[mary65]

I have been overweight most of my adult life, I'm 46 now. In the past year a number of things have really made me become more aware of what I am putting in my body. It all started when I watched the movie, Food Inc- boy what an eye opener that was! If you haven't seen it I highly recommend it!

That spurred me on to start learning all I could about where our food really comes from and what is in it. The majority of our food supply in the United States has genetically modified ingredients ( GMO ) and there is no law that says it has to be labeled ( unlike most European countries where it is outlawed or at the very least has to be labeled ) Since I have really started educating myself about what I am putting in my and my children's bodies I find I don't even want the crap I was eating. In fact it makes me very angry that our government is basically letting it's population ( you and me ) be used as guinea pigs for gmo food- no testing was ever required for it to be approved to be grown and sold to us- and like I said there is no law that says it has to be labeled. Do your self a favor and if you don't already know about these things read up on them.

I just came across this video clip the other day, its only 5 minutes long but it sure did change the way I look at hamburgers! I have no desire for fast food after this - ok, apparently I can't post a link but if you google Jamie Oliver pink slime you will be directed to a you tube video-

So I guess I'm just saying for me, I really feel like I am going to be successful this time because I am looking at food n a whole new way!

[Kitcherella]

I totally agree. I have watched Food Inc and I love Jamie and it has made me look at food differently too. Scary to know about GM crops. I live in Europe and there are some countries that allow it and it is contaminating other crops too. I try to eat in season veggies (fresh tomatoes in December is just not right) and buy from farmer's markets. The more we educate ourselves, the better.

[patchworkpenguin]

Mary, welcome, glad to have you join us. I suggest you look for a Challenge or Support group to join; small check-in groups make it easier to connect, get involved, and be accountable. We have groups centering around specific diet plans, themes, or age groups, so find one that inspires you and just post to join. Be sure to check out the 40-somethings.

[Micki k]

Welcome!
I watched the Jamie Oliver thing on pink slime on tv, and I think thats what really kick started me changing what I eat and what I feed my family. After that I was DONE with fast food hamburgers...thoroughly grossed me out. I havent watched Food Inc yet, but I've been meaning to. My husband has been reading and watching alot of info about GMO and the chemicals our foods are chocked full of. We've been putting alot of effort into trying to find healthier alternatives, not just fat and calories wise, but more whole and natural foods. With companies like Monsanto out there, sometimes it seems like the odds are stacked against us. We just recently looked into joining Community Supported Agriculture. You buy a share of a farmers crop, and once a week pick up a box packed by local farmers, that has all seasonal vegetables, some prepared foods like jellys, and maybe some flowers. Its all local, and depending on your farms, organic. I love the idea of knowing where my food is coming from.
I feel the same way...I didn't want a diet. I was yucked out by all the processed crap in my, and especially my daughters diet, and wanted a change.
Good luck with your journey!

[mary65]

Thank you Penguin, I will do that!

Micki, when you get a chance you should watch food inc, another good one is forks over knives- while that movie touts a plant based diet, which I don't know I want to do- it has a lot of info that really makes you think.
There is a non profit organization that has a petition called - just label it
if you google it you can find links, it is a petition to the the USDA telling them we want our foods labeled for GMO. I started gardening last year, it is such a rewarding experience and great to do with your kids!
Good Luck to you Micki!