Changing Fuel

Greetings!  Recently Shannan and I made some changes in philosophy and in practice to how we approach food. Over the years we’ve had discussions about how, what and where we eat and have made gradual changes. However in the last couple of months we made significant changes rather rapidly. Earlier this year I began reading and preparing to teach a sociology course on food. Here I learned a fair amount about livestock treatment, slaughtering techniques, farming methods and genetically modified organisms. Much of the information was distasteful to me. It was like thinking about an open secret. I knew much of this, but didn’t want to give any of it serious consideration. Shannan and I discussed these topics as I developed the course.

This summer, I gave the class a test drive since this term is shorter and tends to have fewer students. In class presentations and assignments, I learned a great deal more about particular diets, food products and cultural practices from the students. One young lady, who openly discussed her struggle to become a full-time vegan, suggested two documentaries, Forks Over Knives and Food Inc. Some students had already seen one or both, so I decided to view them as well. I watched and Forks Over Knives while Shannan was out of town. I was greatly bothered by animal cruelty in the commercial food business presented in the film. I decided to change my buying habits to support free range animals and the like.

Given some of the footage, I suggested that Shannan may find some of the scenes unsettling. She elected not to watch the film, but she did watch Food Inc. In this movie veganism is promoted for health and the treatment of animals.  Shannan decided to remove pork, beef and chicken from our diet. I happily agreed.  

Six weeks later we are maintaining a fully vegetarian diet, including many vegan meals. We’re still working on plans related to the consumption of fish. Since the transition we’ve both lost weight and we feel fantastic in body and in principal. Mostly, we have had a terrific time exploring new recipes and new food products.   

Eat well. Live well. Run.

Tom