Things I Want My Kids To Know #2: A Good Perspective of Food

I hope to instill, in my children, a more principled way of eating. Most people in America eat on impulse. We eat because we crave. We eat what we crave. We don't want to feel guilty about it, we don't want to over-think it, we don't want to be judged for it. This kind of thinking leads to the seeking out of convenience at great cost. We end up: polluting; demanding legislation that enables inhumane treatment of animals; eating in cars rather than around tables with family members; compromising our health; and turning a blind eye to the sources from which our food comes (this is in no way an exhaustive list of the obvious negative impacts of our greed). Thinking like that is not sustainable, it is not viable for too long. I suggest a greater premise from which to start.

I teach my kids that there are three reasons to eat. And I teach them that, to the degree that a different reason for eating does not line up with these three, it is invalid. The first reason is relationship. This category is general and far reaching. The thinking, however, is simple and goes like this: if it is relationship building, it is a good, if it is destructive to healthy relationships, it is bad. One ought to be concerned with his or her relationship toward God, his or her neighbor, and to the ecology over which God gave us stewardship. This reason calls my kids to enjoy, without reservation, food that is offered to them by a well intentioned person who does not share the same views, even if the food offered would not normally be considered by my family. Relationship trumps all else. The second reason for eating is concerned with nutrition. God gave us food from which to freely choose, and through which, to promote our health and the health of our children. That being said, it is logical to conclude that we ought to be seeking out the foods that best promote our health. That is not to say that we ought to never treat ourselves, but we should prioritize nutritious choices. I would go as far as to say that it is an irresponsible use of money to purchase foods that are not proactively nutritious. The final reason for eating is for pleasure. The premise being that God delights in His creation taking pleasure in the good gifts for which He gave to us to enjoy. The given notion, is that we would enjoy food as worship and in ways that are responsible and that we know are pleasing to God. Thinking about food in this way shifts what we do and how we affect the world around us in significantly positive ways. There is a practical side to all of this.

When shopping for food, my wife and I look for certain characteristics. We, first, choose those items that are locally produced whenever possible. The reason for this is relational. Supporting the local economy is one of the best things that citizens can do to promote the economic health of those around (neighbors) and for the greater American economy in general. If an item is not produced locally, we seek out a version that is produced as sustainable and ethically as possible. The thought is that we want to further the market for items that are produced by people who care. We want personality backing our food. Enabling the worthy small guy is far more patriotic than promoting the health of large corporations that take advantage of our laws, land, and unsuspecting individuals. We seek out items that are minimally produced. Generally speaking, the more hands (mechanical "hands" count too) that food goes through, the worse it is for people, the environment, and the economy (when the long-term is considered). Another thing to consider is labeling; choose packaged food with the fewest ingredients possible (make sure the ingredients are pronounceable and familiar). We seek out food that tastes good. That means that we take the time to find the highest quality available to us. Actually, seeking out food in the manner in which we do, always ups the pleasure value. Grocery making (as it may be said in our beloved New Orleans), cooking, hosting guests, and eating in general become far more enjoyable when we become more engaged and cause driven. Plus, high quality food just tastes better. Family time and interaction, increase when we care about what we eat.