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Food Labels

I start my day with a cup of coffee.  Anything before that is totally on automatic pilot.

This morning I had to open a new container of coffee creamer.

I used to use soy creamer but then I read about soy being bad for you so I switched to almond creamer.  I found I really liked the almond creamer, but them I read about how almonds are sucking up all the California water.  I figured I would do my part and not contribute to the world wide demand (and, boy, that will show those profit mongers, but good!!).  I switched to coconut creamer (a decision that will no doubt crush the coconut industry in some way).

But yesterday I was in a grocery store that did not have coconut creamer...not even almond creamer.  I bought good old half and half.  Local dairy. No artificial growth hormones.

Here's the thing--this morning as I opened the creamer, I got stuck on that proud label: NO Artificial Growth Hormones.

Don't we have this wrong?  I mean shouldn't the default assumption be that our food is just food--that stuff we use to nourish ourselves.  And I mean nourish our whole selves because, let's face it, for most of us food is more than just fuel.  It's taste and memories and comfort as well.

I think the labels should tell us what is in the product, what might be in the product because it was fed to the animal that produced it.  Especially if the purpose of the addition is to increase profit margins instead of nutritional value, the label should be pretty prominent, too.

When I am put in charge of the world things will be some different, I can tell you that.

Comments

  1. TaborJune 20, 2015 at 10:17 AM

    Yes, we just need to go back to natural food. Cream without additives is just fine. An there are even greater wastes of water than almonds. I support the almond farmers.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousJune 20, 2015 at 10:24 AM

    I really don't pay too much attention to labels anymore, because knowing something is organic or non-GMO doesn't interest me. I just buy what I want and hope for the best. I love skim milk with my coffee, but also love real ice cream too.

    ReplyDelete
  3. SextantJune 20, 2015 at 11:10 AM

    The moral of the story is to drink your coffee black.

    The agricultural industrial complex works hard to get us addicted to the crap that they put in the food. Personally my downfall is salad dressings...especially those with MSG.

    ReplyDelete
  4. MuffieJune 20, 2015 at 11:13 AM

    I'm glad I don't do the food shopping anymore. It's crazy what we have to be aware of! I always use half-and-half in my one-a-day coffee, or if it's here, real cream. I'll vote for you if you run for Empress of the World! I know things would run a lot smoother, and we wouldn't have to worry about a thing!

    ReplyDelete
  5. CarolJune 20, 2015 at 11:33 AM

    I wish I could grow my own food and know exactly what I was putting in my body. Ready labels can make one not want to eat.

    ReplyDelete
  6. BarbaraJune 20, 2015 at 6:45 PM

    Labels on Food are like photoshoped photos - they contain only the parts they want us to see.

    ReplyDelete
  7. GwenJune 20, 2015 at 8:53 PM

    Yes, I've broken my Coffeemate habit, and only use organic half and half.

    Labels are so ridiculous! I try to stay away from processed foods for this very reason; the amount of unpronounceable chemicals in our foods if frightening!

    ReplyDelete
  8. UnknownJune 21, 2015 at 5:02 PM

    I am sure life will be much improved when you are finally in charge! Love Barbara's comment -- so true!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Arkansas PattiJune 22, 2015 at 6:53 AM

    It really is hard to find just what is good for us and the environment both isn't it? I am a label reader but the guidelines keep changing. Mercy. Hurry up and be in charge.

    ReplyDelete
  10. oklhdanJune 22, 2015 at 12:07 PM

    I couldn't agree with you more Olga. I've been waiting for my turn to run the world but I'll gladly concede to you if you get the job before I do!

    ReplyDelete
  11. BarbJune 23, 2015 at 5:26 PM

    Olga for President! I read labels and even in organic products, some additives are suspect.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Linda ReederJune 27, 2015 at 12:22 AM

    Good luck on your campaign. I just don't read the labels, and use real foods when I can, but I don't bother with"organic" If that takes a year off my life, so be it.

    ReplyDelete
  13. KayJune 27, 2015 at 3:23 AM

    And I would vote for you, Olga!!! I haven't tried almond milk or creamer yet. Hmmm... Maybe when the drought is over.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Jenn JilksJune 28, 2015 at 8:54 AM

    I use carnation, the cat loves to lick the top, too! sigh

    ReplyDelete

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