I am the ‘weirdo’ in my neighboorhood court because I compost and use different kind of organic gardening techniques. Do not use pesticides/chemical fertilizers, for example. My kids at school get teased because they eat their ‘whole wheat’ sandwiches at shool or drink ’soy’ milk (at this point they prefer it and don’t like regular milk anymore).
Comments
It is easier to do less and cheaper to eat bad. It’s not part of their life style to do as much as you. I myself would probably wonder why you go the extra mile but if people go out of their way to make you fee uncomfortable that is not right.
We are creatures of habit, and most (not all, but most) Americans have very bad health habits. It takes 21 days to form a habit, and it’s difficult to do. That’s why, starting your kids young and making it a way of life for them is such a good thing. It helps them to grow up with the attitude that healthy living is the way it should be done. Yes, there is risk that they will be exposed to bad habits when they are with their friends. They may eat junk food, fast food, etc., but since they haven’t developed a taste for those things, it will probably make them feel sluggish and not very good. Also, since it does take time to form the habit, as long as it’s just a once in a while occurance, they probably will not resort to an unhealthy style of living from just occasional exposure.
Most people think it’s cheaper not to eat well, but that’s a myth. Vegetables are cheaper than processed food. Meat is not that healthy. It could be completely eliminated from the diet with protein coming from beans, eggs, cheese and soy products. Or, if one doesn’t want to eliminate meat, they can use it to enhance a dish (as in stir fry) without making it the main focus of the meal. If you cut down on meat, processed foods and snacks, you are saving money. Also, people should watch out for so called diet foods in the store. Read your labels. They are often high in salt and artificial sweateners or flavors. These are not good for you. You are much better off with natural foods and making your own snacks using things like applesauce or possibly honey for sweetening. If you want bread, make your own from wheat, oat or rye flour. There are so many wonderful healthy recipes out there, and the majority of people are surprised how great healthy meals taste.
You are fortunate that you are a person who hasn’t bought into the system of doing it fast and easy at the expense of good health. And by growing your own food (and doing it organically) you are teaching your kids valuable skills and life lessons in the process. Congratulations.
some are probably just too lazy (it does take more effort and time to cook a meal than pop some bought precooked meal into the microwave or even a pizza).
they haven’t grown up being informed about such things
some don’t seem to bother to think. I still fail to understand why completely healthy people think it is logic to go regularly to a gym, but take the elevator one floor up or down the rest of the day or even at the gym…
television encourages consumerism, not much further education there…how many ads are there encouraging you cooking your selfgrown veggies versus ones which try to sell you a store-bought meal…
I guess it takes a little more thought than just going about things the easy socially accepted way…I prefer to clean with all natural products that are cheaper, and totally safe….Carbonated water works great on glass…who knew….way better for the enviro than windex!!
