Gabriel, Canon 300D
I just got back from seeing Supersize Me and I’m feeling slightly nauseated. It was an excellent, if not chilling tale about what a high fat diet can do to your precious bod.
As if I needed another reason to stay away from McDonald’s.
When I look at my friend Kathy’s beautiful boy Gabriel (pictured above) I imagine how pure his one-year-old body is, and how he hasn’t seen the likes of whoppers and mcnuggets and coca cola yet. I cringe at the thought of getting him within 5 feet of all those hormones and grease and genetically modified crap.
I know this stuff is cheap and accessible and all of that, but whatever happened to real food?
If you haven’t seen this movie, check it out. It will shock you right over to your nearest farmer’s market.
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ahhhh, but it isn’t the high fat that gives fast food its evil edge – its the refined carbs, empty of anything except high doses of sugar that cause insulin to flood the body, ultimately throwing off the thyroid, sex hormones, and serotonin levels of the body . . . ummmm, pardon me . . . this is one of my most favorite knowledge rants 🙂 (yeah, yeah, I know the meat in fast food is evil, too, but that is a whole *nuther* rant 🙂
that boy has the sweetest face. 🙂
I’ve been wanting to see Supersize Me for a while now. I usually try to steer clear of overly processed foods and excessive sugar & fat, but I’ve been reading some books that have me thinking I should cut back even more. Right now I’m reading Food Politics & a little book on “the science of life”… very interesting reads.
a couple of friends and i just watched a midsummer night’s dream and there was a scene where these big red plump tomatoes were just everywhere and we wondered how food “back then” must have tasted. we agreed it would have been “naturally tasty” without all the junky preservatives that’s everywhere now…
would have to wait for quite some time before i watch the movie though (a deal was made with a good friend). 🙂
anyway, hope you have a great week ahead of you.
I think cooking from scratch is a good thing. Even better when using organic vegetables. I remember eating my first organic carrot, years ago – I was *shocked* by the fact that it had such a strong scent of carrot when it was cooking. And the taste….wow. I Copenhagen, Denmark, where I live, you can subscribe to organic vegetables – a company will bring you a (wooden, of course) box to your doorstep every week, or every other week. Genius!
hi!
very, very nice your pics! i love!
I havent eaten meat in ages, but i have eaten their fries with orange pop.. We go to the farmers market every Saturday.. not only for the veggies but for the photo ops as well.
I had the same experience seeing Supersize Me. I’ve recommended the movie to everyone I know. Morgan Spurlock shares everything that I’ve always known about the food and lifestyle habits, but always felt ‘too preachy’ to go on at length to those I love. The scenes that most resonate with me weren’t the ones about McDonald’s though … I was shocked that most Americans walk less than 1/4 mile a day, and I LOVED the segue about the school for ‘troubled’ kids. I’ve long believed that diet is partly responsible for what the medical establishment insists are ‘behavioural’ problems. Yes, wonderful work that movie.
Yes! I too loved the part about the school for “troubled” kids, and how by changing their diets, their behavior changed so dramatically.
I have a friend who is a counselor for at risk kids, and the very first thing she always asks them about is their diet. I’m shocked and saddened that more importance isn’t put on diet and exercise in the school system.
I pray that things will change by the time I have kids myself, or that they won’t throw away their home bagged lunch as soon as they get to school…
And yes, there are lots of companies now that deliver organic foods to your door. In the Bay Area there is Planet Organics and The Box.
it was an excellent movie, and eye-opening, despite going into it feeling slightly know-it-all-y.
i loved what you wrote about the purity of a baby’s body. babies are vegan (including breastmilk, of course) and chemical-free for the first year of their life. that’s incredible, but ridiculously sad that the chemical-free-ness has to change at some point.
also, that is a gorgeous baby. he looks so pensive!
I’m really interested to see Supersize Me…I imagine it has a similar effect to reading Fast Food Nation. The idea that so many people put that food into their body on a regular basis is utterly disturbing…
While all of your comments are indeed completely valid, I also felt immensely saddened by the film. The fact is that so many people just don’t know how bad this food is for them and don’t know how to change their habits. The part in the film where the high school girl is talking to Jared and then comments afterwards that the Subway diet is the only way to lose weight but she can’t afford it almost had me in tears. The change certainly needs to be based in education. Let’s face it- most of the people seeing this film are in a much different position to comment on it then the people who are living on this diet.
years ago i was estranged from my folks and living in a small town alone working hard to support myself. i had, honestly and truly, $41 for every sixteen days of food. i ate like a queen on whole grains and fruit and veggies in season, and felt and looked awesome. healthy food is NOT more expensive than junk food.
Gorgeous photo (as usual…) HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!! I remembered of course because we share the date… I’ve been staring at my pictures online all day just living in the past… A year ago today right about now, I was 30 minutes away from saying I do… okay enough dorkness from me! Hope you all enjoy your evening!!
There is no doubt that breast feeding our babies is one of the most important contributions we will make to their health, with benefits that accrue to them across the life span. While not every woman can breast feed (and not every baby can nurse), it’s certainly important to do when it’s possible. That said, there is increasing evidence that environmental contaminants are abundant in human breast milk. We get our first exposure to all sorts of chemicals by nursing. The Environmental Working Group, an environmental health advocacy organization, has a report on this at
http://www.ewg.org/reports/mothersmilk/.
Sandra Steingraber also writes about this in her amazing (and anxiety producing) book “Having Faith: An Ecologist’s Journey to Motherhood.”
Again, it is certainly, better to breast feed than not. But also, really important that women get involved in environmental issues on behalf of their families and themselves!
A — happy anniversary! I am, as always, so proud and honored to have officiated on that gorgeous, blessed day.
Happy Anniversary Andrea!!!
It’s the first time I hear about this movie. I think it’s healing that a movie like this comes from the US themselves, temple to all fast food lovers. The awareness in Europe is much different, although the influence of Mc’s and the other burger royalties is not to overlook. Alas. Chances are that things will yet worsen.
But why??, we should ask. And we should look critically on the media & industry and their way to make us want this crap food. Because it promises more spare time. Because it means quality time to spend with the family. Because it means fun. Because cooking and handling raw food is not for…successful, charismatic careerists and self-seeking housewives. [I need less time to make a fresh, healthy meal than heating up a deep freeze readmade meal. And very honestly, anyone who says they need hours for this should do themselves some favour and learn cooking. It doesn’t hurt and won’t degrade the status quo.]
I think this is one of the greatest health lies, besides tobacco and alcohol, they managed to implant into our brains. It’s time they’d receive a decent kick somewhere.
andrea,
happy anniversary a day late.
jenn
ooooh, fast foooood!! i havent seen the movie yet, but i probably should. i hate mcdonalds but the sheer convenience of it is thrilling to my lazy body.
i’ll have to check it out!
I’m told that if you read the book “Fast Food Nation” you’ll never set foot in a fast food restaurant again…
I do agreee. the thought of eating there is rather revolting ….although i have found my self at the drive thru late at night with a serious case of the muchies and it does hit the spot. Coincidentally Mc’D’s has since stopped selling the supersize portions …they said it had nothing to do with the movie ….they cite the reason as a changing demographic …haha.
nice stuff …be cool
Cheers from Canada eh
Scott Brooks
I FORGOT!!! a very very very very very happy (late) anniversary to you and matt… i hope the joy that you have shared so far continue deep into your lives and grow and grow….
XOXOXO
eMiLy
Wow! I can FEEL Gabriel’s velvety soft skin in your lovely photo.
Oh, I really have to see that movie. I have a 3 year old and my husband has insisted on no sodas for her. Unfortunately through other people she has gotten to taste them but she will chose water over any other drink any day. It has been worth the effort. As for McDonald’s, well their marketing and brand recognition is so strong that even though we don’t watch any TV at home she still begs to there for a happy meal. We take care once in a while but she usually plays with the toy and does not touch the food.
On another note, I just attended a conferece with a PhD Chemist from Stanford with the theory of how many communities are dominated through nutrition. He gives chilling facts that really make you think twice about what you put in your mouth.