"Food stuff" Friday

Last night, I saw this video that a friend posted. It's part of a promo for the documentary, "Forks Over Knives." Parts of it were really intriguing, specifically the part around 6:25 when the link between excess animal protein and cancer is noted. For a moment I wondered if Bryce would ever consider a vegan diet (ha! ya right), then I pulled in the reins.

Lately, I have been so interested in how what we put in our bodies affects our health. It's good in the sense that I am more aware of what I'm feeding my family and am more careful about all the junk food I'd love to so freely eat. It's bad in the sense that sometimes I can go crazy over it, feeling so overwhelmed. I want to do all I can to positively affect my health that I sometimes try too hard and worry too much, knowing that I simply can't do everything.

The truth of the matter is I LOVE FOOD. The problem is, if you look hard enough and read long enough, you are going to find that everything you eat is bad for you...processed food's a no-no, you shouldn't eat too much grain and when you do, you need to soak it, dairy isn't great for you, stick to organic meat and poultry (yet too much isn't good either), not too much fish because of the mercury and pollutants, fruits and veggies are great, but stick to organic and/or local to avoid scary pesticides, canola oil isn't great so use coconut oil or butter instead, but in moderation, of course, to avoid too much saturated fats. Whew! It's a little too much for me to handle. What are we left to eat? Plant based foods it sounds like. Though I have to remind myself that many things in moderation are just fine. Too bad I am terrible at "moderation."

When I start to get out of control with my worrying and my desire to control, I have to remember that I am NOT the one in control. God is in control. And anything that I decide in my life should be glorifying to Him. 

In my blog hopping and internet research of the whole foods topic, I've come across a few blogs and articles that are condemning and one-sided. I'm hoping that this post doesn't sound at all that way! I'm still figuring all of this out for myself and sorting out the pieces. What is the best way to feed my family that is smart and within a reasonable budget? I, in no way, can do all of these things.

And please don't mistake me for someone who will only eat certain foods or turn my nose up at anything less than organic or "whole." I enjoy a good piece or three of cake as much as, if not more, than the next girl. In fact, I crave (and eat) something(s) sweet probably every single day. I eat "normal" food on a daily basis. I simply feel the conviction to take steps to feed my family in a more natural way and have enjoyed learning and experimenting in the process.

Anyway, some food for thought. :-)