| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| texdane |
Posted - Oct 23 2012 : 07:31:45 AM
Just wondering...does anyone else find that by eating organic, you make some others around you annoyed, even angry? I just don't get it. It happens to us all the time. I don't preach to others, but if you come to my house, I make organic food. If you ask me about it, I will tell you I eat organic and why. Going organic has been a life-saver for us, and we are not spending a fortune on medicine and antibiotics like we used to. It's been over a year since my daughter was on an antibiotic, and in three years that was the only one! Anyway, our eating organic angers some of my family (who do not live with me, or pay my bills, by the way). And some of my friends act like we are silly or that my daughter is deprived in some way. (Trust me, she's not. She gets plenty of treats, and if you look, you can find an organic version of just about anything). One friend called and said she was at a store and found a canned good on sale cheap, would I want her to pick me up a case. I said no thank you, was very polite and thanked her for thinking of me. She got snarky and asked "why...because it isn't organic?" Well, yes, that is the reason. I don't judge her, but I feel like she judges me. Her child has hyperactivity issues, yet, she eats Pop Tarts everyday for breakfast! Then yesterday at the store, the checkout clerk looked at my organic groceries and snipped, "Organics is just an excuse for people to spend more money!" Here in CT, the difference in price is miniscule, and often organics are cheaper. And there are those who say I must live on "sticks and leaves". Not so. I don't say anything at other people's homes, or judge their food. So what gives? Do you run into this, too? Thanks for letting me vent.
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/ |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| crittergranny |
Posted - Nov 04 2012 : 2:39:34 PM
I think there is also something to be said for food that is cooked with love. I may sound just sentimental but I think it digests better.
Laura
Horse poor in the boonies.
www.nmbarrelhorses.com |
| goneriding |
Posted - Nov 04 2012 : 09:41:39 AM
Really, it's true, when you cook/bake your own food, once you have the basic ingredients, it's not that much more expensive, if at all, than prepared food. Even my Weight Watchers cookbook, it has some strange ingredients to make up for flavor but the food is pretty good and fills you right up!
I was wondering, about donating food to food banks. What if people donated WW or Lean Cuisine frozen foods to the food pantry? Of course it'd need a freezer to keep everything frozen but the food would probably be healthier and it's not that expensive. What would be the downside to this?
My website:
http://twohorseswalkingdesigns.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/twohorseswalkingdesigns
Pinterest:
http://pinterest.com/goneirish/
|
| FieldsofThyme |
Posted - Nov 04 2012 : 04:46:12 AM
I think part of it is being unfamiliar to the facts regarding organic foods. The other part is convenience. It's too easy to whip up a box of hamburger helper than make a homemade meal, using healthier foods (in their mind, and in reality it's not time consuming).
I am collecting for my food pantry right now. They told me what they are in need of. I offered to print up a flyer to teach people who to eat on a budget, but healthy, and how to make their own cleaners. I was told that no one would be interested, that came into the pantry. Sad, I know.
They want boxed Mac'n Cheese. If you know what it's made of (http://healthychild.org/blog/comments/us_vs_uk_mac_n_cheese_smackdown/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+checblog+Healthy+Child+Healthy+World+Blog), and you know the facts, you would not donate this stuff. I went in search of Annie's organic boxed Mac'n'cheese, and tried it out on my family before donating some.
I also went in search of organic dry boxed cereal - no artificial anything, no bad oils, and no high fructose corn syrup. I found it fro $1.29/box this week. This is cheaper than the cereals at Aldi's.
We are not deprived at all. In fact, I think we have enriched lives as a result from it - healthier bodies, healthier minds, and longer lives.
2011 Farmgirl of the Year
July 2012 Farmgirl of the Month
Farmgirl #800
My Life: http://pioneerwomanatheart.blogspot.com/
Recycle Ideas: http://scrapreusedandrecycledartprojects.blogspot.com/
From my hands: http://roosterscrowfarm.blogspot.com/
From my Camera: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pioneerwomanatheart/
|
| sjmjgirl |
Posted - Nov 03 2012 : 5:33:34 PM
I personally think that it all mostly boils down to the fact that food in general is very personal. You feed your family and nourish your body with it. You give it when someone is sick or going through a hard time. Cooking and baking is one of the most personal things you can do for someone (at least its that way for me,anyhow). We celebrate with it. To go organic or not is a personal decision and its nobody's business whatever your choice is. Personally , I buy organic when prices allow me to, but organics can still be pretty steep in price in my area. So Ive come to rely on my garden and canning more and more each year.
I dunno. Excellent topic!
Farmgirl Sister # 3810
Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
- Dalai Lama
April is Autism Awareness month. Autism affects 1 in 88 children (1 in 54 boys, including my son). Go to http://www.autismspeaks.org/ to learn more and help Light It Up Blue on April 2nd!
|
| goneriding |
Posted - Nov 03 2012 : 07:53:10 AM
quote:
Originally posted by YakLady
Winona- that's what we call "Communion Wine" because that is the brand our churches used for communion when we were growing up :) It's the super sweet red, right?
~Hen 4316~ Just a farmgirl in Western Montana.
Starting a family and raising up a small ranch using natural resources.
www.mydoterra.com/thurman
Heh, it's a deep purple color, like concord grape juice but with an extra 'kick'. Pretty sweet. I didn't know it was used for communion, the church in which I grew up used plain grape juice. Communion or no, it's really good. Not much of a headache either and that's a good thing. 
My website:
http://twohorseswalkingdesigns.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/twohorseswalkingdesigns
Pinterest:
http://pinterest.com/goneirish/
|
| luv4rabbitsNroses |
Posted - Nov 03 2012 : 12:06:21 AM
Hello fellow Farmgirls! I felt inclined to add to this topic only because I have been wondering for sometime if every farm girl who followed Mary Jane is on board with an all organic lifestyle.? I simply love Mary Jane's country flair and creativity and everything but the organic lifestyle is right up my alley (or country road ;). I grew up on an apple orchard in North Central Washington State and was never very aware of anything organic until my family purchased an organic apple orchard and continued practicing organic methods for pest control, etc. I can never remember any other time in my life when I saw my father so ill from the sprays, etc. that he had to use! Now, like any little girl, I loved my daddy very much and was quite taken aback by his continued illnesses. We promptly tore out that orchard and started over! Now, I am much more aware of organics and a "lifestyle" that can sometimes be associated with it but I agree with these other ladies when they say do what is best for your family! I have five children and we grow our own garden. It is for the most part "natural" but occasionally we have to take care of a problem and will do so wisely using minimal application procedures. I know that growing a garden provides numerous benefits for my family but I am not insistent on a particular method, just results! So, while I admire the passion and dedication so many women have to living a healthy lifestyle, I think it is best said that as Mothers and Wives, we will be Blessed with the wisdom we need to meet the individual needs of all our own families. Blessings, Shan 
Where ever you go, go with all your heart. Confucious |
| YakLady |
Posted - Nov 01 2012 : 10:45:26 AM
Winona- that's what we call "Communion Wine" because that is the brand our churches used for communion when we were growing up :) It's the super sweet red, right?
~Hen 4316~ Just a farmgirl in Western Montana.
Starting a family and raising up a small ranch using natural resources.
www.mydoterra.com/thurman |
| goneriding |
Posted - Nov 01 2012 : 05:36:20 AM
Speaking of kosher, I have discovered kosher wine and it is the best. I don't have the bottle anymore (drank the wine, tossed the bottle) but it's Manechewitz (sp??). Good stuff. :-)
My website:
http://twohorseswalkingdesigns.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/twohorseswalkingdesigns
Pinterest:
http://pinterest.com/goneirish/
|
| crittergranny |
Posted - Nov 01 2012 : 04:13:56 AM
Nicole sounds like you are raising your daughter in a healthy way. When my kids were little I didnt make them a lot goodies at home. There always seemed to be somewhere else they would get sweets like at church potluck. I didnt deny them that and it was enough to make them happy.
Natalie I guess I am sort of kosher. Thing is I would like to get back to being a vegetarian, but two things hinder me. 1. It takes a little more time and thought to prepare vegetarian food. For some reason I seem to need a lot of protein and can't handle much carbs, and I have such a busy life with all my horses and I really don't like to cook that much. 2. I don't have much of a choice here in the mountains. We are 120 miles from the nearest walmart. There is a town 30 miles away with a little grocery store and although the owner does a pretty good job at trying to provide fresh veggies it still is very limited. Gardening is hard here in this dry climate and the deer are relentless. Gardening is also very time consuming. And our growing season is very short because we are at 8000 ft. But I have a little garden that my hubby has put an eight foot fence around. I havent given up.
We eat a lot of deer and elk. I like deer ok, never have liked elk much though. At least it's organic. We also have a goat that I milk. I think organic, low sugar, and vegetarian is the best diet. Sometimes vegetarian food has a bunch of additives like msg so is no better than or worse than meat. The thing about meat is that it has oxidants that chip away at the cell walls causing aging and vulnerability to disease, veggies have antioxidants that coat the cell walls and guard against aging and disease. I feel much better when I abstain from all meat. I took care of both my mom and my dad from 2006 till 2008 while they were very sick and dying and I was always trying to just find anything they could eat and my eating habits deteriorated and I guess I went through a time where I figured it didnt matter cause we are all going to the same place anyway. But it does matter and I need to relearn how to eat better. You ladies are an inspiration in these posts, thank you.
Laura
Horse poor in the boonies.
www.nmbarrelhorses.com |
| mountain mama |
Posted - Oct 31 2012 : 4:12:38 PM
Natalie,
It seems to me that people are always afraid of things they do not understand. We should actually feel sorry for these individuals.
Personally I would rather pay for organic food instead of paying the doctors, drug stores and hospitals.
You should never feel bad about doing what is good for you or your family.
Marilyn
Farmgirl #408
Stress relief: go fishing, play in the dirt. go on a road trip, talk to a farmgirl. |
| tammyc |
Posted - Oct 31 2012 : 3:58:06 PM
Interesting topic ladies! Here in the Bay Area (Northern California) it is the polar opposite of what you experience, Nicole. If you DON'T eat organic, people frown upon it. Even our schools serve only organic food for lunches. It just becomes a way of life to eat organic. I have organic produce delivered by a company called Farm Fresh to You once a week. I buy organic meat which definitely tastes better, especially the beef. I always buy organic dairy products. Organic food here is so easily accessible, we are lucky. I haven't paid attention to the price difference, but I'm sure there is a bit of a difference. It's worth it though to be healthy!
"Be who you are and say what you like because the people who mind don't matter and the people who matter don't mind" - Dr. Seuss |
| texdane |
Posted - Oct 31 2012 : 3:44:41 PM
Well said, Natalie!
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/ |
| YakLady |
Posted - Oct 31 2012 : 2:55:09 PM
Laura- Are you Kosher? I've always liked the idea of that, but never tried it specifically. I was a lacto-ovo vegetarian in my middle school/high school days, so I suppose that qualified, but it wasn't on purpose. DH loves bacon, so I don't know how well that would go over with him.
I don't eat all Organic. I'm working on it, but the price difference here is actually a little nuts! It's always at least 50c/lb higher, if not over a dollar. But I really do have a goal to get all natural (not certified Organic necessarily- just means more government involvement) from local suppliers.
I wish that people wouldn't take others' lifestyle choices so personally. I catch flack whenever I talk about Monsanto, or that GMOs are NOT good for us. People are just very involved in their opinions/guilt I think. Whenever someone is making better choices in anything, lots of people see it as a negative commentary on their choices when it's really not.
~Hen 4316~ Just a farmgirl in Western Montana.
Starting a family and raising up a small ranch using natural resources.
www.mydoterra.com/thurman |
| Arctic Flower |
Posted - Oct 31 2012 : 1:51:51 PM
Thanks Nicole for you heartfelt distress on this subject. I too went organic after spending many trips to the emergency room only to be told there was nothing wrong with me according to the standard medical test I was given. So the only other place to look was the food I was eating. After researching the chemicals that are listed on the food packaging, I discovered that my health issues were directly related to those chemicals. When I removed them, I got well and lost 50 pounds to boot. Maybe that's the reason we have an obesity epidemic in this country. These chemicals prevent the body's regulatory system from doing it's job. A little research went a long way to the road of better health for me.
If I have to take the heat from my friends about my organic eating, then so be it. Bring it on. I feel good, look good and have more energy than most of them do. I'd say I made the right life decision and it sounds like you did too. Great job for being Aware and Awake. That's what being a Farm girl is all about to me.
Farm girl #2416
|
| shauna |
Posted - Oct 30 2012 : 7:10:08 PM
When I went to organic foods, my kids thought I was nuts. But I felt a whole lot better and had more energy. No worries about sugar highs and lows. And I lost weight. Girl you do what you feel is best for your family and don't worry about what everyone thinks. Its your body not there's. |
| prayin granny |
Posted - Oct 25 2012 : 09:38:17 AM
It was the same for me. Felt better and losing the weight just mostly by switching to all organic was crazy!
I still had chocolate, ice cream etc. but it was organic.
I'm very thankful for our small organic grocer out here now!
Farmgirl hugs,
Linda
Country at Heart |
| texdane |
Posted - Oct 25 2012 : 06:25:10 AM
Wow. Lots of reactions...didn't expect that. I hope mine didn't sound judgmental, either. I was not trying to sound that way at all! It's just that I get tired of feeling I must defend what I feed my family, when it isn't anyone's business anyway. My daughter has come home from play dates, sent home with bags of junk food because it is thought she must be deprived of treats. I am not talking sending some brownies home or something like that, I mean bags of those popsicles that are in plastic wrap with heavy food colorings and high fructose corn syrup, Ho-Ho's, and plastic tubs of blue-dyed cotton candy(the kind on store shelves, not fair food). I didn't let her eat stuff like that at home when we didn't do organic, much less now. Funny thing is, she doesn't like stuff like that anyway. For breakfast my daughter eats organic oatmeal with maple syrup, cereal with milk (there are some organic "fun" ones, too), or toast with cheddar cheese or jam. On weekends we eat pancakes or eggs. She doesn't eat three pop-tarts or donuts for breakfast, and if she did, she'd be bouncing then crashing, (although Natures Own makes an organic pop tart which I have purchased as a treat from time to time, but she must eat something healthy first). She even reads ingredients on packages, and she knows to respect other people and what they eat at their homes. Sending her home with junk to eat at my home makes me feel disrespected.
For us, we all feel yucky after eating non-organics. The change in our household was amazing. Our pediatrician is fascinated by the change in our family, and now we see her more at the grocery store than her office! She says she wishes more patients ate organic. My DH lost 20 pounds by eating organic. Everything tastes so much better, especially grass-fed organic beef! :) Oh and grapes! I can taste the difference. Conventional ones taste "grainy" to me, while the organics are sweet and smooth. And our change at our house was gradual. We slowly morphed into 100% organic, and I have some tried-and-true recipes that are good and economical. We are lucky that we have so many places around us carrying organics.
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/ |
| prayin granny |
Posted - Oct 25 2012 : 04:58:24 AM
Yikes!
Just realized my post kinda sounded judgemental of others!
Sorry, that's not how I meant it to be!
Hugs,
Linda
Country at Heart |
| prayin granny |
Posted - Oct 25 2012 : 04:54:35 AM
Moving from west coast to mid west? Had a hard time finding more natural and organic.
This year a grocery store opened that is mostly organic.
Prices on their fresh vegs is affordable. I'm feeling very blessed by this store!
I think if families would realize that what they spend at McDonald's a couple times a week? Would cover the increase in organic?
I watch for sales and usually stock up if I can then.
Few years ago I ate 100% organic, did use portion control? But I didn't deprive myself of any food groups or treats! Ladies I lost 50 lbs in a year with really no effort at all! That had me wondering what on earth is in our foods!!!!
Beyond what they even say!
Sadly, after the move and no access to organic. Slowly that weight came back on.
Hoping now again? To get back with the organic healthy options that are more available now.
I have long felt that the things, chemicals , genetic modifications, etc just cannot be right.
Anyone ever read 'The Makers Diet'?
Great book that makes sense!
Have a good day everyone !
Farmgirl blessings,
Linda
Country at Heart |
| crittergranny |
Posted - Oct 25 2012 : 03:20:10 AM
I used to be a vegetarian, and still try to abstain from meat. I also don't eat pork and catfish and and some other things because I follow the diet recommended in the Bible. It is amazing how many people get upset over what I do or don't eat. I don't judge or even really care what others eat, sheesh!
Laura
Horse poor in the boonies.
www.nmbarrelhorses.com |
| goneriding |
Posted - Oct 24 2012 : 10:17:13 PM
Welp, when I hauled groceries on my big rig, I did haul quite a bit of organic stuff. If you saw how a lot of organic stuff is stored at the warehouses, you might want to rethink some of the organic stuff. I did my part in keeping things at the right temp and in good shape but I mean some of the things I saw on the docks, both organic and non-organic. It's a good thing we have good immune systems, believe you me.
Then, the grocery store guys would joke that the organic people (who, from what I heard, were uber picky to the point of getting angry when they didn't feel the food was up to their snuff) would probably die of a heart attack from stressing over their food, instead of going with the flow. But, they wouldn't dare say that to the shopping public.
Yep, I read a report not too long ago which said organic wasn't that much better than non-organic. I truly don't know. But, I do know I watched some organic chef on TV and she was 51 years old. She looked far, far older than her age. Then there is the other 51 year old chef, Nigella (??), who eats all the meat, butter and lots of wine (yum) and looks like she's a good 10 years younger.
To me, if you want to eat organic, go for it. You're paying for it, you can do as you wish. I eat what suits me at the time, be it org or non-org. It's no one's biz!! Personally, life is so short, I'm going to enjoy every spare minute and if that means eating meat and lots of wine, I'm there. If the enjoyment at the time means org fruits and veggies, as long as I can cook it, I'll do that.
I understand your need to vent and here's the spot to do it!
My website:
http://twohorseswalkingdesigns.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/twohorseswalkingdesigns
Pinterest:
http://pinterest.com/goneirish/
|
| rough start farmgirl |
Posted - Oct 24 2012 : 4:00:12 PM
We have a lot of trouble not so much with the organic issue,but with people respecting rather than belittling our choice to no longer eat beef. We made the choice in 1999 and it may have been a bit more unusual back then. But, now, I feel like there are many people who have at least cut down on their consumption of beef, so why is it such a topic of conversation with some of our friends?? Is it really that difficult to include our chicken on the BBQ? We'll bring it ourselves ...
Marianne |
| pinokeeo |
Posted - Oct 24 2012 : 08:02:16 AM
I've found that since I went to organics, I can taste the difference in what others eat. If that makes me a snob, then so be it. I don't refuse to eat other's food, just have to tell myself that it's ok now and then. I just don't make it a habit.
As for others being in your face about it, just know that it's mostly because they are uninformed.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I cannot master those things that I have not tried.
check out my artfire: http://www.artfire.com/users/PiNOKEEOs |
| texdane |
Posted - Oct 24 2012 : 06:59:05 AM
Well, it doesn't change what we eat, nor does it bother me too much. It's just mind-boggling how people need to be in each other's business I guess. I'm with you, Jonni, in that we don't expect our daughter (or ourselves) to eat organic at someone else's home unless they are organic followers,too. If they only really knew what a difference eating organic really makes!
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/ |
| FebruaryViolet |
Posted - Oct 24 2012 : 06:11:49 AM
I haven't had trouble with this, but then, everyone that we know eats the same as we do, has a garden, belongs to a CSA, etc. We're in that mid to late 30's group of college grads and graduate students that read (probably waaaaaay tooo much) information about our nation's food issues, and were the "new wave" of people going vegetarian in the late 80's, early 90's who have since, either fallen back on the meat wagon but only eat grass fed/local organic or are still vegetarian and have a heck of a lot more options now. When asked by someone who knows I'm a cook and that I love food, about the the pro's and con's of eating organically raised foods, I'll tell them how it works for us, how I don't have nearly the digestive issues I've had in the past and that it suits the way my husband and I choose to respect our food sources. I'm not preachy, just informed. Additionally, my little one eats solely organic foods in our house, but when she goes to her Nana's or other grandmother's, I do not ever expect them to provide her with these items--they are retired and because they do us a great favor of watching her, I never ever demand that she have organic there. Probably again why I don't get any great resistance.
The choices you make for your family are YOURS. And I don't give a fig for anyone else's opinion on how I choose to eat. If I'm an ax murderer, you can make a comment. If I buy a 70 cent organic lemon vs. a 70 cent non organic lemon, button your lip!
"Hey, I've got nothing to do today but smile..."
The Only Living Boy in New York, Paul Simon |
|
|
