Be a Pro Active Eater

As a part of keeping myself up to date, I often query local businesses about the contents of the items on their menus or the products in their stores.  I can report from my own experience, it is absolutely possible to activate change if you present a good case to your local suppliers.  Once you get informed and arm yourself with a positive attitude, you’d be amazed at how you can bring about changes, even at a micro level.

People in business are consistent in one respect at least – they all want happy customers.  They also want customers who return.  Once retailers understand that their customers prefer their food to be organic, free-range, or GM-free, in my experience they will usually do their best to provide it.

“Treat yourself well: vow to only put fresh, wholesome food into your system.”

Ask your local shops whether they stock or use certified organic, antibiotic-free, hormone-free or free-range chickens and eggs. Do they use dolphin-safe tuna or other ocean produce that hasn’t resulted in the incidental deaths of inedible and/or protected marine life.  Ask if they use sea salt and if they use organic produce for juices.  Check whether the tofu they use in their Pad Thai noodles or Agedashi Tofu dishes is GM-free and organic. Most good food establishments welcome customers who care about the produce and they are usually very willing to inform or confirm any queries you might have about their product or menu.

On the other hand, if (for whatever reason) they can’t or won’t explain or if you sense that they do use the type of produce that harms both the planet and our bodies, you can nicely and (very) politely explain to them that you won’t be able to shop or eat there anymore and – importantly – why you won’t.

It’s your body and your health and you should therefore be actively concerned about what you are consuming.

Photographer: Anthea Paul