“What exactly are you eating?”
It is safe to say that I have heard that question at least twenty times in the past week and a half. I have no problem with people asking me about the food I am eating and why I am choosing to eat it. What I find to be frustrating during this lifestyle change, though, is how people feel the need to impose their opinions in regards to my decision to eat all organic/non-GMO/clean. To help resolve this issue… I have compiled a short list of “things to consider before judging an organic foodie.”
- Yes, I am well aware of the fact that organic food is more expensive. However, did you know that if you chose to eat all organic (like me), you are taking a stand against all the companies that are poisoning your body with “food.” Okay, so I pay an extra 50 cents or a little more for a non-GMO tomato. In doing so, I have chosen to support organic farmers, I am keeping agricultural chemicals such as pesticides out of my body, and I am protesting (without even realizing it) against companies like Monsanto.
- Yes, I realize that I can get a Big Mac for cheaper than an organic, non-GMO apple. But at what cost to my body? And don’t you find that to be a little upsetting? Sure, I will gladly invest in my body so I do not have health issues, weight problems, and who knows what else could come of eating junk like that.
- Oh for Pete’s sake… YES. I eat kale. Have you ever tried kale? Don’t knock it until you try it. Kale is awesome and you can do so much with it. Just this morning (around 6:30 a.m.), I threw some kale in the cast iron skillet with organic olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. I put the cooked kale in a bowl and topped it with two organic, sunny-side up eggs. I won’t be hungry until 11 a.m. when it is time for my snack. It tasted amazing, by the way.
- I am not vegan. Did I say I was without knowing it? I eat meat. Instead of meat that is packed with growth hormones, though… I eat grass-fed beef. Trust me, I love steak as much as the next person.
- I don’t need a Hersey’s bar, you guys. Stop trying to tempt me with crap. I am just fine with my 75% Cocoa Organic Dark Chocolate. It satisfies my sweet tooth and I don’t need to eat an entire bar to do so. I feel like 100 bucks after I eat a chunk of that chocolate bar.
- The hippie jokes are funny the first two times. After that… you just sound silly. Leave me alone. The food I eat is so flavorful, I enjoy it, and I am not forcing you to join me. Granted, I think you should, but I know you won’t anytime soon. So let me eat my overnight oats with blueberries in peace please.
- If you are going to ask me why I changed to all organic, then actually take what I am saying into consideration. I am not part of a cult who is trying to lure you. I have done my research and I refuse to let companies like Monsanto harm my body. I get to choose what I eat and I do NOT choose a bag of Lays Potato chips, a genetically modified carrot, or a Whopper from Burger King.
- Yes, I screw up sometimes. That is why in my last post about clean eating I mentioned how important it is to plan ahead. I learned the hard way by having to eat something that was not on my approved list. I paid for it because I felt like crap afterwards (not kidding). Over the weekend I chose to have one beer. Just one. The next morning I wish I went back in time and ditched the beer completely or at least asked for an alternative to it. I don’t leave the house without a water bottle or an organic banana.
- I said this about kale, but I want to say it about other foods in general. Don’t knock it until you try it. I know some of the stuff I eat looks unusual. It actually tastes fantastic, though. For example, I brought a Kombucha drink to the Redskins game this weekend. At first, everyone was skeptical. Once they tried it, though, they admitted that it was great! Don’t judge a book by its cover. ;)
- Last but not least… juicing is awesome! I do not juice a lot, because I don’t find it to satisfy my appetite as much as two eggs and turkey bacon would. However, as a mid morning snack or if you are on the go, it is fantastic. I know it seems like a trend lately and everyone is going crazy about it, but it really is yummy.
I just started this new lifestyle and I already feel the pain I used to put the organic lovers through. Before starting this diet change, I could not fathom living without Vocelli’s Pizza, Kraft mac and cheese, and other junk that I constantly put in my body. Once I made the switch, I started to feel so differently (in a good way)! I am afraid to ever relapse into the junk food world because I think my body would go through shock.
The last thing I want to do is be the annoying person who tells you what to eat. That is why I only provide my two cents when asked. Do the same for me. This change is hard enough as it is when your entire household does not practice the same eating habits as you. It takes a lot of time and effort to make this change. We do not need anymore criticism.
No matter what the circumstance, we should all just encourage each other to be happy and healthy. If you do not want to eat all organic, that is fine. I promise there are other aspects to me that you’ll like, if that is not one of them. Be happy and healthy, y’all! :)
