Some thoughts on food

It seems unlikely that we'll return to this experiment. At least, not in the sense that it started.

Paying so much attention to food like I did in January-April has really changed the way that I look at my food now. My opinions have changed, my preferences have evolved.

We eat dairy, we eat meat, and yes, we most definitely eat gluten. We are lucky enough that we can spend more than $83/week if we want to.

We used to shop at Whole Foods. We still do, but we also have been shopping at PCC. However, because it is summer and produce here in the Northwest is available and delicious, we have begun buying what we can at the Farmers' Market.

What this means is that each week I plan meals and make a grocery list. I've been paying special attention to planning meals in season, but I don't always hold myself to that. We start each grocery shopping trip by going to the market. There we see what the farmers in our area have available and purchase as many things from our list that we can.

Our meat we buy from a local butcher.

Our dairy (especially our milk and butter) we have been getting mostly from Golden Glen Creamery (available at our farmers markets, as well as at PCC and Whole Foods).

This weekend we're taking a trip about an hour north to check out a farm that grows their own tea.

I even discovered that I can source saffron (!!) from a farm in Washington.

This experiment may have worn on me but it has given me a deeper appreciation for the food I prepare. It encouraged me to read more as well and I'm doing what I can to be a more conscious eater. On top of buying local, we've also been trying to stay meatless on Mondays.

We're even growing (in containers) some plants to use in the kitchen.

This style of eating that we've adopted isn't for everyone, and that's fine. I also don't want to come off sounding preachy. This feels right to me and when it doesn't anymore I'll stop.

Two books I've really enjoyed that have helped to encourage my eating habits are as follows:
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver
Food Matters by Mark Bittman