Diet changed me life. As I prepared to meal prep for my baby who is around 18 months of age, I am reminded of the importance of a balanced diet. I started to emphasize grains and only use fruit as a flavor enhancer. I snapped out of it though and gave myself a stern talking to. While fruits make a great snack when you are craving something sweet, they are a fundamental part of your diet and should be treated as such. The emphasis should fall evenly among food groups. While we are on that topic, I lead a plant based & whole food lifestyle that intend to share with my loved ones. I remember eating animal products all the way up until I was a teen. I also remember having more stomach aches and overall indigestion back then. While the plant based lifestyle has made it easier on that end, it has made it more essential for me to pay attention to what it is that I am putting in my mouth. When you eat animal products you partially benefit from that animal’s diet. Depending on which animal you are eating and how it was raised, you also may be exposed to environmental toxins. Although regulatory institutions are in charge of making sure the food in your grocery store is safe to eat, there are conflicting opinions on what is considered “safe”.
So, in my daily routine I factor in the different macro and micro nutrients and work toward implementing a diet that consists of minimally processed plant based foods. Minimally processed means as close fresh as possible. Soil health is also important to me. Often times plants absorb substances from their surroundings. This is how they get nutrients but it is also how they get toxins.
Edible plants include fruits, vegetables, nuts, & seeds. Although you may only find a select variety in some commercial settings, farmers markets often have a more diverse selection. Additionally, more information on the cultivation practices are available. A lot of these farms offer opportunities for people to come out and visit the site where their food is grown. Regenerative farming practices aim and giving back to the soil and protect the land with the use of cover crops, crop rotation, and more.
As I move towards producing my own sustenance, I begin cooking from scratch, shopping with a different lens, and even spending money differently. Things that once appealed to me seem to have fallen back into the dimly light arena from which they came. The things that are less popular seem to stand out now. It makes me wonder why the popular items are favorites in the first place. It reminds me of a time when I ate only with my tongue. While taste, texture, and curb appeal are a great part of my experience with food, the way it makes me feel all over is equally significant. The origin of these items is yet another pilar which supports my conviction. From the history and so called land ownership of the land to every hand that brought it from farm to table, I acknowledge & appreciate them all.
I occasionally get asked if I am a vegan. While I do advocate for the humane treatment of all living things(including workers), I occasionally find animal products in my life. I get asked about this in the context of food usually even though it includes clothing, furniture, and more. I think something the movement is missing is the emphasis on inhumane practices which can still occur in the production and manufacturing of plants. That’s why I have moved on from that label and now consider myself a mindful consumer. Thanks for playing your part & see you later!
-Jai’Kir
