Rabbit Food + Food Revolution Thoughts
Who knew rabbits like sunshine burgers?
I had to hurry up and eat it before they beat me to it! This burger had (as usual) pickles, ketchup, and spinach on an Ezekial bun. I’ve stopped buying the sesame seed buns because the little seeds get EVERYWHERE! Grapes on the side, plus half a Luna protein bar for dessert. I’m also currently sipping on a Guava Goddess Synergy, because it’s Monday, and because I can.
This morning, it was supposed to be cold and rainy, but suddenly around 10:00 the sun came out and it got downright balmy! I took this as a sign from a higher power that I needed to go for a run! I had a nice 5 (okay, 4.75) mile run, and then looped back around the house to pick up the dogs for a walk. I’m glad I did, because the sky is getting darker and darker as I type—I think the rain is coming after all!
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There has already been a lot of talk around blogland about Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution, and I thought I’d throw my two cents in. I watched the show over the weekend, and I really enjoyed it. I think it’s a great way to draw attention to this HUGE (no pun intended) problem that America is facing. While I understand the town’s reluctance to trust Jamie, and their inherent suspicion about the show in general, I do think that the show will ultimately end with the town, and hopefully the school system, making changes.
Unfortunately, especially for changes to come from within the school system, I think Jamie, and more to the point, the American people, are facing an uphill battle. The major food conglomerates are making money off of our continued obesity, and I doubt this is money that they’re willing to just let go of. I absolutely am in favor of personal responsibility, but at the same time, it’s hard not to look at a government-funded system like the school lunch programs, see the crap that they’re feeding kids in a sad attempt to provide a “balanced” lunch, and not think that the government is at least partially to blame here. The individual schools do not make the decision to count ketchup as a vegetable, the government does. I think one part of the school lunch system that Food Revolution really made clear was how little power the people who work in the school lunch system really have—they simply serve what they’re told to serve, and don’t think twice about the effect it could be having on the kids. I don’t blame them—they’re only there to serve the food, not to ensure the general nutrition of the kids who are eating it. That’s not their job.
To me, ensuring that nutrition falls in two places: government, and family. In a way, it falls even more on the family than on the government, because if enough people put pressure on the government to change the system, I have to believe that the changes could come. I guess this brings me to the other half of the argument—personal responsibility. Never have I been more grateful for my own parents than when I was watching this show. In our house, processed foods were a rarity, and even when we had processed foods, it was in healthier forms—Fig Newtons, whole wheat pretzels, etc. While the other kids pulled out bologna and mayo sandwiches on white bread, Doritos, and Oreos, my sister and I were usually rocking pb&j on “health nut” bread, maybe some pretzels, and a piece of fruit for dessert. We never had sodas in our house, and we sat down almost every night to a healthy, home-cooked meal. My parents were great examples for leading a healthy lifestyle—my mom ran every afternoon, and my dad played (and still plays) volleyball two or three times a week.
My sister and I still make fun of my parents for how healthy our household was growing up, and I’m not saying that it didn’t have it’s drawbacks. Because candy and junk food was so scarce in our house, when I did get it at a sleepover or party, I would go crazy for it! But, ultimately, I know that I owe my current healthy eating habits to my parents, and especially now that I’m an adult, I’m really grateful to them for that.
When I was watching Food Revolution and the focus shifted to the mother and father who were raising the three (already obese) children, my heart was breaking for those kids. I felt sorry for the mom, too, especially when it began to sink in how much the unhealthy food she was providing for her children was going to start affecting their health. As she began to cry, I felt really badly for her. But a part of me was really mad at her too—how could she not know that those things were bad for her kids? I know that things like frozen pizzas are convenient, but what about frying individual donuts in the morning? How is that more convenient than a pouring bowl of cereal and slicing up a banana? I know that so many parents cite the fact that their lives are too busy or hectic to provide nutritious meals for their family, but I just don’t think that’s true. It doesn’t take any longer to boil pasta and chop up a few vegetables than it does to heat up chicken nuggets (which kids are now apparently having for three meals a day?!?). I know that the money argument is often made too—it’s too expensive to eat healthy. And you know what—that one has a lot more validity in my opinion, because the people who say that are right—it is expensive to eat healthy. But the truth is, you’re going to be spending a lot more money on things like health care in the long run as a result of an unhealthy lifestyle. To me, spending a little more money at the grocery store is worth not having to pay for things like doctor visits, medication, operations, and ultimately, a super-sized casket.
One thing that I liked about Jamie when he visited Oprah on Friday was that he pointed out that it’s not just a weight problem—it’s a health problem. There are plenty of people who are thin and are incredibly unhealthy. I like it that he made point to say that Food Revolution is not a diet show—it’s not The Biggest Loser. And that, to me, is a great thing. Shifting the focus away from weight and onto health makes the show even more relevant, in my opinion. There was a little boy on the show who said that he’d had chicken nuggets for lunch, dinner, and lunch again. He was skinny as a rail—he obviously didn’t have a weight problem. But a nutrient problem? Probably. And health problems down the road, most definitely.
Geez…this has turned into a long post! I probably lost about half of you in the second paragraph…but that’s okay! I needed to write this post.
Did you watch Food Revolution? What were your thoughts? Or, if you didn’t watch it, what are your thoughts on the obesity epidemic, government responsibility vs. personal responsibility, etc.?
See you for dinner, kids!
I didn’t see Food Revolution, but Jamie did a version over here a few years back and it was all similar stuff. I totally agree, it does boil down to family and government – it’s like a catch 22, just goes round in circles!
Sometimes though it is SO shocking that people don’t realise just how unhealthy stuff is – I think if healthy eating was part of the curriculum right from an early age – and maybe even parent classes too! – then it’d be a good step in the right direction. Cos after all, ignorance can be cured!
Jamie’s show did have an effect over here – unhealthy vending machines are banned from all schools now, and I know that by the time I left 6th form (2yrs after the original show), the menus had totally changed (ie chips on one day a week, that kind of thing).
Maybe he will change things in the US!
Yes, I think basic healthy eating classes would be a great idea too. I was shocked when I saw that none of the little kids could identify vegetables like tomatoes or potatoes!
Did you miss this?
http://altoonamirror.com/page/content.detail/id/528071.html
Great article!!! Thanks for sharing! I’m sure the Mirror is missing your talent (seriously).
Keep your fingers crossed, I’m e-mailing the Times Union tomorrow about freelancing. I miss writing!!
I missed the show over the weekend. I should have made it a point to at least DVR it. Thanks for you 2 cents! Sounds like the run was meant to be today huh? Glad it cleared up long enough for you to get out.
I totally agree that it is a family AND government issue and sadly I do think that from the government side it is all about the money. The world IS making money off climbing obesity rates and I don’t see the food companies just willing to give up all that money.
Totally agree that it is a HEALTH problem. It starts at the top!
I saw bits and pieces of the show. I truly believe the parents are to blame. The government may have something to do with it… but how long have we been preaching about this? It’s not like this is foreign news to parents. They have to set an example for their kids!! How can this be new information?
Okay… I’m going to stop now before this turns into the longest comment you’ve ever received
I thought this show was so interesting, but like I mentioned in my post last week, I’m torn. I understand that a change needs to happen but I’m not sure what is the best way for it to happen. I agree with you that government and families are where it needs to start. I think government needs to play a major part. If they imposed policies that helped create this problem then, they can also implement policies to help fix it.
Thanks so much for your sweet words about growing up (I think you’re remembering through rose colored glasses – we tried our best, but we DID eat our share of junk!). Anyway, there has been so much talk about this problem lately, and I personally think this issue should have been a huge part of the new health care plan. I believe people have to take a personal responsibility for their health and their lifestyles, and they should not expect the government to fix them when they don’t. That said, I think things are slowly changing, but it’s going to be a slow, slow process – and lots of people will be sick and will die earlier than they should before we solve this huge problem.
I think we ate a small amount of “bad for you foods,” but at least it was usually homemade. We really didn’t eat processed foods, and I think that’s key.
That Ezikel bun! Wow, it looks so thick, fluffy, and hearty.
I’ve never seen this show that everyone is talking about. I need to figure out what night it comes on!
It’s on Hulu if you want to catch up!
I posted about this yesterday too.
I couldn’t believe that family’s food when they put it all on the table and it was all crap and all beige.
I grew up in a healthy household too. My mom wouldn’t let me have soda or white bread or sugary cereal but it’s all I wanted so I would binge on it when I’d go to friends houses and I had a weight problem as a teen. So I’m sort of conflicted on that. But I don’t think children should be drinking neon pink milk with their lunches.
Even though the cooks in the cafeteria were following orders from above, they were still extremely negative to any of Jamie’s suggestions. People don’t like change and that’s what’s hard.
Okay, longest comment ever!
I think that’s exactly right– people are terrified of change! And they definitely didn’t want to give up their authority to Jamie
The neon pink milk freaked me out too. Did they even offer regular milk as a choice? I don’t think they did!
I’m quite taken with the show, but I think Jamie might rethink some of his meal choices for elementary school children. I’m sure the fact that they’re making a TV show has something to do with the decision to put pizza and chicken with brown rice head-to-head…as if these kids who are used to eating pizza for breakfast (?!?) would really choose anything but the pizza, you know? Stefan made the suggestion that Jamie should focus on giving kids what they’re familiar with but offering healthier versions. They could serve something like Ellie Krieger’s mac and cheese, where a lot of the creaminess comes from pureed winter squash instead of loads of cheese. I think it’s still important to teach kids about vegetables, like he was doing, but there might need to be some trickery involved (at least at the beginning) to get them even to try healthier options.
I was thinking about that too– on Oprah (not sure if you saw him or not), he made his version of chicken nuggets, along with mashed potatoes. I’m sure he would have had better reactions if he’d done that on his first go with the kids.
I couldn’t believe they were eating pizza for breakfast either!!!
I just scrolled through some comments — neon pink milk?! WTF? Another comment reminded me of something that happened to me in the grocery store — the cashier didn’t know what squash was. I thought, “What do you eat?”
I haven’t seen the show (thanks for the Hulu tip), but I picked up the cookbook in B&N recently and was quickly absorbed. I really like his philosophy that healthy habits spread — learn to cook a few meals and promise to teach others. I’ve seen it — I asked Jon’s parents for Cooking Light for Christmas a few years ago, and Jon and I go running when we visit, and now, his dad gets Cooking Light and they’ve bought a treadmill! The biggest change, tho, has been in their eating out — they used to eat out lunch and dinner, but after Jon cooked for them a few times, his dad loves cooking!
I think this show dovetails nicely with Michelle Obama’s initative and her emphasis on exercise and moderation. We’re all in this together, we can turn this epidemic around!
Yep, on Oprah, they talked a lot about Michelle’s new initiative.
That is so sweet about Jon’s parents, and I think you’re exactly right– healthy habits spread. My parents have always eaten healthily, but since I’ve gone vegetarian, they’re eating A LOT more vegetarian meals on their own…or so they say–
I guess they could just be lying and eating fried chicken every night, lol.
No, we are not lying. We have loved the new vegetarian cookbooks I bought when you were home, and we are eating a lot more vegetarian – and eating out much less, also. Thanks to you!!
Can you explain something to me?
Why is lunch provided in schools? Is it provided in all schools or just in poorer areas?
I’ve never heard of grade schools having a cafeteria let alone the lunch being provided. Only high schools have cafs but students have to buy lunch there.
Here students bring their own lunch, packed by their parents, and eat it in the classroom. Some schools in low income areas have a breakfast program, but that’s it.
Why is the school responsible for feeding children?
My hubby just tried a Sunshine burger last night and he loved it! I was so excited to find them at Whole Foods for him and I may have to try one now.
I set my DVR to grab Food Revolution, but have not watched yet. I remember school lunches being horrible when I was in school, nasty heated canned beans for veggies, overly salty meats – most students opted for the pizza and fry combos sadly. If schools can’t serve decent lunches, kids should bring their own.
What a great post on Food Revolution- you really did a good job in summing up my feelings on it!! I remember being in elementary school ten years ago, and hating my mom for only letting me buy lunch once or twice a week. She always served us healthy meals as well, and she actually went to the PTA once to try to get them to serve more healthy options. What boggles my mind is that our entire lunch was only $1.50- for something like chicken nuggets, tater tots, pudding, canned fruit and strawberry milk. I’m sure it’s more expensive now, but there’s no way that food can cost so little without some heavy government subsidies. No matter how hard individuals try, it’s something we have to face as a country. Produce and whole grains have to be subsidized instead of corn and soy. The solution is simple; implementing it is the problem.
I didn’t catch Jamie on Oprah, but I agree that the problem is NOT necessarily weight, it’s health. Case in point, my brother is super skinny but his diet is crap. I almost WISH he would get fat so he would be more motivated to eat healthier!! So many people focus on weight, but what they don’t realize is that it’s their health that is at steak, no matter how much they weigh.
The government does need to make some serious changes. Not only with school lunches, but I’m finding that the MyPyramid is completely flawed. It’s truly a shame.
Great review.