By Emily Mirbod
Our relationship with food doesn’t just exist on an individual level, rather it is influenced by our surrounding culture/community, and within our family unit. Food can become something that we are disconnected from, you might go about your day eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner because it’s part of our daily routine. There was a time when I had a bad relationship with food and was very unhealthy. Then one day, over 5 years ago, I decided to make a change that worked for me. I decided to cut animal products from my diet, this means I cut out meat, dairy and eggs; along with any products that contain them. Since 2016 I have followed a plant-based diet, and am very happy with my decision to do so.
Five years ago I decided that a plant-based diet was what worked best for me. Over the years I have learned that food makes people very emotional, as people would often get offended by how I chose to construct my diet. I never told anyone I was vegan because people were very judgemental about it. I even had “friends” who would put meat and cheese in my food when I wasn’t paying attention. Eating with friends and family is a huge part of nearly every culture, and I was frustrated that I no longer felt safe or comfortable doing so. Over time I learned to surround myself with people who would respect my choice to be vegan, and avoided judgemental people. However, this taught me that food is very personal, and it’s something that we should feel strongly about. However, this experience also taught me how to feel passionate about it in the right way. Becoming vegan is what was best for my well-being because I wanted to reduce animal suffering and my personal impact on the planet; by reducing water waste, carbon, and methane emissions that animal agriculture causes. My diet is definitely not perfect, but my relationship with food is what is most beneficial to me and my well-being. Although, as I previously mentioned this relationship looks different for everyone.
I would like to note my personal privilege and level of food security. The reason that I am able to eat what I want and have a good relationship with food is partially because I have never experienced food insecurity. Food insecurity is a huge problem in the US and all around the world. This problem is only getting worse as climate change becomes increasingly daunting, marginalized groups and communities of color are heavily impacted. Mass industrial farming is not sustainable for the long term and we will reach a point where we can no longer sustain factory farming. Industrial farming has already put us on the course for a damaged climate, and a shift in diet will eventually be mandatory in order to survive. Food insecurity and climate change feels like one big loop that our society is stuck in. Individuals can’t eat whatever they want due to financial complications of limited access, which normally means people will eat what is cheap and mass-produced. Products that are cheap and mass-produced come primarily from industrial farms which produce carbon/methane emissions that contribute to climate change. This never-ending cycle is just another example of a structural flaw, and the responsibility is often mistakenly placed on the consumer rather than the corporation.
While I truly believe it is the responsibility of the corporations to make a serious impact in reducing climate change, there are things we as consumers can do to benefit our community and personal well-being. As I already mentioned I follow a plant-based diet, however, this isn’t the only way to make an impact. I cook at home as much as possible and use food from local farmer’s markets and the garden in my backyard. I also find the certain foods help my well-being more than others, I mostly enjoy cooking family recipes and comforting meals.
A quick disclaimer, everyone is different, people have different needs/access and everyone’s relationship with food is unique. It is up to you to decide what is right, and what works for you.
*Pictured above is what I ate for dinner, homemade pesto pasta, with vegan cheeses and ingredients from my garden at home, also pictured is my dog who is desperately begging for a bite.
Pesto Pasta Recipe
*In a food processor combine
2 cups packed fresh basil (large stems removed)
3 Tbsp pine nuts or walnuts (if nut-free, try sunflower seeds!)
3 large cloves garlic (peeled)
2 Tbsp lemon juice
3-4 Tbsp nutritional yeast
1/4 tsp sea salt (plus more to taste)
2-3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil*
3-6 Tbsp water (plus more as needed)
Toppings:
*Local produce is encouraged but not required, most of my toppings are from the garden in my backyard
-Tomatoes
-Avocado
-Brussel Sprouts
-Black olives
-Cucumbers
-Vegan feta & vegan parmesan cheese
-(not required) a cute dog to annoy you while you eat
Recent Comments