Beautiful Fields of Corn

Have you ever driven through the country during the summer months and taken notice to the beautiful fields of corn rhythmically waving in the breeze?  They stand as a symbol to me of a simple and hard working lifestyle.  They always take me a step back from the hustle and bustle of every day life separating me from the technology that powers our fast paced society.  I enjoy the calming effects as I drive by and spend a few seconds in pure inner peace.  I never really thought any further about the fields until recently.

Why are there so many corn fields? Most of the corn fields alternated with soy bean fields, who needs that many soy beans?  This is where the peace and tranquility takes a screeching stop and is run over by big business, yet again. Corn and soy are both inexpensive crops and are now staple ingredients in almost all processed foods.  If you don't believe it, just look at the label.  There is usually some sort of corn or soy derivative listed.  Ahh yes, that is why we need all of these beautiful fields of corn and soy.

Okay, why is this so bad? First of all, the hard working farmers that are producing these crops are basically owned by big business, it is a catch 22. If they don't sell out to big business than they have a hard time surviving in the market monopolized by corporations, but if they do sell out they are practically indentured servants.  It is really disheartening what is happening to our farming society.  Big corporations usually dictate the who, what, when, where and how to grow their crop.  If they don't follow their strict guidelines, including using their GE seeds (See my article about GMO's), they risk losing their only customer and in turn their livelihood.  The documentary Food, Inc. can give you more incite to this if you are interested. 

Corn also has a very high Omega 6 to Omega 3 ratio. A healthy diet should have a ration as close to 5:1 Omega 6 to 3 as possible, or lower.  Corn has a ratio of above 40:1. A ratio this lopsided is linked to many diseases including heart disease and diabetes.  Now, eating one ear of corn for dinner is one thing, but now imagine all of the other places that you are ingesting this high ratio of Omega 6 to 3's.  No wonder America has so many health problems. 

Bottom line, support your local farmers by buying local, it might cost a little more, but it is worth it.  Also, start reading labels.  Play it safe and avoid products that contain corn or soy additives so that your health does not suffer.  It takes time and adjustment at first, but eventually it becomes human nature. 

Farmers Markets Make Sense

The norm is to food shop at a grocery store once a week, but I can't think of any good reason to choose a grocery store over a farmers market. Despite our incredible need to fill our cabinets with snazzy marketing and impressive packaging, you can find everything you need and want at a farmers market.

Grocery stores are convenient at a glance, but what is so convenient about supporting big business and unhealthy industrialized food, while our local systems of quality foods suffer? You also run a greater risk of food borne illnesses with mass produced foods, which already lack nutrient density forcing you to eat more to be satisfied. Food, Inc. is a great documentary to learn about the mass production of food and what it is doing to America.

Farmers Markets are the next best thing to growing the food yourself. By shopping at a farmers market you are supporting local business and helping your community. You also will spend less for more quality foods. You can talk to the farmers and learn their practices to ensure that you know what you are putting in your body. Everything that you need and want can also be found at the farmers market from veggies to meats, homemade snacks and drinks to dairy, grains and spices. So you save money and are eating high quality, more nutrient dense foods.

If you don't know where to find a local farmers market just Google it, you may be surprised. You might have to drive an extra 30 minutes, but it's worth the trip. If a farmers market is still not an option, there are local organic food co-ops popping up everywhere. They deliver local and/or organic foods to your door weekly. They work closely with the farmers so that you are only getting quality products that are in season.

My husband and I buy 80% of our food from the farmers market, the rest comes from Kimberton Whole Foods and a few other local farms. Contrary to popular belief, we actually save money by shopping this way.