If it came from a plant, eat it; if it was made in a plant, don’t.
For this #winewellnesswednesday, Michael Pollan’s FOOD RULES #19 is my topic. Generally speaking, I think he has a point.
If what you’re about to eat is a plant product, and by that I mean you can readily identify the actual growing plant that produced your food, then absolutely! Go for it! Chow down. Keep in mind that some plants are indeed NOT edible, of course, and be aware of any food allergies you or someone else might have as you’re preparing or purchasing food. I thoroughly enjoy knowing where my food comes from, and, if possible, knowing the people who grew it. For example, last weekend I roasted a spaghetti squash that we grew where I work part-time. (It was delicious!) Not only was that from an actual plant, it was from somewhere very specific.
If what you’re about to eat is a mass-marketed, mass-produced mass of chemicals that have never been closer to a plant than the grass growing outside the factory, maybe give it a second thought. Is all food that’s produced in factories evil? Not at all! A lot of it can be really good for you. Rice and quinoa, for example; you wouldn’t want to have to harvest it yourself. It’s processed at a factory and comes in a bag or a box. Does that make it bad? Nope!
In large part, eating whole, real food is always going to be best. I’ve mentioned it before (and it’s also in FOOD RULES): try to stay at the periphery of the grocery store as much as possible. If you have the option, try to get as many of your groceries at a farmers’ market as you can! Check the ingredients. If you can’t pronounce them, maybe you don’t want to eat them. It isn’t always practical to eat whole, real food that comes from actual plants instead of from factories. It’s a good thing to strive for.
What plants are your favorites when preparing meals? :)
Cheers! Here’s to your health!