! Focus on buying whole foods, those that have been minimally processed. They take less water and energy to produce, and are most likely filled with things you can't pronounce.
2. Less moo, more moola.
The average American household used 2,000 gallons of water a day. 95% of this water consumption comes from the goods and services we consume, not from that 70 gallon bath you took after skiing last weekend. (cough) By eating vegan, you are saving 600 gallons of water a day! Pick a day, or 2, and give it a shot. Not only it is better for the globe, it's pretty darn great for your insides. I've been attempting to eat vegan Monday-Thursday, but it is tough. It takes discipline, but it is also great having those cheese and meat weekends to look forward to. If you are worried about protein, remember everything has protein, even vegetables. We need far less than our food system has brain washed up to believe. For more information, read this.
3. Teach
I am overwhelmed with anxiety when I visit the average American grocery store. We have so far to go when it comes to changing the broken American food system. With so much passion, it's hard for me not to sound like a crazy fanatic. But, sharing simple information with others is an effective and important way to start this change. Have a dinner party focusing on local ingredients. Ask your waitstaff at a local restaurant where their products come from. Involve children in the kitchen.
These are guidelines, and things to think about. Many of us are aware of these issues, which is a fantastic start. None of us have all the answers, or the perfect solution. Try not to feel lost, or alone in this journey... I'm still optimistic. I may not have answered all of the issues in my friend's email, but I hope this gives her another perspective.
For more depressing information on the water system, visit this website. Yes, it does take 1,008 gallons of water to produce one bottle of wine. And 880 for 1 lb. of coffee. Not sure for whiskey.
