Food Inc.

Last night the hubby and I went to see Food, Inc.  I wasn't sure what to expect, except I knew I wouldn't be able to look at certain foods the same after viewing this film.  And yes, that's what happened.

It's NOT a PETA film, or a animal rights activist film...while it DOES show some pretty nasty treatment of animals the overall theme throughout was the effect of big business on the food processing system.  It was most definitely a PRO-organic film.  I could go on and on about the conditions of the Tyson, or Purdue farm, but I'll save that for you to see for yourself...it's pretty shameful and disgusting.

While I would find it hard to find anyone that would disagree that eating organic is by far superior, the fact is that eating organic, or even healthy for that matter is expensive, and unfortunately not an option for many of Americans.  What was most eye opening is the role the government plays in this.  I guess I shouldn't be surprised, but I was.  The government subsidizes these corn growers which overproduce corn that is then sold for LESS THAN THE COST OF PRODUCTION. They are able to do this b/c of government subsidizing.  This overabundance of corn is then turned into all those crazy words you see on the back of your labels on foods that we eat (and shouldn't).  This is why it is by FAR cheaper to buy a $0.99 hamburger at McDonalds than it is a head of broccoli.

Our food today doesn't even come close to the food our parents generation ate.  We now have genetically engineered this, modified that, filled with stuff you really don't want to know! (Did you realize that there is AMMONIA in the meat filler that goes into 75% of all hamburger meat?????)

I've said for such a long time now that the HIGH occurence of women's infertility, children born with problems has GOT to be related to our food over the past 20 years.  Our parents generation just did NOT have these issues, yet we are PLAGUED by it.  By too many of my friends then I would like to count.

And if 20 years of us eating this way has had this effect what's it going to be like for our children who will be subject to further mutilation of our food sources than what we even experienced.

The more organic we can buy will make a statement to the big businesses out there that control this market (did you realize it's only FOUR that control 80% of the marketshare) and our government putting dollars where we need it to go to.  

Every time we purchase an organic product we are making a vote, allowing our voice to be heard.

New gym???

Lately I have not been getting my behind up in the morning to go workout, and it's showing...BIG TIME!  Yes, I do have a new puppy that has been keeping me up at night, that I'm terrified of tiptoeing out of the room at 5am to hit the gym, in fear that he might start barking and wake up my sleeping husband.  But even before we got the puppy last week I was having a REAL hard time getting myself up to go.  Preston is a night owl and enjoys watching movies...with me, which I also thoroughly enjoy doing with him as well, and if I don't get to bed before 10 PM then forget about it, that 5 AM alarm is just NOT HAPPENING!

I talked with Preston last night and mentioned my desire to go to a gym that has childcare so that in the event I don't go during the wee hours, at least there is an option to go later in the day.  I'm a gym rat at heart.  I know we have a "mini" gym here in the house, but it just doesn't cut it for me...it's boring.  I'm a people person...I need ACTION!

24 HR FITNESS just opened up in our area and we decided to check them out this morning.  At first Ethan wasn't interested in going into the Kid Club area.  He was a bit apprehensive, but with some encouragement and knowing his brother was going to be with him, he ventured in.  Well....all it took was a few minutes of looking around and the kid was HOOKED!  It's like Chuck E. Cheese there.  They have basketball shoot-out games, romper room, climbing/tunnel/slide area, movies, crafts and much more.

As for my experience...I decided to do the Boot Camp.  OH MY!  It kicked my tail.  Seriously.  It was so hard, and so humbling.  I've gotten way too out of shape for my own good.  But I imagine after about a month I won't recognize the out of breath, bent over, huffing and puffing woman that was staring me in the face in the mirror anymore.

Preston and I are still discussing whether this gym is the right choice for us.  I've got a 7 day pass to check out the full facilities first.  But so far...I'm impressed.

Oh...and the boys are too.  They keep asking if we are going back tomorrow! :)