Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Mind, Body, Food...I Broke Two Rules

I am a rules a person.
Yes, I have a lot of rules.
I usually don't break rules....but I did!
I broke two of my own rules.
{GASP!}
Now, I should warn you, this post is turning out to be long. I also need you to understand I was not that girl in middle school or high school who watched the movie about how hot dogs were made and vowed never to eat them again. I am just now truly interested in what has happened to our food supply and what the heck is going on so I can make me family healthier and teach my kids the right thing. I also know some of this works because at 22/23 I did eat vegan {for health and weight issues} and never felt better or looked better in my entire life. I did this for about 4 years, and then fell off the wagon when I got married...My guide, my favorite book in regards to this is

Dr. McDougall also has a website with free information,
recipes, and a free eating program.

Oh, you want to know what rules I broke...
Rule One...Long ago, when I had quit my job after getting married and was figuring out what I was going to do with my life, I watched a lot of Oprah. Hubby would come home, and our conversation would begin like, "On Oprah today..."  So that became hubby's rule...no sentence can begin with "On Oprah today..." Over time, I got "over" Oprah, and my rule was simply no more Oprah {I know, I know...don't leave me for that!}.

Rule Two...I N-E-V-E-R buy celebrity endorsed products, especially diet or cookbooks. Call me a jaded Angeleno, but I am quite over celebrities being experts on "everything."

So, within 24 hours, both of those rules where out the window...at least for awhile. On Monday night, I was checking out the TV schedule for  the evening and saw that Oprah was having a special called Food 101 with Michael Pollan. For those of you who have read my Mindy...Body...Food posts {see the bottom of this post for the links}, you know I am all about changing the way I and my entire family eats - "out" with funky ingredients and preservatives and "in" with whole, nutritious, real food.

Any way this was a great special with so much info, really good info! I was also very interested because a few ladies have mentioned the book The Omnivores Dilemma by Michael Pollan. I have not read it yet, but I am buying the book today. From what I understand Michael Pollan does eat meat...he is not a vegan...he just eats the "right" kind of meat {just so no one thinks this is a "vegan-only" post}.


He also has one for kids...


Oprah mainly focused on his Book, Food Rules: An Eaters Manual

Some of the rules they covered on the special were:
1. Eat food .
2: Don't eat anything your great-grandmother wouldn't recognize as food.
7: Avoid food products containing ingredients that a third-grader cannot pronounce.
13: Eat only foods that will eventually rot.
39: Eat all the junk food you want as long as you cook it yourself.
She also referenced a documentary called Food Inc. I am actually kind of afraid to watch it!
The Oprah special is recapped HERE.
And you have to take the food quiz...it is appalling!

Now for the second broken rule...Alicia Silverstone was on Oprah's special. I knew she was a vegan...I have heard this before, but I actually listened to her this time. Yes, I listened to a celebrity babble on about something...BUT she wasn't babbling..she made so much sense. She has a book out too, called The Kind Diet and I went out the next day and bought it.

In it, she details many different aspects of eating, health, and her perspective on being vegan and why. She also talks about Dr.McDougall {so she had me there!}. She offers recipes at different levels of change from "Flirting" to "Superhero," depending on what you are ready for. I liked this because while I can do "Superhero," hubby will "Flirt." I found I can use many of her recipes as side dishes for him...He must have meat {his idea, not mine}!!!!

Of course I could not talk about this book without having tried some of the recipes. I made the  Quinoa with Basil and Pine Nuts. A pretty basic recipe overall - prepare 1 cup of quinoa according to directions, toast pine nuts, chop basil, mix altogether and drizzle with olive oil. Easy and good (do I dare tell you I have never made quinoa before...I have always had it in the pantry, but never made it...I was afraid...so this was a good recipe to try.}.

Did I mention there are desserts? Last night I made the Coffee Fudge Brownies...six thumbs up from me and the kiddos (hubby is out of town). Really, really good! So, I am actually kind of in love with this "Kind Diet," and very excited to try more.

I am at the point where I will be seriously looking into organic chickens and grass fed beef for the family. As for me, I am pretty sure I am going to go Vegetarian again. I have a hard time calling myself a vegan, because I cannot say I won't slip up and eat cheese or anything like that. I also prefer this method of eating because I just do not want to count calories or fat or carbs or points.

Either way, they also say it is good for the environment to go meatless at least once a week. I am not preaching vegetarianism, veganism, or anything else..just exploring. What do you think? Do you buy celebrity endorsed products? Did you watch the Oprah special? 

Happy Eating!
Holly

If you are new or need a refresher on
the Mind, Body, Food Posts…
The Beginning: How it came to be.
Chapter 1: The Road to Complete Nutrition (body Image and food)
Chapter 2:Healthy Menu and Chicken Chili Recipe
Chapter 3: Pantry Perfection and a Homemade Ketchup recipe

42 comments:

  1. I've heard of both of those books but haven't tried them. I've tried to be vegetarian in the past and just felt weak and tired. Maybe I wasn't balancing out my food correctly. It still makes sense to try to eat more organically.

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  2. Hi, you put a lot of thought into this post, and the whole area of cooking and eating.
    My dh and I enjoy a wide range of healthy foods, including the Beef Shank Barley soup I made last night.
    So, nope, we aren't vegans, but I am interested to read here about your culinary path.

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  3. Did you read me when I went vegetarian last fall? I tried for a month. I learned a lot. I try to eat vegetarian at least once a week. Just recently I learned about grass fed beef (I'm slow) - I can totally get on board with that, as long as it doesn't cost me too much more!
    :)

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  4. I don't know that I could ever go totally vegan or vegetarian for that matter, but I could maybe give up meat for a while just to get myself in better shape. Tell me something though...is wine considered vegan?If not, I may have a serious issue.-

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  5. Alicia Silverstone said she drinks wine...or at least alluded to it. I am totally not an "expert." I just know what worked for me before and I am willing to explore other options...including grass fed beef, etc.

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  6. You've got my interest peaked. I've not heard of these books but I do believe in some of the points you made. I'm going to dig a little deeper ~ thanks for the info!

    Jo

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  7. I have heard great things about all of the books. And have a friend that swears by Omnivores Dilemma. Great post. Great food for thought! (Pun sort of intended!)

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  8. I'm laughing about the Oprah thing. I sometimes feel that since I quit work, people think that all I do is sit around and watch Oprah. Sometimes I do watch...most times I don't. I did happen to see this show. We do eat meat, although much less beef than we used to. We don't have any place to buy the "good" meat he spoke of, and I try really hard not to think about all that chicken I eat. I do like meatless meals, grains, beans etc. I thought The Kind Diet book sounded great. Rules are meant to be broken sometimes!

    Sue

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  9. Very interesting post. I don't eat much meat, (just don't like it) but my problem is I just don't know What to eat!

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  10. It sounds like you've found an eating plan that speaks to you. That's at least half the battle!

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  11. Hi Holly! Thanks for coming around my blog and leaving your words of wisdom! Much appreciated! I sent you a blog award - love your blog! Thanks for having this! :)

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  12. Hi Holly. I am really interested if you like this book. I have heard that some of the recipes need hard to get items but I don't know if that is true or not. Chris can't have any dairy so vegan meals work well for us and then I can always add meat on the side. Email me tracylivingston627@gmail.com PS I can't believe how big Joe has gotten and Jules is adorable! I miss our playdates.

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  14. Great info. I think it can kinda overwhelming for people at first, but we need to get back to basics with food.

    On a sidenote, I have an aversion to Alicia Silverstone based on an encounter in a vegan restaurant- maybe she's more informed now, afterall, you liked her recipes- should I get over my aversion??

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  15. I've heard of Alicia Silverstone's book but have not read it. It sounds like she makes some good points, based on what you've written.

    We are not vegetarians by any means, though I could probably survive just fine without eating meat. My hubby is a total meat and potatoes kinda person. But we usually have at least 1-2 meatless meals a week, like pasta or salad.

    Way to go on making some more healthy choices for your family!

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  16. I have toe Ominivore's Dilemma on CD. It was interesting but very mon.o.tone. I hope the book is better. And I am not a celeb-watcher (or an Oprah-watcher for that matter) but I do like Alicia Silverstone. She doesn't shave. I just think that's cool. And brave. LOL

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  17. I admire you for being able to do this. I could give up the meats easier than carbs but I am not a huge veggie fan. If I eat too many they mess up my stomach.

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  18. When we had a TV, I would always start my conversations with Oprah. And if I omitted to start them thus, they would soon turn to her. Drove sweet hubby nuts, to say the least!

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  19. I want to read those books as well. So funny about the Oprah comments... I still DVR and watch her every night.

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  20. I saw Food Inc. Blew me away. I will never, never, never buy organic meat of any kind again. Ever.

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  21. Pollan's rules are great; especially #2.

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  22. I believe my family would "kick me to the curb" if I said no meat, but I do try for one night a week with no meat. Does that count? It's a slow process, but we're learning to eat healthier & make smarter choices. Thanks for all the inspiration!

    ~Holly

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  23. You are too funny!

    I have rules too! Big rule follower too!

    I also don't watch Oprah. I used to when the children were babies, but I just don't have time. One of my rules is "There is no tv program that is so special that I have to record it."

    I am too a person that does not buy "Celebrity" products. (i.e.) Perfumes, clothing, and books.

    We try to do 2 meatless meals a week. My husband is a meat lover too.

    Our family wants chickens for our ranch.

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  24. Yeah I saw this Oprah episode too--it was good! I like what Michael said about eating the right kind of meat. And I've heard Alicia talk before--pretty cool. It's funny what she said about her poop being clean --LOL!

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  25. Anonymous9:39 AM

    Thanks for the recap at the bottom of your post...keeps me from having to dig through. I've beeen meaning to check out the books you recommended.

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  26. The Omnivore's Dilemma completely changed my views on food. I'm somewhat obsessed with buying only organic meat now. I think that's a good thing though. :)

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  27. we recently watched Food, Inc. I'll never look at food the same way.

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  28. I am trying so hard to eat better foods. It's really not that hard once you get used to it, but for some reason I just keep feeling like going back to my old ways. I cannot wait until "healthy" becomes a habit for me.

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  29. you are funny!! i encourage you to watch food inc. i am doing a complete overhaul of how we eat and while, we have always been health conscious, there are things i did not know. reading things is one thing, for me, but seeing them is a whole new world.

    a few others that have been very informative:

    Sustainable Table: What's on Your Plate

    To Market to Market to Buy a Fat Pig

    Seeds of Deception

    King Corn

    The Future of Food

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  30. Holly Great post, anything clean and in moderation is my "motto" fresh and full of nutrients.

    I love it that you are researching and learning what is best for you and your family and sharing with us...awesome!

    A role model in health you are!

    Nothing better than having lots of energy and feeling full of life after eating clean!

    Yours in health, Robin

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  31. I focus on Pollan's Rule #2. That saves you from a lot of the most dreadful stuff.

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  32. Great post, I totally agree. It's scary what our food has turned into these days. Oh, and I LOVE quinoa, I usually eat it plain or with butter, but that sounds yummy. I'm going to try that one.
    So when you commented on my page, did you mean you did a post on reality tv? Where would I find it? Love to read it :)
    Also, you and I are a lot a like when it comes to health and nutrition. Have you ever cleansed before? I'm really into it, you should go watch the video I put together of my most recent cleanse. It's under my weight loss tab.

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  33. You rebel you! haha. Sounds like you can make it exception to the rules this time. ;)

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  34. This must be fate! Just 10 minutes I my facebook comments reads I intend to lose 3-5 pounds this week!
    I need to cut at least 15-20 pounds but I'm having a heard time shedding my baby weight. I was on Atkins for 3 months but come to realize it won't work for me, I love my bread and pasta, I'm italian I cannot give it up. I need to find a new path that will work for me.

    Thank for stopping by ...i don't like mama.

    I look forward to reading your blog, losing weight and getting healthly along side you! :)

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  35. I love this. I watched Food Inc. and watched the show Oprah did. I have a garden and am planning on making it bigger this year and have found some local growers and farmers and am hoping to go in with some friends in buying clean/kind meat. THANKS for the post.

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  36. They sound like great books Holly! I'll have to take a look at them since we've been eating so healthy.
    I feel great too!

    ~Blessings, ~Melissa :)

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  37. I don't think I can ever be 100% vegetarian, but I do like the idea of cutting down the meat consumption and I also buy organic as much as I can.
    My kids love all kinds or fruits, veggies and grains. We also live around organic farms and orchards so it is pretty easy in the summer.We eat very little meat from May till September.

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  38. I am lucky in that in my semi-rural area, there are plenty of options for local, organic food. While I still eat fast food a little too often, I'm working hard to eat real stuff...it takes practice, but I think it's worth it!

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  39. I've been thinking awhile about changing the way I eat. If I only had Jonathan in the house, we could go without meat. But I have two meat eaters and I confess I love a good cheeseburger too.

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  40. Agree on that about celebrity endorsed books.

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  41. you put a lot of thought into this post, and the whole area of cooking and eating.
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Thanks for stopping by and joining the conversation! I sure hope you come back for more!