Becoming a Conscious Eater

A few years ago, I started my food journey to conscious eating. I was a ‘just eat it and don’t worry about it’ kinda gal. I knew that certain foods were bad for me but I did not want to go down that worm hole. After all I am broke and can’t afford Whole Paycheck (my nickname for Whole Foods). I worry enough already.

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Once I became a Mom the whole world changed. I have this little human that needs me to protect, guide, and teach him. I don’t want him eating junk all the time or have high cholesterol like mommy. One day after the fourth tantrum in 2 hours, I wondered if this could be more then just the terrible 2’s? He wasn’t sick or anything but seemed different. Well, what did he eat? Could that be it? He had just started a fruit snack phase. He wanted then ALL THE TIME! (don’t judge it has fruit in it, doesn’t it? ;-)) I looked it up and sure enough there are dyes in it. Dyes have been linked to aggressive behavior. (http://www.npr.org/2011/03/30/134962888/fda-probes-link-between-food-dyes-kids-behavior)
So we took them away for a few days and were amazed! He was a different kid. This started my adventure to become a conscious eater. I need to be more proactive. I can’t continue to cover my eyes and hope for the best. He does get fruit snacks on occasion, but now I make them. They are so easy to make and so much better for you.
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It is so hard to navigate what is “good”, “bad” and down right “ugly” about the food industry. I never wanted to become “THAT MOM” and be a food Nazi. After reading a few articles about what is IN our food my stomach turned and can’t just continue feeding my family this junk. To be clear….. we are still navigating this journey and with all day sickness, I haven’t done the best job I can but progress is good right? Since there is so much to report I am going to take baby steps and try not to overwhelm you all.
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So, talking to a few friends about what to believe and where to get factual information I have a few links that are starter sites to check out. WARNING…… If you enjoy eating and want to continue to eat that yummy burger by all means please walk away and never turn back. Once the info is in your head you will never look at food the same way. I have learned though that moderation is key. You have to eat and not everything is bad. For me if I want chicken nuggets I just make my own with actual chicken and bread crumbs.Ready? Set? Go!!!!

Copyright: http://www.foodpolitics.com/
Copyright: http://www.foodpolitics.com/

http://www.foodpolitics.com/ – by Marion Nestle is Paulette Goddard Professor in the Department of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health (the department she chaired from 1988-2003) and Professor of Sociology at New York University.

Copyright: http://www.ewg.org/
Copyright: http://www.ewg.org/

http://www.ewg.org/– The Environmental Working Group is the nation’s most effective environmental health research and advocacy organization.

These 2 sites are a good start and will open your mind to world of Conscious Eating. You have been warned!

Good Luck on your food journey.

– Carol A. Gerner
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Carol A. Gerner
Carol is a Yinzer from birth and wears many hats. She is a Classroom Assistant for Pittsburgh Public School’s Early Intervention Program, the owner/chief blogger at Steel City Mom, wife (10 years and going strong), mother (4-year-old and expecting in November 2016) and a woman who likes to help others. Carol attended Pittsburgh Technical Institute and The Art Institute of Pittsburgh where she earned 2 Associate Degrees. She loves art and computers. Carol enjoys cooking, blogging, crafts, helping others, children, church, football, t-ball, creating, and run on sentences. She is never grammatically correct or politically correct but she will give the shirt off of her back. Well if its warm enough outside.