Eating in America

Some months ago I wrote a blog about something that I am quite passionate about and have a soft spot for in my heart... the nutrition (or sometimes, lack thereof) in America and how it is affecting our health and well-being. I shared about a lecture I attended where Alice Waters, renowned chef and writer, spoke about a change that is desperately needed in our schools and in our country in general. This change pertains to what we are feeding our children and what we are choosing to consume as adults. We live in a culture that is heavily saturated with so many fast food options that eating processed and fatty foods has simply become a way of life because it is easier, more convenient, and sadly, with so many "value" menus out there, cheaper (at least that's the front end acquisition cost). Alice was standing against this and the conversation was about sustainable food; growing our food supply (fruits and vegetables) locally and organically, and incorporating those foods, in our everyday meals.

There are several pioneers in this revolution, leaders that are truly passionate about this cause and simply choose to take a stand for our health as a country. I personally think these people, like Alice Waters, are real life heroes. As I sit here in my living room watching the preview of Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution, I definitely have to add Jamie to that list of heroes. Even though his mission is a bit different and doesn't necessarily stress growing our own food, the general idea is similar. That is, we need to change our food system, and more importantly, eating habits to make America healthier.

ABC is airing this new reality show, where Jamie is trying to revolutionize the way schools are feeding our children. The premiere show begins in Huntington, West Virginia, which has been declared the unhealthiest city in America. As part of the show, Jamie attempts to also teach local families how to cook and eat more healthily. As you might expect, the show documents the struggles he will have endured in this process, but one can't help but be moved by his tenacity and determination. I must admit that I was moved to tears, and as I sit here writing about it, I am still saddened by the people's resistance to change, and the evident ignorance that prevails about what "is good for us" and what real nutrition is. Having said that, I am no expert in the matter, but after years of a lot of personal research and changing my eating habits full circle four times over (at least) and being a member of a family that has literally revolutionized how they eat at home, I can't help but become truly present to how we, culturally speaking, live with a mindset of "ignorance is bliss"; and by default living with a "what you don't know won't kill you" mentality. This mentality was very apparent to me in the show. I would love to know how everyone else thinks after seeing the first episode.

My words might seem a bit harsh to some, but I speak from my heart. I truly believe this show is a wake up call, of sorts, to our country, communities, families. There is no time like the present to educate ourselves and our loved ones about what is truly "good for us" and what is hurting us, and how some of the food we are eating, sadly, is making us sick. Ironically, the information is at our fingertips... a Google search away!

I made a commitment when I started this blog that my posts would be fun to read, but I am also committed to sharing what I can about incorporating healthy habits into meals. Yes, I blog about a lot of decadent foods and restaurants, but like with anything, all of that should be experienced and enjoyed in moderation. How we eat everyday and how and what we cook at home, is what matters. So, as the saying goes: "The Buck Stops Here". This simply means that I need to bring you more recipes of healthy meals. I too have a burden in my heart about how the people that I love eat. That being said, it's not the end of fun and yummy things, just remember that moderation is key.

I invite you all to watch this new series with me... Challenge all the parents out there to sit and watch this with your kids... seeing is believing!! Will you join me??? It may not be "happy" TV... but it is a reality check that we should all consider. There is no better place to start revolutionizing how our country eats, than in our own homes! I would love to hear your thoughts, please share!

Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution
2 Hour Premiere
Friday, March 26, 2010
8:00 pm PDT
ABC (Check your local listings)

Transforming Our Thoughts on Food...

Subject: Organic foods for our schools through Sustainable Gardens…

On May 19, 2009, I attended an amazing event that took place at the Aero Theater in Santa Monica, CA, with my like minded, (project manager, if you will), Mark. The honest truth is I really didn’t know what I was about to experience. But really? …Whenever Mark gets an idea to do something, it is normally on cue with a past conversation we’ve had… or a thought I’ve shared with him… or simply something that has bounced off the constant turning of wheels in this rather quirky mind of mine.

As many of you know, I have an inherent passion for food and all things focused on health. Many of you may also know that I plan on attending culinary school in 2010, in an effort to follow my passion for all things culinary and a true desire to reinvent myself in that field.

In some previous conversations Mark and I have shared, normally over something fabulous to eat, I had touched on a growing desire I have in my heart to somehow influence the new generations in how they eat, how they perceive food, and the relevance it all has to life, culture, the art of cuisine and more importantly, their health. You’ve got to love that there are those people in your life who really listen and are a true stand for your greatness, and how that greatness can serve and contribute to the lives of others. Well, in that space, Mark purchased tickets for us to attend a lecture with Alice Waters, a renowned chef, writer and activist, if you will. This was a fundraiser for a local school, Canyon Elementary, who is raising money and awareness on this idea of having a schoolyard garden. In this lecture Ms. Waters would be speaking about her journey in the Edible Schoolyard project she pioneered in Berkeley, California, where she is the chef/owner of the very renowned restaurant, CHEZ PANISSE.

Well, as I said earlier, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but I came with an open mind and in my heart, there was a tinge of a feeling that there was a purpose in my being there. Can I just say? I was blown away! Alice Waters took the stage with Sam Levin, the most remarkable 15 year old I have ever heard speak! Sam is a high school student from Massachusetts, who was inspired by the same vision Ms. Waters had for her Northern California town, clear across the country! In just 18 months, Sam, enrolled not only other students and his school administration, but an entire community to step into growing a garden where the students planted, sowed and harvested organic fruits and vegetables, that were then taken, cooked and served in the local school cafeterias. This not only made the children and the community a part of the process, but is single handedly transforming how these children eat and is making them aware of not only the many arrays of flavors and amazing varieties of foods available to them that are actually good for them, but also how it is relevant in the different subjects they study; math, history, science, and so on. It is in essence reeducating them about nutrition and both the good and bad effects feeding our bodies with the wrong foods will have, both short and long term. This is especially important in a culture where fast food and processed food is a normal way of life.

Sam spoke with an intense passion about this idea of having schoolyard gardens not only in his town, but around the nation and globally. He interacted with Alice in such a gracefully powerful way, that it literally moved the entire audience. As I sit here and write about this, I can’t help but get present to how moved I was as I sat there in that audience in awe and witnessed the birth of a future leader.

I applaud both Sam and Alice for their efforts in bringing this vision, not only locally, but statewide throughout California, and nationwide to the attention of our lawmakers in Washington D.C. The idea of transforming an entire generation’s thought process on food, and the re-education of the generations before them about the relevance and importance of what we put into our bodies. This vision alone can prevent future diseases and health problems that can range from heart disease and diabetes to malnutrition and obesity; problems that have affected our nation, our world, as a whole. I am truly moved, touched and inspired!

Stay tuned, as I am sure that this conversation will continue in my blog. I have yet to read the story behind this movement, written by Ms. Waters; a wonderful little book called “EDIBLE SCHOOLYARD; A Universal Idea”, which she cheerfully signed for me that evening!

Yes, I am all about eating all things decadent, but as most of us know, everything in moderation is key! Our health is something we all need to be striving to make better one day at a time. I am truly grateful for people like Alice Waters and Sam Levin; people like these two extraordinary individuals can inspire the world, one community at a time, to step up to the possibility of making a difference for our children to live healthier and fuller lives!

Thank you, Mark… for listening to my crazy thoughts and ideas in transforming the world through food! Your listening will one day be a huge contribution to others!