Comments on: Just One Thing: Mindful Food Choices

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 03:54:02 +0000

Patti asks about restaurants in our area that use local sources: Eve’s in Kerrytown is conscious about using local and seasonal ingredients, and are big supporters of organic agriculture ans sustainable foodways. Also, The Common Grill in Chelsea does a great job of featuring Great Lakes fishes and Michigan produce. These two places are pretty pricey, it’s true! If I want to pick up a quick bite, I always feel secure in eating at the food coop’s Cafe Verde, where I know they at least use Rosewood Tofu, and I can get a healthy salad or some greens/beans/tofu combo (one of my favorite fortifying meals).

Thanks for the discussion!
Rebecca
http://tinyplanetyum.com

By: Alyssa

Alyssa — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 14:12:49 +0000

Thanks Emily. I appreciate it! The diagnosis is new for me, so I’m still struggling with eating restrictions. You make a good point about chili. I do try to eat beans wherever possible as well. Not just b/c they’re yummy but because they’re especially good for me.

By: TeacherPatti

TeacherPatti — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 22:12:44 +0000

My husband and I have very few places where we eat out. Aubree’s probably gets most of our business because we order from the Corner (they have me in their system as “Patti from the Corner”, which is a little embarrassing when we order from there several times per week ) I realized the other day that I don’t eat at any chain restaurants (except for a rare jaunt to the Castle or Wendy’s). So, right now, I guess I am focused on eating at local businesses. Do you have any recommendations for local restaurants that have food from local sources? I’m sure you know about the Arbor Brew Co….
PS: We started our food unit in class

By: Emily

Emily — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 18:10:00 +0000

Alyssa – Personally, I say your first obligation of caring is to make sure you stay healthy. Everyone from Mother Theresa to Yogis to Pagan philosophers agree that if you don’t take care of your own health, you are a) harming a human being and b) not going to be of much good to anyone else. So, you are making a great effort to eat ethically, but often find yourself in a situation where you can’t. I say, if you have no choice, don’t beat yourself up over it…but do put a little thought into whether or not you have a choice. You might get a stable of backup foods that would work for you – for example, tilapia is an abundant fish, and often found at restaurants. It’s also mild and non-fishy tasting, nice if you’re not a big fish eater. A salad and chili (which is probably half beans and 2 oz of meat) could be another good choice. If you find a chain that does have food you feel good about, you might be able to steer the group in that direction.

Derrick – one of the pleasures of food is the social aspect! Food shouldn’t be a duty or a chore, even if you are being mindful about the choices you make. And there’s a big difference between a “once-a-month treat” sort of meal and “what you eat every day for lunch” sort of meal.

If you find yourself stuck with little choice about restaurant food (e.g., if you live in an area where the only vegetarian food is typically a house salad), you could ask questions of your waitstaff, or even a manager. “Do you have any grass-fed beef?” is a great question – polite, respectful, non-accusatory, and yet lets the restaurant know your preferences.

By: Alyssa

Alyssa — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:52:21 +0000

I’ve been lurking for a little while now and thought I’d comment. I’m really struggling with all of this. I shop very local and organic if possible. My processed food is down to a minimum. However, because of personal health concerns, I can’t eat a lot of carbohydrates and I have to make sure that I’m getting a balance between protein and carbohydrates and I’m supposed to stay away from soy (including tofu). Eating vegetarian is very difficult for me. Although I’m starting to get around this by eating at restaurants I know are local and ethical, but what does one do at a business lunch where you have no choice?

By: Derrick

Derrick — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 16:51:05 +0000

Since I don’t get the chance to really eat out very often, I like to try and go for something that I have never heard of or have never tried before. Unfortunately, like you said, it’s always hard to know where the food comes from, and unless told otherwise, always assume it comes from a big box wholesaler.