To eat or not to eat? 2/1/10

I have been pondering the whole organice versus non-organic to the vegan lifestyle and all the other diet and new food fads that are going around nowadays. Its something that some Moms I have talked to are super strict about and some Moms a little more relaxed. I have tried to remain a little conservative about it because I feel that "food" no matter what for me should remain fun and enjoyable. The moment food begins to become a "means to an end" or a "job" or a "political" statement I feel like I'm going to lose out on that principle.

I have watched the many talk shows interview all these authors that feel they are the "expert" on food. Recently Oprah had a guy on that was talking about his perspective on "conscious" eating. He had all these rules and one of them was pretty interesting. He said that if your "Grandparent's parents" could not recognize something as "food" then not to eat it. He had an example of the "gogurt" tubes and how they are a terrible thing to eat. I then start to think of how much my little 2 year old boy enjoys the whole cause and effect of push up and the yogurt comes out! Do I take that away from him because of this "guy's" perspective on food? And why is "he" the expert? I listened to what he had to say and then continued watching as they started sharing a "vegan's" perspective on how they eat. A friend of mine told me a year ago that she started to give her one year old daughter organic milk because a friend of her's told her that it will help prevent "premature" development of the girls chest. Where are these things truly realistic or just a "myth" or "assumption" or "truths?" I'm not sure about all these things to be honest. I feed my sons conventionally grown fruits and I don't use organic milk. I have bought a few things organic in my lifetime and for "myself" I have not "tasted" a real difference. Being a farm girl I understand what it takes to grow your own food and the benefits of it. I also know a lot of people who eat organically but don't care about fitness?? Is this not a contradiction? Its a great thing to pursue such a clean lifestyle when it comes to eating but if you eat in large amounts this is also unhealthy? Or eat a big organic meal and go sit on the couch afterward watching tv. Or eat a vegan diet but struggle with your weight? There are many contradictions or hypocritical ideas that I have come across when researching this for myself as I struggle through what is "right" for me and my family. And so far, what I've come up with is trying to achieve what I earlier had referenced. Keeping food fun and enjoyable. Whatever accomplishes this is what I am going to commit to doing for our family.

We have been very thankful and feel very blessed that our family has experienced being very healthy. And this based on a "non-vegan", "gluten", "non-organic", and conventionally grown foods. I'm not sure if this will always be the case but as for now I think for us, its what we feel is suitable for our family.

I want to make sure I'm clear when I post this that this is a "personal" choice and that my reflections are only being shared because I have been struggling with a lot of people's influence, "soap-box" moments, and other input that I have been privy too that have caused me to really reflect on what's best for me. I do not at all have anything to say about any other specific persons choices when it comes to food. :) This being a preface so no one writes me with negative or angry comments. I wish you all the best and "happy eating"!