How my inclinations all began

     A couple years ago, I had no idea what it meant to eat organic. I thought it had something to do with healthy foods like tofu. I even had a one-day resolution to "eat organic" and made tofu chili. I told my husband all the white stuff he was seeing was just melting cheese. He didn't buy it and the chili was pretty disgusting. That health resolve was quickly dismissed.
   
     Fast forward a few years later to when baby{#1} was 6 months old and ready to try food. I took a new look at all the food out there and started reading the ingredient lists on foods I would potentially be feeding my baby. What IS this stuff I can't even pronounce?! So I started using organic fruits and vegetables to make my own babyfood and began to read everything I could about organic foods, preservatives, pesticides, or anything else on the subject.
   
     It has been almost 4 years since I bought my first bag of organic frozen peas! Our family has gradually changed the content of our diet to contain very little processed foods, preservatives, or dyes and instead eat mostly organic and all natural foods. Basically, just eating REAL food as much as possible. We have been extremely healthy and as a mom/wife, I feel so much better about what my family eats. My husband isn't fully convinced and I still have to buy him oreos occasionally (ok, ok, yes, I do sneak a few too). My kids seem to only see their doctor for well-checks. I keep feeling like I should call our Pediatrician to give him an occasional update, but he hasn't seemed concerned with our lack of sick visits so I have resisted.
   
     I am a firm believer in how what is in foods has adversely affected America's health. Our society wants things as fast and cheap as possible; food companies have only complied with this demand despite the negative health affects. Rates of major diseases continue to increase each year. Studies have shown how certain preservatives/pesticides have been linked to all sorts of health problems like cancer, heart disease, endocrine disorders...you name it. I haven't figured out how these food companies can get away with some of these ingredients and why the FDA doesn't step up its regulations. Apparently politics and money make the world go round...

     All that to say, I decided to start this blog to share about what I have learned (and am still learning!) about organic/all natural foods, how I incorporate these things in our meals, and why it is important. I know eating organic and all natural isn't for everyone. When I first started on this kick, my parents and family thought I was crazy; now they are just used to me. But I figure the more you can learn about different foods and ingredients, the better you are able to make the best choices that work for you and your individual family.

Thanks for reading and I look forward to sharing about things like the Dirty Dozen and a tutorial on how I make homemade bread!