photo by digiyesica via flickr.com

So, I am currently reading two of Michael Pollan’s books (yes, months after the rest of the world read them, but that’s how I tend to operate): In Defense of Food and The Omnivore’s Dilemma.  I am on the last legs of In Defense…, and though I find that my eyes start to glaze over every 10 pages as I try to digest (hah!) all of the nutritional science Pollan provides, I have to say that this book has single-handedly convinced me that I need to start eating organically and locally.  It’s not that my food habits are particularly unhealthy; I tend to prefer fresh, natural, well-prepared ingredients over anything that comes in a bag or box (with the exception of my strange affinity for Doritos, Oreos, and instant mashed potatoes… don’t ask).  However, I also know that I am prone to eating lots of carbs which contain lots of enriched flour.  I’m also less careful about eating foods that are grown locally, meaning that I’m not always conscious as to how my diet choices are impacting the environment.

So, on the sunset of this year’s Earth Day, I am making the commitment to reworking my lifestyle, and effectively abandoning the “Western diet” of cheap-trick foods that lack the necessary complexity of natural whole foods.  My first task of the day was to give away all of my Splenda.  Might not seem like a lot, but if you know me, you’ll know I’m “that girl” with the 30 packs of Splenda in her purse (“just in case”).  I usually put two in my coffee and am currently running on about 3-cups of coffee a day.  So, this is going to be hard.  Much like a crack addict in rehab goes through withdrawal, I am already feeling an onslaught of the shakes.  Those matchbook-sized, happy-yellow packets are calling my name… but I must not relent!  Instead, I’m going to learn to appreciate the intricate bitterness of plain ol’ coffee… or use honey as a sweetness substitute (it works!  Found this out after trying a honey latte at Starbucks).

I encourage anyone and everyone to take up this challenge with me!  For help, visit sites like Conscious Choice to help green your diet!  Feel free to leave a comment if  you choose to take this on!