The Story of Food: Part 2: If Not Organic Then What?

Okay so I debunked some of our more idyllic thoughts about organic farming, at least at the level of the national chains. If organic boxed salad from the grocery store isn’t all it's cracked up to be then what do we eat?

This answer is remarkably simple with a complex twist. Put simply, eat local. The complexity is that eating local requires more from you than a drive to your local grocery store. The old adage couldn’t be more true - we are exactly what we eat. Instead of letting the grocery store determine which farmers raise your food, and what foods you will eat, it is time to take back control of what goes into your mouth and, in turn, what makes up your body.

You should eat what you feel good about, grown by people who raised the food in such a way that makes you feel good. This is personal and there isn’t an easy answer. It will require a little research on your part. You may even find you are willing to have different levels of quality for different foods. You may care less about how your tomato was raised than your steak. These are choices you need to explore and make yourself.

To aid you in that process I encourage each and every one of you to read two books by Michael Pollen. The order you choose to read them in depends on if you want the answer before the background or vice versa. The answer book is In Defense of Food. The background book is Omnivores Dilemma (both books are highlighted on my recommended reading list). If books are not your thing check out the following websites:

• http://www.eatwild.com/
• http://www.michaelpollan.com/ (especially his links page)
• http://www.eatlocal.net/
• web.missouri.edu/ikerdj/papers/Alabama-Eat%20Local.htm (a great paper Eat Local: A Matter of Integrity and The Top Ten Reasons to Eat Local by John Ikerd).

The ultimate eating manifesto: Local Organic! And it’s out there. This is a map of the farmers markets, co-ops, restaurants, stores and farms that support local organic foods registered with localharvest.org. If you don’t know where to find local organic foods in your area visit http://www.localharvest.org/ for a farmer’s market near you for fun, community, and great healthy food.

All recommendations suggested here are purely for your own information and education. The information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Sarah Marshall is a candidate to graduate as a Naturopathic Doctor in June 2009. She is currently practicing as a medical intern at the Natural Health Center Portland, OR. If you would like to schedule and appointment for a personalized health consultation with her call (503) 552-1551.