Michael Pollan’s well-reasoned book, In Defense of Food, lays down three simple but not simplistic rules for eaters that amount to a constitutional framework for healthy living, one that has judicial, legislative and executive aspects. The rules: Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.
If you accept Rule One, for instance, the judicial part means judging foods by whether they are whole foods or processed. Are they grown locally or have they come from a distance? If the latter, have preservatives been used to keep them fresh? The legislative part means that when eating in company—as most of us want to do—you’re free to make different choices than your table mates; everybody doesn’t have to eat the same way (although the eater should take responsibility for major food prep choices), and neither you nor they need to feel guilty or pressured about that. Finally, the executive part means considering your food decisions carefully, including the money you spend on your choices.
If you’re going to eat organic vegetables, it will probably cost more. Giving up wine and coffee can cut your costs dramatically while furthering your basic alkaline well-being. Says Pollan: “. . . shopping this way takes more money and effort, but as soon as you begin to treat that expenditure not just as shopping but also as a kind of vote—a vote for health in the largest sense—food no longer seems like the smartest place to economize.”
Back on Day 60, I noted: “I am willing to bet all comers that I can save $30 weekly on a two-person budget by eating alkaline, over what I’d buy to make Standard American Meals. The reason: I’ll be buying fresh fruits and vegetables, a little seasoning, rice and coconut milk, olive oil, whole grains such as emmer, quinoa and oatmeal. Most important in the savings, of course, is what I’ll NOT be buying: coffee, sugar, most packaged, processed foods, meats, dairy, starches such as breads, and of course, alcohol. I’d welcome suggestions for the comparison, which I’ll start in January, 2010.”
Okay, it’s pedal-to-the-metal time! For my two-person family, husband not eating as alkaline as myself, grocery bills Jan. 5 totalled $72.96. That included organic avocados, grapefruit, bananas, broccoli, hearts of romaine, almonds, red cabbage, green bell peppers, parsley, anise, salad dressing, salsa, and macaroni and cheese packets, the latter three items being for Jack. He already has cereal, bread, and rice milk on hand from previous shoppings, but this should even out in the next few weeks.
I’m keeping copies of the grocery bills, along with an Excel spread sheet. Let me know how you’re doing; koltun3@gmail.com should reach me.
Time to head out for an easy jog: three miles today.
Hope you enjoy the economic benefits of eating alkaline, as well as improved health!
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