The Real Eaters

There are so many different ways to live a life in the US. In that way it is an amazing place to live. But when it comes to the food world there are so many choices and advice that it can become overwhelming. Now as a soon to be food scientist it has come time for me to ask myself the question of what do I want to do with my life? What part of this vast food system am I going to take part in?

One way to help me decide s to try to identify what all is out there and I'm sure I don't have to tell you that there is A LOT!

Omnivores
Vegetarians
Vegans
Raw Foodists
Localvores
Convenience Seekers
Health Conscience
Indulgers
People on the Go
Children
Mothers
Elderly
People with Allergies


But what is the average or Real Eater out there? Is there one? I guess I would describe the real eater is being someone that may have a family and a 9-5 (or more) that wants fresh convenient food. This person probably also indulges once in a while on packaged foods such as chips and perhaps cookies and ice cream. This is probably what I would call the real eater. This is pretty much what my family is.
However, there are many more emerging trends of people that want pre-prepared foods, diet foods, snack foods, fair trade food, organic foods. So what is it that I want to involve myself in.

I have developed many opinions about food and food systems in the past four years. Without going into much detail about how I feel about all the other categories, the two that I am most interested in are Locally produced foods, and foods catered to people with allergies.

That's all I have time for, for now.

Farmers Market

Within the week of the eat local challenge there were many activities to partake in; kickoff pancake breakfast at a local restaurant, several farmers markets, and even a wine tasting event at a local bar. I was fortunate enough to have a wonderful friend of mine go with me to a special farmers market. This market was held on the front lawn of the capitol building. There were around 50 vendors selling everything from fish, fresh veggies and fruit, maple syrup, bottled sauces, pickled veggies and even handcrafted soaps. It was remarkable to be out on the front lawn of the state capitol buying food. Here are a few snapshots I took between my purchases.

Eat Local!

This is the week of eating local (I know I am a little late in starting). However I'm jumping on....although I was already partially on the bandwagon anyway. I try to buy from farmers markets and buy Local or Michigan produced products as much as possible. However I do have exceptions such as coffee, chocolate, nuts and some fruits. I believe in supporting local economy and I also believe that local food is not only more tasty and nutritious for you but also more environmentally sound. I have pledged to do an entire day of all local food. I have not yet done so but plan on blogging about it when I have it all figured out. Here is to everyone that is going local partially or 100% every little change makes a difference!!!