Unfortunately being inactive does make you fat regardless of how much "fresh food" you eat. The human body is a complex machine requiring proper maintenance. To use your analogy of food as fuel; then high quality fuel is most desirable although it will run on low quality fuel but may knock or breakdown. That means that maintenance (e.g. exercise, medical checkups, etc) are critical for healthy functioning. But you can't just put in fuel and ignore the maintenance checkups. You should not get so fixated on your "fresh food" diet that you throw sound reasoning out the window. Foods at farmers markets are not always healthy. Have you asked the farmer if they use pesticides and herbicides while growing their "fresh" produce. I have because I am allergic to pesticides and herbicides. Most farmers use both to increase their crop. They would not consider getting rid of them just to make the product "fresher" unless they feel that organic farming is important. Look at http://www.living-foods.com/articles/twelvelist... for list of best and worst foods relating to pesticides. As an educated consumer of fresh foods, you need to think about just more than did it just come from the farmer's fields. Also how clean are the farmer's fields. Salmonella has been a recent problem with many fresh foods (e.g. spinach, berries). Now much of this is due to problems with sloppy irrigation at large scale farms or food coming in from outside the US. But there is very little inspection at small farms either. Again don't just assume that farmer's markets or local food is really "fresh". What would be nice would be some kind of web2.0 crowd-sourced knowledge base. Sort of an Angie's List for foods that could rate freshness, service, organic/non-organic, and so on. That is something that you could help with. Could also be done by farmer's market. I don't have time to run around to farmer's markets asking if they do organic farming. I have been to enough in the area to know that very few organic farmers are present. Wouldn't it be nice to have a resource to lookup likely farmers and their products at each market.
H0neyb
· 5 months ago
Simple Phrase: You are what you eat! Nice Post! Will be keeping up with this blog for sure :)
Tom Hedrick
· 5 months ago
Another topic I think lots of us would be interested in is the significant difference between "Certified Naturally Grown" and "Organic". Organic certification is really a barrier to entry for most small farmers. From the Wikipedia article, "To be Certified Organic (as opposed to Certified Naturally Grown) in the US, a grower must keep detailed records of planting, cultivation, fertilization, harvest, and storage, and must pay for both organization membership and periodic inspection. This process works well for large-scale commercial growers, but becomes onerous for small mixed-agriculture farms. Since only certified seeds may be used, the varieties available to be grown are limited, and sustainable practices such as seed-saving is not permitted, unless the farmer also applies to be certified as a seed supplier.
Certified Naturally Grown farmers follow the USDA standards of the National Organic Program, but the record keeping and inspection process is tailored to accommodate the needs of small-scale mixed-agriculture farmers, and are not normally permitted to use the word “organic”. Farmers commit to act as inspectors. Farmer-Inspectors are uniquely qualified to observe and note whether their neighbors are sticking to the standards, and are encouraged to provide helpful feedback, which helps foster a sense of community and sharing. Inspection forms are posted on the Internet for anytime public access, and all farms are subject to random pesticide residue testing. All in all, the CNG procedure requires significantly less paperwork, yet arguably results in more transparency and fostering of better farming practices, than the Certified Organic process, which primarily depends on farmer declarations backed by copious paperwork, and which inspects the paperwork rather than the farm."
Support biodiversity, encourage the use of open pollinated seeds for seed saving and sharing. Remember nothing tastes better or is better for you than an heirloom fruit or vegetable!
Tom Hedrick
· 5 months ago
Steven, Regarding getting ultra-fresh food, there is one thing that I haven't seen you mention and that is Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). It alleviates much of the very valid concerns that Kelcy brought up. For instance, when you go to the local farmer's market, you have no idea how their produce is grown. Do they use herbicides and pesticides and tons of water soluble fertilizers? Did they raise their livestock on free range grasses chock full of Omega-3's or was it just a small-scale version of the high production farms? Were those animals slaughtered in a humane manner? CSA's give the consumer an opportunity to truly develop a relationship with the farmer who grows their food and learn more about how food is grown; annual or even more frequent farm visits are encouraged. Check out this link, plug in your zip and find a CSA near you:
It doesn't get any fresher than if you grow it yourself. Doesn't even require much space and you can put that compost to great use even if it is just a container garden on a city balcony.
Also there was a question above of what to eat in the winter when local farms are not producing. Community farmers throughout the US even in northernmost states are noticing a great return on minimum investment by using High Tunnels (cheap plastic cold frames that greatly extend the growing season).
Here is a link to George Ohsawa's macrobiotics. It is largely based on local fresh food. It is not static, but treats the body as dynamic and always responding to its environment. Emphasis is on whole grains and fresh vegetables, it is abhorrent to eat refined sugars and processed fats. Though sometimes, especially in winter it is natural to eat a steak dinner, grass fed organic of course.
Refined sugar is viewed as low grade poison. In fact Aspartame when it goes above 86 degrees Fahrenheit breaks its chemical bond and one half becomes formaldehyde. If you have friends who drink sodas encourage them to drink the real sugar versions. There is good research out on Aspartame (nutrasweet) it is also a neurotoxin and addictive drug.
Stevia though it has been around naturally for hundreds of years has been processed for the market place; early studies show that it affects the lower intestine and nutrient absorption. Also, interrupts absorption of medicine. Don't get me started on pharmaceutical drugs. Basically, there is no profit in the cure. Medicine, like most good things, is corrupted by money.
Synthetic sugars are placed in products by the distorted emphasis on caloric intake. These sugars cannot be recognized and burned by the body. The end result is counter productive, possibly reinforcing the dependency. The definition of insanity is repeating an action and expecting a different result. I see alot of overweight people reaching for diet coke, they are only hurting themselves.
I forgot to mention Splenda (sucralose) avoid this killer. http://www.splendaexposed.com/ half of this bad dog is Chlorine. Why would the FDA allow this? Why is Donald Rumsfeld's name synonymous with Monsanto Inc. and the Reagan era FDA approval of Aspartame? It's a conspiracy! The food pyramid is a lie, basically the FDA is not in the business of consumer protection.
Keep up the good work acting and informing us locally,
Bob
Steven Mandzik
· 5 months ago
Kelcy - thx for replying and I think I got u fired up about it! I was just trying to make the point that eating poorly and over-working out is not an ideal balance. I feel like we have such a strong imbalance that it is bad for us.
In fact, most people I talk to about this constantly remind me that they are active and work out all the time. Which then begs the question, why are you not happy with your body!
They will go out of their way to work out, spend hours every week at the gym or whatever, and then complain about having to spend an extra hour at the farmers market.
I hear you about the organic issue too. Its surprising that farm fresh doesnt have at least a listing of the organic vendors. Just sent them an email to ask why.
I have been looking at CSA's and many of them directly state they are organic and that they will deliver. Im thinking of checking them out, maybe you should too
Steven Mandzik
· 5 months ago
Tom - I loved your comments so much I had to put them into a new post:
Kelcy - here is the reply from the fresh farm people (dc farmers markets):
Thanks for the email – some of our farmers are certified organic, some are not – some are “beyond organic” best to have your friend speak to the farmer at the stand they are buying from– they are in the best position of relaying their farming methods and practices at their farms to a customer.
Steven Mandzik
· 5 months ago
and when i asked why they dont require some certification or display of info:
"It is up to the individual farmers what info they choose to display"...
she said they don't really want to force farmers to have to display, kinda touchy subject per the discussion from tom above
Kelcy
· 5 months ago
Steve, I get worked up because my body is so broken that I can't eat "normal" food anymore because even "fresh" local food is still full of chemicals that harm the human body and destroy the environment with pollutants that run off into the water. I have talked with farmers at local markets in Virginia and almost none do either organic or natural farming. Very few local farmers really have a commitment to the environment. And while there are some it is not worth the time or effort to travel to those markets weekly. Instead I shop at My Organic Market (MOM's for short) which has a fabulous commitment to organic and natural foods and environmental protection. They go far beyond Whole Foods. They also use as many local foods as possible. Because I trust them, I have let them do all the work in acquiring food stuffs that I go in and purchase. It saves gas money since I don't have to drive all over Northern Virginia finding local organic/natural fresh food. And it still supports a local industry to include Mom's and the farmers they trust.
Sacha
· 5 months ago
I try to follow the fresher the better food philosophy. The more I eliminate processed foods, the better I feel. It's really quite simple yet so many people are struggling to do this. It takes patience, especially at the supermarket, where it's easy to load up on processed food that is full of high-fructose corn syrup, fillers, additives, salt, etc. My guidelines are as follows:
1. Buy organic and local when possible but don't beat yourself up if you can't. Not everyone can afford to shop at Whole Foods all the time. Just do what you can. 2. Read labels--skip anything with HFCS or other added sugar derivatives 3. Try to move as much as possible but don't become obsessive. Working out won't do a damn bit of good if you don't eat well and if you constantly feel guilty for not working out enough. 4. Practice yoga and meditation regularly. There's something powerful about the way that yoga gets your body moving and calms the mind. It's more than any session on the elliptical trainer will do. 5. Do your best but don't go overboard. It's really all about moderation and making smart choices. Occasionally, I'll eliminate alcohol or sweets from my diet for a while but I'm not into denying myself completely. A glass of wine a few times of week, dark chocolate, something baked from scratch--those things make life worth living.
Steven Mandzik
· 5 months ago
Sacha - about your last point I totally agree. I am such an impatient person that I want everyone to do this now!!
But its taken me years to get to this point. It will take everybody just as long too. My mom keeps telling me "its a process" and shes right. I will work on my impatience :)
All Comments
Nice Post! Will be keeping up with this blog for sure :)
Certified Naturally Grown farmers follow the USDA standards of the National Organic Program, but the record keeping and inspection process is tailored to accommodate the needs of small-scale mixed-agriculture farmers, and are not normally permitted to use the word “organic”. Farmers commit to act as inspectors. Farmer-Inspectors are uniquely qualified to observe and note whether their neighbors are sticking to the standards, and are encouraged to provide helpful feedback, which helps foster a sense of community and sharing. Inspection forms are posted on the Internet for anytime public access, and all farms are subject to random pesticide residue testing. All in all, the CNG procedure requires significantly less paperwork, yet arguably results in more transparency and fostering of better farming practices, than the Certified Organic process, which primarily depends on farmer declarations backed by copious paperwork, and which inspects the paperwork rather than the farm."
Support biodiversity, encourage the use of open pollinated seeds for seed saving and sharing. Remember nothing tastes better or is better for you than an heirloom fruit or vegetable!
Regarding getting ultra-fresh food, there is one thing that I haven't seen you mention and that is Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). It alleviates much of the very valid concerns that Kelcy brought up. For instance, when you go to the local farmer's market, you have no idea how their produce is grown. Do they use herbicides and pesticides and tons of water soluble fertilizers? Did they raise their livestock on free range grasses chock full of Omega-3's or was it just a small-scale version of the high production farms? Were those animals slaughtered in a humane manner? CSA's give the consumer an opportunity to truly develop a relationship with the farmer who grows their food and learn more about how food is grown; annual or even more frequent farm visits are encouraged. Check out this link, plug in your zip and find a CSA near you:
Local Harvest
Another great read is the late John Seymour's book, A Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It.
It doesn't get any fresher than if you grow it yourself. Doesn't even require much space and you can put that compost to great use even if it is just a container garden on a city balcony.
Also there was a question above of what to eat in the winter when local farms are not producing. Community farmers throughout the US even in northernmost states are noticing a great return on minimum investment by using High Tunnels (cheap plastic cold frames that greatly extend the growing season).
High Tunnels
keep up the good work
tom
Here is a link to George Ohsawa's macrobiotics. It is largely based on local fresh food. It is not static, but treats the body as dynamic and always responding to its environment. Emphasis is on whole grains and fresh vegetables, it is abhorrent to eat refined sugars and processed fats. Though sometimes, especially in winter it is natural to eat a steak dinner, grass fed organic of course.
Refined sugar is viewed as low grade poison. In fact Aspartame when it goes above 86 degrees Fahrenheit breaks its chemical bond and one half becomes formaldehyde. If you have friends who drink sodas encourage them to drink the real sugar versions. There is good research out on Aspartame (nutrasweet) it is also a neurotoxin and addictive drug.
Stevia though it has been around naturally for hundreds of years has been processed for the market place; early studies show that it affects the lower intestine and nutrient absorption. Also, interrupts absorption of medicine. Don't get me started on pharmaceutical drugs. Basically, there is no profit in the cure. Medicine, like most good things, is corrupted by money.
Synthetic sugars are placed in products by the distorted emphasis on caloric intake. These sugars cannot be recognized and burned by the body. The end result is counter productive, possibly reinforcing the dependency. The definition of insanity is repeating an action and expecting a different result. I see alot of overweight people reaching for diet coke, they are only hurting themselves.
I forgot to mention Splenda (sucralose) avoid this killer.
http://www.splendaexposed.com/ half of this bad dog is Chlorine. Why would the FDA allow this? Why is Donald Rumsfeld's name synonymous with Monsanto Inc. and the Reagan era FDA approval of Aspartame? It's a conspiracy! The food pyramid is a lie, basically the FDA is not in the business of consumer protection.
Keep up the good work acting and informing us locally,
Bob
In fact, most people I talk to about this constantly remind me that they are active and work out all the time. Which then begs the question, why are you not happy with your body!
They will go out of their way to work out, spend hours every week at the gym or whatever, and then complain about having to spend an extra hour at the farmers market.
I hear you about the organic issue too. Its surprising that farm fresh doesnt have at least a listing of the organic vendors. Just sent them an email to ask why.
I have been looking at CSA's and many of them directly state they are organic and that they will deliver. Im thinking of checking them out, maybe you should too
Certified Naturally Grown vs. Organic
Steve
Thanks for the email – some of our farmers are certified organic, some are not – some are “beyond organic” best to have your friend speak to the farmer at the stand they are buying from– they are in the best position of relaying their farming methods and practices at their farms to a customer.
"It is up to the individual farmers what info they choose to display"...
she said they don't really want to force farmers to have to display, kinda touchy subject per the discussion from tom above
1. Buy organic and local when possible but don't beat yourself up if you can't. Not everyone can afford to shop at Whole Foods all the time. Just do what you can.
2. Read labels--skip anything with HFCS or other added sugar derivatives
3. Try to move as much as possible but don't become obsessive. Working out won't do a damn bit of good if you don't eat well and if you constantly feel guilty for not working out enough.
4. Practice yoga and meditation regularly. There's something powerful about the way that yoga gets your body moving and calms the mind. It's more than any session on the elliptical trainer will do.
5. Do your best but don't go overboard. It's really all about moderation and making smart choices. Occasionally, I'll eliminate alcohol or sweets from my diet for a while but I'm not into denying myself completely. A glass of wine a few times of week, dark chocolate, something baked from scratch--those things make life worth living.
But its taken me years to get to this point. It will take everybody just as long too. My mom keeps telling me "its a process" and shes right. I will work on my impatience :)