Wednesday, October 6, 2010

The Whys Behind our Eating

We've recently changed the way we've been eating for a variety of reasons, mostly related to that we don't want to die anytime soon and maybe this will help. When I mention that we are eating more vegetarian meals and more organic foods people inevitably ask why we do it and so, dear internet, I'm going to not only answer them, but every one of you too. Don't you feel lucky?

Reason 1:

We are Mormon. If you want to learn more about Mormons and what we believe, go here. In a nutshell, there is a revelation that was given by God to Joseph Smith in 1833 called the Word of Wisdom. In it we are told how to keep our bodies physically and spiritually healthy. To learn more go here.

Specifically this revelation says, "...all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man. Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof....flesh also of the beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly....all grain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts, to be the staff of life..." (DC 89:11-14). To read the entirety of the revelation go here.

With this revelation comes amazing blessings if we follow this Word of Wisdom, blessings of health, wisdom, great treasures of knowledge, and that the destroying angel shall pass by them. Blessings I surely want, especially since I've been suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (that's a whole other post).

When I evaluated how we were eating, I realized that we were eating meat-centered meals. Every meal contained meat of some kind and rarely vegetables and grains. We were, in my opinion, ignoring some of the benefits and blessings that come with living in line with this revelation.

So, what have we changed? We eat more grains, lots more...whole grains. We eat more fruits and vegetables and we try to eat them when they are in season. We eat less meat...trying to only eat meat twice a week. Granted, this is still in transition mode and we aren't able to always follow this, but we are trying and I believe we are aligning ourselves more fully with this revelation.


Reason 2:

I get obsessed with things. Have you seen this movie? I'm not going to lie, there is some scary stuff in it and I became obsessed. It is a movie I believe everyone should see. The basic premise is to educate Americans on where there food comes from.

After this movie, I only buy organic where I can. I try to by free range chicken and beef, that is raised without antibiotics or hormones. If I can't afford it, I stick to buying the dirty dozen organically.


Reason 3:

We don't want to die. I can't exercise much because of the Chronic Fatigue and husband doesn't exercise much for a variety of reasons. We were both gaining weight and with hubby's history of high cholesterol and triglycerides we were putting ourselves at risk. Enter diet change. It's helped us both lose a little weight already and we've only been at it for about a month and a half.


So that's it, mostly. The whys. I promised a post of other things we've changed and tips on certain additives that are in food. I'll add that and then some resources I've turned to for finding information and healthier options. Hope this helps answer some more questions.

5 comments:

MissRissa said...

Way to go Erin! I like this post. Have you gone to the Farmers Market? There's a meat supplier there and while it's more expensive than the grocery store, I've never tasted hamburger meat so delicious! For the few times we eat it, it's worth the money!

erin j bailey said...

We haven't been yet. Luke has soccer practice Wednesday nights and with Chris coaching its been hard to make it. I'm dying to go though. We're looking into a CSA as well.

~G~ said...

It is so nice to see you writing again! My dad also has cronic fatige. I know it can be difficult but a diet change is good.

MissRissa said...

There is also one on Thursdays at the Kingwood town center across the bridge. It has all the same vendors. Let me know what you find about a CSA, I'd be interested also!

Stephanie said...

We are SO on the same page here. I missed the vegetarian's tasters table or whatever they called it back in August since I was in California...but I think there are enough of us interested in the ward that it could be something we do on a quarterly basis to share new recipes. I am mostly struggling with getting rid of cheese. I don't love vegetables but am definitely trying. Seriously though - we need to get people on board with this. Did you see Jamie Oliver's food revolution? that was pretty awesome too.