A weighty issue

[graceanne]

The only thing I could see helping with bad eating is more education. You cannot force people to eat right. WIC insists on people who get their help taking diet classes. I was bored OUT OF MY MIND, because they teach very basic nutrition and I wanted information on nutrition for chronies.

The issue with that, is that once someone is old enough to learn about how to eat they're set in their eating patterns, and changing those patterns is hard and sometimes they don't consider it worth the effort. I'm trying to switch my family over to whole grains and it's an uphill battle.

I think something should be done about school lunches - they're disgusting. The kids get free lunch, and I still make their lunches. I wouldn't eat that crap, there's no way I can expect my kids to eat it. *gag*

 

[Keroin]

You were talking about American's, I thought. Your stats are regarding Americans. I don't know, off hand, what the statistics for obesity for the rest of the world, but with all that statistic gatherings I did yesterday, I recall that the number of obese people, world wide, is about the same as the number of underweight/starving people.

And it wasn't my medical history that was the point. To me, and granted that doesn't mean that's true for other people, but to me when you care about people you listen to what they say and you know what's going on in their lives. I could have, also, (to make my point) asked what's going on in my life right now that's causing me a lot of stress. (It's also been mentioned on this thread.)

That might not be entirely fair, since the majority of people I know are surprised at what I remember about what they tell me. But that's how I feel about caring.

From the OP:

"The WHO considers people with a BMI index higher than 25 as overweight and over 30 as obese. And it's not just the US, this is a global problem. For the first time since stats have been taken, more people in the world - 1.6 billion - are overweight than underweight."

Added: You do seem stressed out and unhappy, this is clear, and for that you have my sympathy. I can't possibly know everything about you, Gracie, based on the limited contact we engage in here. If you want to talk to me, my PM box is always open, but I just don't appreciate my motives being called, publicly, into question. I do appreciate your apology.

 

[graceanne]

From the OP:

"The WHO considers people with a BMI index higher than 25 as overweight and over 30 as obese. And it's not just the US, this is a global problem. For the first time since stats have been taken, more people in the world - 1.6 billion - are overweight than underweight."

That's what I get for not wearing my glasses (anybody know where I put them?) when I double checked your OP.

 

[intothewoods]

Nor do I. Yes, I understand how people can take this issue personally but I also explained that I was speaking generally about a global problem.

I feel very much for those who struggle with weight, (even if no one wants to believe it), but that's not what I care to talk about in this thread. If others want to talk about it, that's their prerogative but I dislike being personally attacked, (which is ironic because that is exactly the behavior people are complaining about).

Your previous post made me think about the emotional reactions throughout the thread, which is what I was commenting on. Essentially, what is that ticks people off? Discussing the subject from a broad perspective - whether it be global or national - isn't usually what needles people.

On this island, family units and social structure are vastly different from the US. There are no daycare's and no such thing as a babysitter. People live in extended family units and child care is taken on by all members. No one here works the hours or under the kind of stress we westerners do, as the pursuit of money is not culturally important. And yet, this place has a 90% overweight/obesity rate, as do many other small countries just like it. So, there is something bigger going on here, (here, meaning on a world wide scale, not on an individual level), than just health issues and lack of time.

Some people have mentioned food additives, such as hormones, this is a possibility. I'd be curious to hear more theories.

This, the problem on a global scale, is what I intended to discuss. A few people have joined in and offered interesting comments in this regard.

<snip>

What do you think of the global problem? What are your ideas regarding how it might be combated?

I don't think there is one global problem.

I tend to look at what I can do as an individual who can afford to make certain choices with respect to food. I don't really buy food from companies that are global conglomerates. I try to know the companies I buy from, though there is always more to learn on that front.

The most important thing we can do is education. Most people are not aware of the way mass-produced meat is raised. I'd like to see people eat less meat overall. In this country, all of big agriculture needs to be fundamentally changed, but that is a huge undertaking. I think it won't happen until enough consumers who have a choice make the right one.

 

[graceanne]

The most important thing we can do is education. Most people are not aware of the way mass-produced meat is raised. I'd like to see people eat less meat overall. In this country, all of big agriculture needs to be fundamentally changed, but that is a huge undertaking. I think it won't happen until enough consumers who have a choice make the right one.

And those of us who are aware can't always afford the better meat. Honestly, I feed a family of six - every cent counts in my budget. AND the places that sell the good meat do not sell food in bulk, which is very frustrating.

So eduction and making good food more affordable?

 

[Sir_Winston54]

And those of us who are aware can't always afford the better meat. Honestly, I feed a family of six - every cent counts in my budget. AND the places that sell the good meat do not sell food in bulk, which is very frustrating.

So eduction and making good food more affordable?

*Some* of the places that sell in bulk do sell decent quality meat: Sam's Club, Costco, etc. If there are any slaughterhouses anywhere near you, sometimes they'll sell quarters of beef, etc., to members of the public. Some metro areas also have what are basically old-fashioned butcher shops, but they butcher for smaller stores and market "packages" of meats to the public.

It takes some research to find the best ones available to you, though. In Tampa, I went to a couple of different meat suppliers and actually asked some of their customers for their recommendations, and ended up finding one that would "custom-build" packages of meats for me. It ended up costing a little bit more than their general packages (per pound), but I got exactly what I wanted, and good quality meats.

I don't do that now, though, because it doesn't make much sense for me to buy 100-200 pounds of meat at a whack; that would last most of a year!

 

[nh23]

What do you think of the global problem? What are your ideas regarding how it might be combated?

Personal feelings aside. Assess to healthy foods at a price everyone can afford. Better regulation of the foods we have by the FDA. Or even better by an independent company that doesn't have their finger in the pie.

Healthier school lunches. Prisoners eat better than our children.

Education about nutrition starting at a grade school level.

Labels on fast food, and listed on menu's.

More medical research into medical conditions and medications that cause people to be obese.

 

[intothewoods]

And those of us who are aware can't always afford the better meat. Honestly, I feed a family of six - every cent counts in my budget. AND the places that sell the good meat do not sell food in bulk, which is very frustrating.

So eduction and making good food more affordable?

I agree that not everyone has a choice. That's why I said those who are aware and do have a choice should vote with their wallet.

More expensive isn't necessarily better. I don't shop at Whole Foods anymore. Spending a ton of money on organic meat raised on ginormous organic farms that is trucked halfway across the country is better than meat raised on cheap corn, their own feces and antibiotics and also trucked halfway across the country, but it's not the solution.

99% of the meat I eat now is local. If I eat out and I don't know where the meat is from, I eat vegetarian. The meat I purchase is from local farms sold at farmer's markets. So, why can't everyone do that? Well, back to your point: it's expensive. Also, I would guess it's not possible for everyone to buy locally raised meat. But local meat is much more plentiful and widely available here now than it was 8 or 9 years ago. The demand (the people who can afford it) was there, and people filled the demand. That's why I think it's great when the people with spare cash care about what they eat.

But right now it's expensive. I don't know how much more affordable good food will become. It costs money to create a good product. But to the extent that demand continues to grow, more farms will turn to sustainable practices and the prices will drop somewhat.

One thing that would be helpful is to promote vegetarian meals and recipes, or low-meat recipes, that taste good to people who have been eating meat. It's hard to present a meal of tofu and brown rice to people who are used to chicken. It has to be more practical and appealing. And simple and relatively inexpensive.

 

[intothewoods]

*Some* of the places that sell in bulk do sell decent quality meat: Sam's Club, Costco, etc. If there are any slaughterhouses anywhere near you, sometimes they'll sell quarters of beef, etc., to members of the public. Some metro areas also have what are basically old-fashioned butcher shops, but they butcher for smaller stores and market "packages" of meats to the public.

It takes some research to find the best ones available to you, though. In Tampa, I went to a couple of different meat suppliers and actually asked some of their customers for their recommendations, and ended up finding one that would "custom-build" packages of meats for me. It ended up costing a little bit more than their general packages (per pound), but I got exactly what I wanted, and good quality meats.

I don't do that now, though, because it doesn't make much sense for me to buy 100-200 pounds of meat at a whack; that would last most of a year!

Where does the meat come from?? Costco's non-organic meat is still meat raised on cheap corn, their own feces and antibiotics. They do sell organic meat, which is better, but I don't think it's the answer (see my post above). I would rather people serve less meat in their homes. We do frittatas, whole wheat pasta with veggies and a little meat, quesadillas, soups, veggie chili...

Personal feelings aside. Assess to healthy foods at a price everyone can afford. Better regulation of the foods we have by the FDA. Or even better by an independent company that doesn't have their finger in the pie.

Healthier school lunches. Prisoners eat better than our children.

Education about nutrition starting at a grade school level.

Labels on fast food, and listed on menu's.

More medical research into medical conditions and medications that cause people to be obese.

Can we get chicken nuggets out of school lunches? That's what I'd like. Actually, I'd like to get rid of chicken nuggets.

 

[graceanne]

*Some* of the places that sell in bulk do sell decent quality meat: Sam's Club, Costco, etc. If there are any slaughterhouses anywhere near you, sometimes they'll sell quarters of beef, etc., to members of the public. Some metro areas also have what are basically old-fashioned butcher shops, but they butcher for smaller stores and market "packages" of meats to the public.

That reminds me of the other issue - most people who sell good meat don't take food stamps. I'm on my last month of food stamps until K gets back, so I'm going to start buying as much as possible 'off the hoof', because it's cheaper and tastes better. We'll see how it works.

One thing that would be helpful is to promote vegetarian meals and recipes, or low-meat recipes, that taste good to people who have been eating meat. It's hard to present a meal of tofu and brown rice to people who are used to chicken. It has to be more practical and appealing. And simple and relatively inexpensive.

Actually, I was laying in the bath thinking something similar. I'm trying to use regular recipes on whole foods and I was wondering if maybe there's some cooking classes around here that'll help.

Can we get chicken nuggets out of school lunches? That's what I'd like. Actually, I'd like to get rid of chicken nuggets.

Amen. They're seriously gross. And I try not to think too hard about what's IN them.

What about hot dogs? Ew. Just ew!

 

[Keroin]

I agree that not everyone has a choice. That's why I said those who are aware and do have a choice should vote with their wallet.

More expensive isn't necessarily better. I don't shop at Whole Foods anymore. Spending a ton of money on organic meat raised on ginormous organic farms that is trucked halfway across the country is better than meat raised on cheap corn, their own feces and antibiotics and also trucked halfway across the country, but it's not the solution.

99% of the meat I eat now is local. If I eat out and I don't know where the meat is from, I eat vegetarian. The meat I purchase is from local farms sold at farmer's markets. So, why can't everyone do that? Well, back to your point: it's expensive. Also, I would guess it's not possible for everyone to buy locally raised meat. But local meat is much more plentiful and widely available here now than it was 8 or 9 years ago. The demand (the people who can afford it) was there, and people filled the demand. That's why I think it's great when the people with spare cash care about what they eat.

But right now it's expensive. I don't know how much more affordable good food will become. It costs money to create a good product. But to the extent that demand continues to grow, more farms will turn to sustainable practices and the prices will drop somewhat.

One thing that would be helpful is to promote vegetarian meals and recipes, or low-meat recipes, that taste good to people who have been eating meat. It's hard to present a meal of tofu and brown rice to people who are used to chicken. It has to be more practical and appealing. And simple and relatively inexpensive.

Good points here. Voting with wallets, for those who can, is an excellent idea. Twenty years ago, when I wanted "alternative" or organic food, my only options were dingy little holes in the wall with a limited selection of very pricey food. Now, I can get most of what I need at my regular grocery store and the rest at a selection of specialty stores.

Showing people that vegetarian does not equal "tasteless" and "salads" would be a good start, too. I consider myself a Flexitarian, that is to say that I can easily enjoy a meal with or without meat. Weaning people off their meat dependency would be beneficial on numerous levels.

Portion sizes need to be addressed. I think what most people consider a normal portion size is far larger than they actually need. I don't weigh out my foods or anything but, over time, I've learned to visually determine what is the right quantity for me - with the meat being the smallest and the vegetables being the largest.

Is the old food pyramid still being taught in school? You know the one with all the breads and grains making up the big base at the bottom? This is quite possibly the worst diet info people can be given.

 

[Keroin]

Personal feelings aside. Assess to healthy foods at a price everyone can afford. Better regulation of the foods we have by the FDA. Or even better by an independent company that doesn't have their finger in the pie.

Healthier school lunches. Prisoners eat better than our children.

Education about nutrition starting at a grade school level.

Labels on fast food, and listed on menu's.

More medical research into medical conditions and medications that cause people to be obese.

All excellent ideas.

The population here lives mostly on tinned corned beef. I cannot even bring myself to look at this stuff - it so closely resembles dog food. I wish they had more options that were affordable and healthy.

 

[Netzach]

I agree that education is not enough but in this part of the world, and I'm guessing several others like it, the local population knows nothing about nutrition. This is not an exaggeration. If you were to talk with 95% of the local population they would have no idea that donuts make you gain weight or that Coke is unhealthy for a toddler to drink.

There is nothing taught in the school system about health and healthy eating, nor does the government involve itself in any way. This is not the only subject islanders have no understanding of. They are also constantly being fleeced financially by outsiders because they have little to no comprehension of finance. They are simple people who live simple lives, and in many ways I applaud that, but it makes them vulnerable to exploitation.

For this reason, I think foreign companies need to have some kinds of restrictions when selling unhealthy products in this kind of environment. What kind of restrictions, I don't know. Paying a fee or tax would be next to useless because it will only end up lining a politician's pocket. I'd say that these companies should be required to provide education in health and nutrition in the school but the chances of being able to implement that are low.

However, I think your ideas for your own country are good ones. The difficulty would be fighting the large number of people who see any kind of regulation as impeding their rights.

I cant recall where you are exactly, but I found it kind of alarming that the top 5 most obese nations were primarily if not uniformly Pacific Islands. Whatever's playing out where you are is playing out across a number of similar regions.

I'm still banking on the notion that the top 5 nations' people are being exposed to some really heinous food that their particular metabolic trends are particularly screwed up by, at an even higher rate than other more diverse populations. - I'm assuming the populations of Tonga and the Cook Islands are fairly homogenous.

I don't know what combats the crap aspects of globalization if anything. I guess the fact that information is also global or rapidly becoming more global is the only tonic I can think of. In positive news, you have things like sex workers' unions in India traveling to African nations to do outreach, networking and education among other third world sex workers - people who can relate doing by-and-for advocacy which is realistic in their lives. Being poor and marginalized doesn't cut people off from the potential for innovation and ideas - who knows, maybe a Tonga-based "eat local and sustainable" initiative could happen.

Eating organic doesn't have to be more expensive. I've done it more cheaply than conventional, but you are talking lots of TIME and organization and soaking of beans. Those are the only two ways to do it, cheap and lots of time and effort, or expensive.

I also live in the breadbasket, and we frankly rock on this issue.It's very easy to find people on Craigslist who are looking for people to buy farm shares with, it's very easy for me to split a cow four ways if I have a freezer for it.

If I were gonna go back to school it would be in public policy and my main interest would be in Mpls/StP as a model for local and sustainable ag relationships to the ex-urbs. Damn, there are days I'm tempted, but I really finally just found focus, I can't upset that again.

 

[graceanne]

A question - what keroin and netz said made me think of it - but do people in the pacific island eat mostly canned food?

Cause that shit is NASTY and pretty nutritionally deficient.

 

[nh23]

Eating organic doesn't have to be more expensive. I've done it more cheaply than conventional, but you are talking lots of TIME and organization and soaking of beans. Those are the only two ways to do it, cheap and lots of time and effort, or expensive.

I also live in the breadbasket, and we frankly rock on this issue.It's very easy to find people on Craigslist who are looking for people to buy farm shares with, it's very easy for me to split a cow four ways if I have a freezer for it.

Netz could you share some of your tips on doing it cheaper? I would try to sacrifice more time, if I could save some money.

I'd like to find better prices on fish. Since I'm not on an ocean, fish is almost always frozen, and that's pretty expensive. Go into the stuff that's not, forget it I can't afford it. We've been eating a ton of fish, but I've mostly been stuck with talapia, cod, things that are cheap. I splurged on a piece of wild salmon, but it cost me over ten dollars.

 

[Netzach]

Netz could you share some of your tips on doing it cheaper? I would try to sacrifice more time, if I could save some money.

I'd like to find better prices on fish. Since I'm not on an ocean, fish is almost always frozen, and that's pretty expensive. Go into the stuff that's not, forget it I can't afford it. We've been eating a ton of fish, but I've mostly been stuck with talapia, cod, things that are cheap. I splurged on a piece of wild salmon, but it cost me over ten dollars.

Cheaper: what we did was we got together about 8 people and we bought bulk items at Blooming Prairie Co-op (it's in IA) for all non-perishables. If you have a nearer co-op that has bulk discount and enough concerned friends you can pool your $$$ and save a ton.

8 people, maybe 10? Cost per 10 week college term of eating this, plus weekly produce and dairy runs on conventional but RBH free cheese and milk and yogurt for the non-vegan majority was $125.

$125. And food/produce in MN tends to be priced high.

So that's pretty good. I can spend that in a week on two people without this kind of discipline.

So we had the 30 pound bag of rice, the 15 lbs of dried black beans, the non-refined sugar, the chocolate chips because you will at some juncture want a treat and better yours than theirs, right, and I'm trying to think what else - quinoa. Grits. This wasn't geared towards super low cal, but going organic and very very cheap, keep that in mind. It was healthier in that it really made it possible to eat entirely unprocessed food. You have to plan ahead. You have to eat a lot of ground beef and bean kind of soups and things.

I buy spices at the Indian-owned grocery store, the prices are so much lower than the supermarket. Nuts too, really inexpensive. If you don't have one of those, again Trader Joe's is really good.

The problem with TJ's is when you veer off the perimeter. If you shop the perimeter of TJ's and ONLY go off to get your frozen fish, you're OK. The problem is that they have an astounding amount of high quality tasty and totally high calorie and price tag pre-prepared. Ignore those, and you're saving money.

They're crap for produce. I don't have the discipline to go to the farmer's market like I should, so I buy conventional produce and a lot of frozen produce still. Frozen veggies are a godsend, because they're fast and brainless on those nights I don't want to do ANYTHING. Frozen veggies, a little peanut butter, a little sriracha Thai hot sauce, and the chicken I hope I was smart enough to roast en masse that monday and you're done in 5 min.

Fish? It's tough, it's pretty expensive. That's the hardest one to bring down costs on.

Well mercury freakouts notwithstanding I buy loads of tuna and sardines for quick throw it togethers. Trader Joe's is amazingly good on sole, cod and tilapia frozen prices - the quality is decent. I got a whole mess of sole filets for about 5-6 bucks - now this is all frozen fish, but I do a lot to my fish, so unless it's a special occasion I forgo fresh. I also got wild caught swordfish for about 6 or 7 bucks for 2 steaks, which isn't too bad.

I cook these, then break them up in salad with a bit of homemade mango salsa (made in about 30 seconds in a small chopper food processor) and this lasts 2 days or feeds 4.

I stretch meat into non-meat things like an insane woman.

 

[Keroin]

A question - what keroin and netz said made me think of it - but do people in the pacific island eat mostly canned food?

Cause that shit is NASTY and pretty nutritionally deficient.

Yes and yes.

Pre-missionaries, Polynesians subsisted mostly on fish, pigs, fruit and a handful of veggies. This is a very harsh climate to grow in, believe it or not, (no rain in the winter, too hot in the summer + torrential rains that destroy crops). the missionaries brought some western food with them but the big change in diet happened during WWII when the allies used many of these islands as bases. Ladies and gentleman, say hello to canned food!

The supply ship that services us on a five week cycle, comes from NZ and stops at four other islands. Obviously, this makes it difficult to ship most perishables. Flying goods in is expensive there is not much point to it. (And we're lucky, many islands only see a ship once or twice per year). As a result, shopkeepers focus on non-perishable goods and since junk food has a long shelf life, is relatively inexpensive, and has a high profit margin, that makes up the bulk of what we get.

We run out of carrots every month. We never run out of Coke, chips, and cookies.

And there's more to it than that but that is the biggest problem.

So, you can see why the Pacific islands hold the top five spots on the list. But every poor area I've traveled through seems as if it has been sponsored by Coca Cola. Lots of calories, low price, addictive as shit. Junk food companies are making a killing off the world's poor - literally.

My diet, which I am vigilant about back in the world, has undergone a serious change here. Dinner, five nights out of seven, is a small piece of fish, a small portion of rice, and fresh veggies, if available, frozen if not. Thankfully, it is now tomato season. I'm probably underweight at the moment but it beats the alternative. I can't eat crap for more than just the occasional treat, my body rebels against it.

Oh, BTW, Netz, I don't eat swordfish, wild or otherwise. The world wide stocks of all billfish are near collapse. Wish I had some pecans though, they're yummy!

 

[Netzach]

Yes and yes.

Pre-missionaries, Polynesians subsisted mostly on fish, pigs, fruit and a handful of veggies. This is a very harsh climate to grow in, believe it or not, (no rain in the winter, too hot in the summer + torrential rains that destroy crops). the missionaries brought some western food with them but the big change in diet happened during WWII when the allies used many of these islands as bases. Ladies and gentleman, say hello to canned food!

The supply ship that services us on a five week cycle, comes from NZ and stops at four other islands. Obviously, this makes it difficult to ship most perishables. Flying goods in is expensive there is not much point to it. (And we're lucky, many islands only see a ship once or twice per year). As a result, shopkeepers focus on non-perishable goods and since junk food has a long shelf life, is relatively inexpensive, and has a high profit margin, that makes up the bulk of what we get.

We run out of carrots every month. We never run out of Coke, chips, and cookies.

And there's more to it than that but that is the biggest problem.

So, you can see why the Pacific islands hold the top five spots on the list. But every poor area I've traveled through seems as if it has been sponsored by Coca Cola. Lots of calories, low price, addictive as shit. Junk food companies are making a killing off the world's poor - literally.

My diet, which I am vigilant about back in the world, has undergone a serious change here. Dinner, five nights out of seven, is a small piece of fish, a small portion of rice, and fresh veggies, if available, frozen if not. Thankfully, it is now tomato season. I'm probably underweight at the moment but it beats the alternative. I can't eat crap for more than just the occasional treat, my body rebels against it.

Oh, BTW, Netz, I don't eat swordfish, wild or otherwise. The world wide stocks of all billfish are near collapse. Wish I had some pecans though, they're yummy!

Ugh I know. You'll be happy to know it's maybe a once in a very blue moon one for me. Sole's on heavier rotation, and damn, I actually *like* catfish.

Is salmon OK? Because if I come back as a Grizzly I'll be ecstatic.

Broiled Salmon > chocolate.

 

[Netzach]

I also have to sing the praises of the egg.

Eaten consistently but not overeaten, it's one of the cheapest and most efficient foods you can get.

Organic ones are about a buck more a carton. That one buck I can do, it's enough difference to me when it comes to poultry. Way cheaper than an organic chicken.

 

[graceanne]

Cheaper: what we did was we got together about 8 people and we bought bulk items at Blooming Prairie Co-op (it's in IA) for all non-perishables. If you have a nearer co-op that has bulk discount and enough concerned friends you can pool your $$$ and save a ton.

...Trader Joe's is really good.

I mostly do my shopping at trader joes, but not for my meat - I can't afford their prices and they don't sell bulk.

I've been looking online for co-ops in my area and not having a lot of luck. Most of the ones I've found are big on the whole 'peace' thing and I don't think the wife (and sister) and children of a soldier would be welcome.

I keep trying to talk my mom and/or sister into going into a cow with me but neither can afford it.

Yes and yes.

Pre-missionaries, Polynesians subsisted mostly on fish, pigs, fruit and a handful of veggies. This is a very harsh climate to grow in, believe it or not, (no rain in the winter, too hot in the summer + torrential rains that destroy crops). the missionaries brought some western food with them but the big change in diet happened during WWII when the allies used many of these islands as bases. Ladies and gentleman, say hello to canned food!

The supply ship that services us on a five week cycle, comes from NZ and stops at four other islands. Obviously, this makes it difficult to ship most perishables. Flying goods in is expensive there is not much point to it. (And we're lucky, many islands only see a ship once or twice per year). As a result, shopkeepers focus on non-perishable goods and since junk food has a long shelf life, is relatively inexpensive, and has a high profit margin, that makes up the bulk of what we get.

We run out of carrots every month. We never run out of Coke, chips, and cookies.

That's what I figured. Canning food, at first, was an awesome idea. You can send vegetables to areas that don't have 'em, etc. But it's the junk food companies are making a 'killing' on that stuff.

Do you know how to can your own food? You can can carrots and it's SO much better for you than the bought canned foods. Plus it actually tastes good.

 

[graceanne]

I also have to sing the praises of the egg.

Eaten consistently but not overeaten, it's one of the cheapest and most efficient foods you can get.

Organic ones are about a buck more a carton. That one buck I can do, it's enough difference to me when it comes to poultry. Way cheaper than an organic chicken.

I'd rather be shot than eat eggs. *gag*

 

[graceanne]

Broiled Salmon > chocolate.

BLASPHEMY!

 

[WriterDom]

I buy whole frozen salmond at Walmart. It's prechopped into about 5 pieces but the skin isn't cut. It's a little over a dollar a steak. Not quiet as good as what you get in the store but it's almost as good. And you get to have it 5 times rather than twice.


Cooked shrimp is about 5 dollars a bag there. Pinch of the tails and put half a bag in spaghetti sauce over whole wheat pasta. Or better yet make my own sauce once the tomatoes and peppers come in. That I've never done but I'm sure I can find a ton of recipes on the internet.

And I like to make a huge bowl of veggie soup seasoned with some good sirloin or something. Cook up some cornbread in a iron skillet to crumble into the soup. mmm...

 

[Keroin]

Ugh I know. You'll be happy to know it's maybe a once in a very blue moon one for me. Sole's on heavier rotation, and damn, I actually *like* catfish.

Is salmon OK? Because if I come back as a Grizzly I'll be ecstatic.

Broiled Salmon > chocolate.

Not making a judgement, no worries. Just replying, very late, to your comment about my eating wild swordfish, some lettuce and a handful of pecans. LOL.

Side note: farmed catfish is one of the better fish choices out there. Salmon, so-so. BC and Alaskan stocks are hanging in there. WA, OR and CA are all but wiped out. Smoked salmon (not lox, not the same) = chocolate x 1000. Can't wait to get home for that.

 

[WriterDom]

I also have to sing the praises of the egg.

Eaten consistently but not overeaten, it's one of the cheapest and most efficient foods you can get.

Organic ones are about a buck more a carton. That one buck I can do, it's enough difference to me when it comes to poultry. Way cheaper than an organic chicken.

I buy a lot eggs. Cheap ones to boil, and the good ones if I'm going to eat the yoke. About once a week I'll have breakfast for dinner. And I always eat breakfast.

Lily is humping my leg. Guess I better amuse her.