The Co-op

About three years ago, I joined my local co-op.  My intention was to eat better, right?  My problem was that I didn't really understand what that meant.  I would go into the co-op and see lots of really nice food but it was so expensive!!  I kept comparing the prices to my local chain supermarket and the co-op just couldn't compete.

I have shopped there off-and-on ever since.  Each time comparing the price and variety of the offerings to my big chain grocery store.  I found the gluten free cereals to be mushy rather than crunchy.  Also the crackers and chips lacked the same flavor I liked in my usual brands.  And what exactly do I do with some of those things in the bulk aisle?

And so it went, until...

Last month (November 2011) I attended a class at my co-op that I thought would teach me new ways to prepare legumes, nuts, and grains so that I could make them more often for my family in ways they will actually eat.  It turned out to be an introductory class to the Weston A Price Foundation.  Wow!  This has changed everything for me.

They teach the dangers of modern food that has additives, artificial colors and flavors.  They argue for a return to the way our ancestors ate, real meat, vegetables, and fruits as close to their original state as possible.  They believe that many of our common health problems are created by our artificial diet.  Our bodies do not know how to break down these chemicals for use.  Start really reading labels and see what is in your food.  Do you want to eat margarine when you know it is synthetic and has artificial colors and flavors to make you think you are eating butter? Who says all those chemicals are better than real butter?

They also challenge the belief that food has to be altered to be healthy.  Our great-grandparents didn't have problems with obesity or heart disease or cancer like we see now.  Why?  Could it be our food source?

So now the tables have turned.  I walk through my big grocery store and I read labels.  I wonder why I would want to eat all that stuff in my food.  I wonder what the pigs and chickens in the meat aisle ate while they were alive and what the cows are being fed when they are producing that milk.  I spend more time in my co-op where label reading isn't nearly as scary.  I stick to organic meats and produce.  I try to buy local and seasonal.

I challenge you to click on the link above and see what the foundation is all about.  Read about the dangers of soy and statins and sodas, and see the research behind their stance.  See if it doesn't change your opinion about where your food comes from.