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March 13, 2008
Food for Thought
Health is hot on the radar of every journalist, parent, teacher, and medical professional, which has brought to light plenty of phrases and quotes that ignite and inspire my desire to keep the conversation going. Some of my favorites come from journalists, like Michael Pollan (author of In Defense of Food and Omnivore's Dilemma) who said "Eat Food. Not too Much. Mostly Plants" and doctors, like Dr. David Katz from Yale University School of Medicine and ABC News' Medical Contributor, who says "Love the Foods that Love you Back!" Their statements just make good sense and are great, simple reminders to pay a little more attention to what we put on our plate. Lately, some of this food for thought has been coming from surprising sources, such as companies that are better known for their snack products than their efforts on wellness. Just today I flipped open to a magazine page posing the question,
Your heart does a lot for you. Shouldn't you Return the Favor?
Great point. The source -- Whole-Grain Sun Chips, part of the Frito-Lay Corporation. Some of this may just be good marketing, but since we know that giving up packaged goods is a stretch for some lifestyles, I'm encouraged by companies who acknowledge that efforts to put health first are long overdue. Still, I urge you do your own research. Learn to read nutrition labels, consider the serving size and investigate what all of those health claims (like 0 Trans Fats) really mean before you dig in. And knowing what's really in your food is so important, because as Kashi says,
Everything that goes into food, goes into you!
Now that's a motto I can get behind, especially since their website supports their efforts toward a healthy lifestyle by offering trustworthy nutrition facts, tips on how be active and where to find your local farmer's market. Even better, they are another company (like the Food Network) that supports Share our Strength's efforts to get healthy food into the hands that need it most.
Of course there is a one surefire way to do your body good--cook your food yourself from fresh, whole ingredients. That's the only way that you can be sure that the food your putting in your body is pure, healthy and natural! And giving up all of that packaging could do wonders for the environment as well. Which poses the question,
The planet does a lot for you, shouldn't you return the favor?
Sarah Copeland, Food Network Kitchens
Posted by Food Network at March 13, 2008 9:59 AM