"Michelle" stands tall to ask for better food

Kudos to Michelle Obama for standing up to the food industry and asking for better food for our children (and us). She’s not looking for small changes, she wants real reform. Speaking at the Grocery Manufacture’s Association meeting on Tuesday she urged companies to change their ways.  “We need you not just to tweak around the edges, but to entirely rethink the products that you’re offering, the information that you provide about these products and how you market those products to our children,” she said.

It’s about time someone from Capitol Hill started standing up to food companies and demanding better food. Michelle has already kicked off her White House tour with an organic garden and new farmer’s market out in front of the White House. The symbolism is huge and a big part of a new food revolution that is building strength as more people turn to organic and local foods.

This does not let you off the hook.  You’ve got to read labels and get off the processed food and demand products that aren’t filled with C-R-A-P.   If we keep buying unhealthy food from companies they will continue to make them –  and why wouldn’t they?  They have a bottom line to meet and we’re helping them meet it.

You’re in control. As much as you may think food companies are in control, I still whole heartedly believe that when consumer demand changes so will the products that food companies make. They spend millions tracking what we eat, why we eat it and how we eat.  If we vote with our pocket books and buy healthier foods, they’ll start making it. If we say we want more organic foods, that’s what they’ll grow.  If we stop buying processed food filled with chemicals and sugar, then they’ll stop making it.  If we demand more REAL food from local farmers, they’ll start growing it.  The winter farmer’s markets in the seacoast are proof – if you haven’t been, they’re packed and farmers are already gearing up for more food to last throughout the year.  They can’t keep up with the demand!

Some food for thought:

The food industry is a competitive market making decisions around what to eat incredibly complicated for most people.  You can’t believe what you read on labels – if it says it’s healthy, it’s probably not.

Let’s be realistic: there is a conflict between health and business goals: Food companies and supermarkets have one  main goal – to sell food and make a profit, but the foods that sell the most and bring in the most profits are not necessarily the ones that are good for you.

Health claims are mostly about single nutrients, but a  healthy diet is not as simple as focusing on single nutrients.  A whole foods diet will ALWAYS be your best bet because you get the complete package of what mother nature offers through good soil and sun.