Our food choices

Our fridge, 19 April 2010 (click to enlarge)

Linda over at A Slower Pace asked if I would write about how my food choices have changed since we moved to the Pacific Northwest from Boulder, Colorado. It has now been two years since we began our retired life here in Bellingham, and it's been quite a journey in so many ways.

First, I have learned so much from the bloggers I follow, and Robynn over at Robynn's Ravings got me excited about learning how to leave genetically modified foods behind, and I've been very successful at it, which is part of what has inspired some very different food choices. We are what is known as "pescatarians," eating fish but no other flesh foods, and we do eat a fair amount of soy products. We used to drink Silk, but it's not organic. Organic Valley uses organic whole soybeans, which are not GMOs (genetically modified organisms).

We also recently began using hempseed oil and hulled hempseeds, both of which I absolutely love, because they are so TASTY! They also are very high in omegas 3 and 6, which are good for the heart. I sprinkle a little of those hempseeds on just about everything I eat these days, because I really like their flavor. We also use flaxseed, which is a little nuttier but not as tasty to me. Those tupperware containers have brussels sprouts, broccoli, red cabbage, and some asparagus that has been steamed and prepared lovingly by Smart Guy. I like to make a mixture, pop it in the microwave, and season to taste.

We are very blessed to have the Community Food Co-op here, which has a very enlightened outlook on how to provide organic and high-quality food to its members. They also "promote a sustainable economy by supporting organic and sustainable food production and other environmentally and socially responsible businesses locally, regionally, and nationally." This makes it easy to trust the foods I get there. The other day, just for fun, I tried to find any food in the store that has high-fructose corn syrup in it, and I couldn't! I was just sure I would be able to find some in the soft drinks, but they don't carry those brands.

We also buy organic bread from the Bellingham Great Harvest Bread Company. They make both organic and non-organic breads, but lately we have moved to buying their organic spelt and kamut breads. The organic breads cost a little more, but I figure it's worth it. Even the non-organic breads are made with locally grown flour.

The Co-op and the Bellingham Farmers' Market are indispensable in our quest to get the best food we can afford. Our food choices give us the ability to be healthy and vigorous in what is rapidly becoming the "late afternoon of our lives." Much better image than the "golden years," don't you think?
:-)