Welcome back! Food for fuel? Food for thought? Or a ‘fat tax’

Ok, so it has been quite some time since I posted on this blog. It’s been quite a journey since my last entry. This blog had always been about facing life as a post weight-loss success. But this time my motivations are a little different. It about achieving a better lifestyle and better all around health. I am not just hoping to discuss my culinary ‘cheats’, providing recipes that I use to keep the weight down. But techniques as to how I plan my meals and source food.

This really came from a Facebook post by a friend. He was discussing a report on how obesity is now Australia’s and the world biggest killer. Now affecting 2 out of 3 adults and 1 in five children 2 – 4 years. http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health-fitness/australias-obesity-crisis-worsens-as-survey-shows-two-out-of-three-adults-overweight-or-obese/story-fneuz9ev-1226505251354
And he was suggesting a ‘fat tax’ of sorts. Now I did point out the initial flaw in his use of the very rudimentary BMI scale as a marker upon which he was proposing the Medicare levy be based (Medicare being the Australian health system). I also caught part of a TV report, where a group was suggesting plan packaging and taxes on convenience or foods that were ‘bad’ for us.

Personally I can see the argument that the funds of many are paying toward the treatment of what in many cases are preventable health issues. But should be have to justify our lifestyles to receive treatment? As a recovering ‘obese’ person; whilst I appreciate the idea, I don’t think that is the answer. I do not see that these have in anyway been successful in reducing the use of cigarettes or alcohol- the numbers are coming down, but I believe this has been through education, societies shift in what is socially acceptable and availability of help and assistance.

As a society we already measure and judge this broad issue in such a simplified way. There are many varied definitions of being ‘fit’ or healthly’. I measure mine, not purely by a number on a scale (though this is something that I still aspire to… years of social brain washing), or by an ideal body shape. I measure mine by both personal ability, physical achievements and by the quality of my lifestyle. Health I believe is as much a mental issue that any given individual needs to be addressed, as it is a physical one.

I am not sure I ever really discussed the topic of my mental state when I blogged here in the past. It was predominantly food based. I guess in many respects my progression and appreciation of what it means to me to be ‘fit and healthy’ has taken time to develop. And hopefully will continue to do so. I am not here to lecture or offer a professional opinion, how could I? I am not a doctor, psychologist, personal trainer or nutrients. This is my own opinion (as it always has been), a record, an opportunity to share what has helped me get to this point, or hopefully a future point in my journey. Food and health through my eyes. I just hope someone will read this and be able to take something positive away. Or (fingers crossed) offer the benefit of their opinion or experience.

So welcome back… I think we have a lot to discuss :)

The 'Good Life' in a residential area

As you know we've sourced as much from local farmers, buthcers and markets as possible. But we're also trying to produce some of our own food.
Yes we live in a residential areas and we both work, so it just goes to show what can be done. This is only on a small scale at the minute, but gradually as we're learning and growing in confidence we'll continue to do more.
At present we're growing out own herbs; this is on a plot scale and has been incorporated into the landscape garden at the front of the house.

He's built an above ground veggie box in our front

and we have chooks in the back yard, 3 at the moment... And yesterday we had our first egg! Now theie only small when they start laying so I was surprised by the size of this one, it's with large free range store bought eggs. So fingers crossed to getting a few more!

Sourcing our own free range meat

As you know I'm a big believer in free range produce and knowing where it came from and sourcing locally to the best of our ability and budget. Not everyone can do all of these all of the time, but some conciencious acts all add up!

But my other half and I have taken some of this a little further. So far we've sourced our own meats from local free range farmers- not only does this support local businesses, but I know they've had a 'good life'. I know many would struggle with killing their own meat, and whilst I've not physically done this with my own hand, I do believe as a meat eater this is something we should see. I know many will disagree with me, but it does give you an appreciation of what meat is, and not just neatly cling film wrapped on a supermarket shelf. It also increases my personal philosophy about 'eating the whole beast' or not being affraid of the 'cheap' or 'unpopular/unfashionable' cuts. But if your killing an animal as a food source and taking a life, I feel we cheat that animal by not maximising what we do with it.
So I shall add some not so popular recipes from our porker shortly... I just wished we'd taken some pics at the time- maybe next time (nothing gory don't frett)

Where to start

Well as I mentioned I initially set out to write a blog fllowing my 'post weight loss journey', but all I really wanted to do was discuss food... and not specifically 'diet stuff'.

I guess ironically weight loss for me was re-establishing my connection and love of food. So here we are, this is my 'good food philiosophy'

Not everyone will agree with me, but that’s fine- it’s my point of view, it food through my eyes, or should that be stomach/mouth?
I’m not a dietician, I’m not going to be the next Masterchef and I’m not trying to preach, but this is my approach to food and I’d love to share it with you

Food serves a number of purposes; celebrations, socialising, communication, displays of affection, to calm emotions! Entertainment, holidays, events, routine.
As well as the basic; fuel for our bodies and as a person with an active lifestyle this area is vital. So my personal aim is to try and tick off my daily Good Food Groups.

Where possible I pick wholemeal, multigrain, skimmed dairy and low salt/sugar options. Now I'm not saying everyone has to, this is just how alot of the day to day recipes I bake/make are.

I’m a strong believer on free range food and knowing where your food comes from- but am sure we’ll get back to that.
And if possible support local businesses and suppliers, they’ll generally be fresher.

As I said before good food should be inclusive and doesn’t have to be expensive, so only buy what you need and shop wisely.
I have to be organised, else I get home from work and I have cupboards of nothing to eat!

I guess what I try to do, do the best I can with what’s available, what I can or am willing to afford (time and money). To enjoy making and eating, but most of all sharing… and enjoying food as a part of life.