Food Inc.

Like 50% of the population, we have jumped on the "eating healthier" bandwagon for the new year. For us, however, it is not about trying to loose weight, appear thinner, or to become more buff. (That being said - we wouldn't turn those results down! :) ) Rather, we were inspired to change the way we eat after watching the controversial documentary "Food Inc."

Want to have your eyes opened? I suggest you watch this documentary. You will never look at food (specifically meat) the same. Whether you change the way you eat after this movie, is up to you. But, I promise that when you pick up a package of chicken breasts on sale for $10.99 you will think again. (And I was as big a culprit as any when it came to a good "deal" in the meat section at the grocery store.) "Food Inc" sheds light on the United States food supply - how it is controlled by a few corporations who keep personal profit at the forefront of their mind, while dropping all concern for the consumer's health. The consumer is not the only individual who suffers from these heavy handed corporations. Food Inc. exposes the truth behind these corporations and the environment, the way they treat animals, the lack of protected worker's rights, and the dismemberment of the "small town" farmer. (Granted, Canadian standards are different from the USA, however, they really are NOT that much different. For instance, just take a minute, when you're next in your grocery store, and see exactly how much of the produce is from Canada. It will startle you.)

Consequently, J and I have decided to be more careful with what we put in our mouths. Since we are both carnivorous individuals, this will not mean we will give up eating meat entirely. However, we plan on making sure we know where our meat is coming from. We want to know that the animals are treated properly, that they are not pumped full of growth hormones, that they are grass fed (opposed to corn fed, which causes E-coli bacteria in many animals), and that the workers are treated fairly.

So, how does this affect our diet? Let me introduce you to "Meat Mondays." On Mondays we eat meat (organic). Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday we don't. Why do we not eat meat on the other days of the week? Personally, for J and I, it is to keep us mindful of what we are putting in our mouths. Also, our grocery bill is significantly skinnier now that we've left the pork chops, chicken breasts, and ground beef in the cooler. We've pledged to follow this routine for one month only, to simply see how we can tough it out. However, once February rolls around, we may find that our bellies are happier, our consciences are clearer, and our bank account a little richer. Maybe we'll keep at it. (Or, and let's be realistic here, maybe we'll just be craving that steak, or grilled chicken breast, or whatever it may be.) Whether we decide to revert back to our carnivorous ways or to continue on with our more "leafy" substitute, our choices on where our food comes from are going to be drastically different.

We'll keep you posted on how this journey goes! Wish us luck!

P.S. Lunch today was Black Bean-Smothered Sweet Potatoes and Stuffed Portobello with Balsamic Reduction....and trust me, it was anything but boring! Stay tuned for the recipes and pictures coming up!