I wrote awhile back about my increasing interest in the growing ‘whole food’ movement. I was (and still am) inspired by the notion that what I put into my body was coming back out—in some way—through the breastmilk I was feeding my son. Also, Nina Planck’s Real Food got me thinking more about a return to eating the way we used to: simply. I wasn’t certain though that my desire to cut out the packaged goods and pick up more fresh, natural food would stick. Like so many other interests I’ve picked up throughout my life, there was a good chance it would end up being just one more thing I would immerse myself in for a short time before casting it aside as just another passing fancy.
Well, it’s only been a couple months so don’t pin a Girl Scout badge of Good Nutrition on me just yet. But I’m happy to report that much of what I was mulling around when I first became interested in ‘whole foods’ has taken root in my day-to-day life and appears to be here to stay. I’ve been buying (and drinking) whole, organic milk. I’ve been seeking out meat from animals not treated with steroids or hormones. I’ve been avoiding pre-packaged snack items at the grocery store and instead (mostly) filling my cart with fresh fruit, nuts, trail mixes and full or low-fat yogurt.
When I crave sweets, which, I’m not going to lie, I do ALL THE TIME, I’ve been steering towards what I believe are better choices: good quality dark chocolate and homemade baked goods. ‘They’ say that dark chocolate is good for you, and I won’t contest that (plus it’s the perfect accompaniment to the also-good-for-you red wine). As for baked goods, yes I know they are not the healthiest option, but when I need my sugar kick, at least I’m getting it from a treat I’ve made myself using only a few simple ingredients (butter, eggs, flour, sugar, etc) and not one laden with chemicals whose names I can’t pronounce.
A few observations about my new eating habits:
- Being a stay at home mom has made this endeavor infinitely easier, IMO. When I was working and deadlines were looming, I would often grab what was quickest and most easily available to me – either a 100 calorie cupcake pack stashed in my desk drawer or a Twix bar at the corner deli. Also, I simply didn’t have the time to hit a grocery store more than once a week. Now, I can drop into a few different stores throughout the week and maintain a supply of fresh fruit.
- Surprisingly, I don’t find myself missing many of the foods I used to eat. I can’t remember the last time I had a donut, an order of French fries, or a slice of pizza from a pizzeria. Those were all things I used to eat on a weekly basis. Don’t get me wrong, if you handed me any one of those items tomorrow I’d gladly enjoy it, but I’m finding that I’m just not craving them.
- This should be a ‘duh’, but I’m finding that when I eat healthier, better quality food, I feel more satisfied afterwards. Nutritionists on morning talk shows and in magazines are constantly telling us that a breakfast the likes of eggs, whole wheat toast and fresh fruit will leave us feeling fuller longer than a giant blueberry muffin. I always dismissed that argument when I was standing in line at Dunkin’ Donuts, salivating over the fresh baked, sugary goodness that was headed my way. But I’m starting to think the health nuts are right. On the days I’ve cut up fresh fruit and dropped it into a bowl of Greek yogurt I’ve managed to sail through the morning with more energy and no hunger pangs.
I don’t know where my interest in whole food will take me. I’m happy that it seems to be a movement that’s gaining some momentum. Food stores are expanding their organic options, the public is having a bit of a backlash against packaged goods, more farmers markets are cropping up. I do still think there is a place in the world for the Golden Arches. Come on, who could resist their fries? But now I think I’ll make them a special occasion treat, and not one of my major food groups.