Eating... or not.

So I did it. I did what I said months ago I wouldn't do.

I watched Food, Inc.

I learned things I wish I wouldn't have... but even more that I am so glad that I did.

And I made a few choices.

The first is that my family won't buy any more factory-processed beef from a grocery. I finished watching the film, got online, and found a local rancher that has only grass-fed beef that are raised locally and butchered humanely. And I bought 1/4 of beef that will be delivered this weekend to my house. Vacuum packed. Ready to freeze.

I also am strongly debating my use of coupons. I love saving the money. I love helping others to save money. But after watching the documentary, I am feeling like I am promoting companies that don't really have me or my family in mind. They have their pockets (and rightly so) in the front and center. I just am having a hard time figuring out why I would want those products anymore, no matter how cheap I can get them for.

This week, I am also having a garden guru stop by and help me make some changes for my fall/winter planting. I really want to make the most of my garden this season, harvesting carrots, potatoes, spinach... and feeling good about what I choose.

And although I know that I won't be perfect, I do like to think that this experience is making me more aware of what I am doing for myself, my family and my future. I might still drink Coke... but I am going to buy free-range chicken eggs (and am still entertaining the thought of my own chickens). I am going to think locally, sustainably, healthy.

And I will giggle when Katie takes away my voter registration card.. because there is no way my Republican is showing... ;o)