Words are powerful. They reflect our thoughts, and help shape our reality. So this quote REALLY made me stop and think:
“I think we need to take back our language. I want to call my organic carrots ‘carrots’ and let [other farmers] call theirs a ‘chemical carrot’. And they can list all the ingredients that they used instead of me having to be certified. The burden is on us to prove something. Let them prove that they used only 30 chemicals to produce an apple instead of 50.”
–Mary Jane Butters, organic farmer
I don’t know about you, but I winced when I recognized the truth in Ms. Butters’s words. By calling my shopping choices organic, I’ve unconsciously bought into the idea that the carrots, green leafies and other naturally colorful, cancer-preventive items in my shopping bag were something other than the real thing.
That doesn’t make sense. It’s because they were the real thing that I chose them in the first place.
Time to wake up. I’m retiring the word ‘organic’ from my food-related vocabulary, and calling my carrots just ‘carrots’, or perhaps ‘real carrots’. I’ll be choosing another way to describe fake or adulterated foods. Maybe I’ll follow the example of Dr. Mark Hyman and call them “Franken-foods”.
Tell me below what word you’d choose to describe foods that have been modified from the way Nature made them.
In doing so, perhaps in some small way I’ll contribute to raising consciousness about what’s real and wholesome when it comes to food. Will you join me?
Copyright 2015, Shani Fox, ND, LLC. All rights reserved.
Haviva says
I need to call them organic when I am shopping, so I don’t get the pesticide laden ones.
drshanifox says
Thanks for your comment, Haviva. I also look for the “organic” signs in the supermarket, so I can avoid pesticides like you do. But wouldn’t it be great if organic weren’t the exception, but the rule?
Diana says
I wish they had more options in the store as I end up buying the same things over and over. I just want to eat real food without fear and to have it be exciting. I also wish I can find foods higher in calories as I struggle with underweight issues cause I won’t eat crappy food.
drshanifox says
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Diana, and celebrating you for taking a stand for food that serves your wellness! I’m lucky to live in Oregon, and before that LA, where organic produce options abound…but I know that’s not the case everywhere. Often the supply responds to demand. I wonder what would happen if a group of people in your area requested more organic items in your favorite store?
As far as a healthy way to gain back lost weight, a functional/holistic nutritionist should have the expertise you need. If you find you’re not making sufficient progress with a local professional, loop back with me and I’ll guide you in this area.
Marianne McNally says
I love this subject. I had never thought about. This makes sense. We will still have to search for the organic signs, I will not write organic bananas on my list again! Thank you!
drshanifox says
Thanks for your feedback, Marianne. Yes, still important to eat organic…but not to think of it as the exception!