Women and food. You couldn’t find a more complicated relationship. From the moment we first put our hands to our mouth in our highchairs, food has been with us every step of the way. It has served as our companion, our best friend, our accomplice and our middleman. It has been both a love affair and a lifelong battle.
Because food is never just food. Food is comfort. Food is family. It is security. It is politics. And it is loaded.
I know this to be true, because not only did I write a book about it called The Unhealthy Truth, start a non-profit to get help clean up our food supply and become a national advocate on food safety, but I also struggled with disordered eating in college, waging an internal battle with myself in an attempt to get into those skinny jeans!
So when I found myself on food’s frontline, I had to laugh, as today’s definition of “food” is so elaborate that it can make your head spin. From words like growth hormones, pesticides and “GMO” to heirloom, organic, local and grass fed, it’s enough to make any trip to the grocery store intimidate even the best of us.
Making Changes
But it doesn’t have to be that way. You see, I’ve been there. Just a few years ago, I didn’t trust myself to do more than hit “2:00 Start” on the microwave and I certainly didn’t want anyone telling me what to feed my family, as there was too much guilt, blame and emotion tied into it. But I’ve learned a lot. And I hope to share what I’ve learned with you. From helping to explain why organics cost more (and if they are worth it), to helping you stock a healthy pantry on a budget, I am teaming up with Whole Living so that we can offer real solutions for real people on real budgets with real food challenges.
So I hope you’ll join us. Actually, I need you to. Because one of the most important things I’ve learned in this process is that it helps to have a friend beside you when you start to make changes. And we’re going to be making some exciting ones here. So grab a friend, bring your questions and let’s have some fun!
Robyn O'Brien has been called "food's Erin Brokovich" by the New York Times, an "Inspiring Woman to Follow on Twitter" by Forbes Magazine, and a visionary by Discovery Channel. She is married with four children, the founder of the AllergyKids Foundation, serves on the board of the Environmental Working Group, and is the author of The Unhealthy Truth: How Our Food Is Making Us Sick and What We Can Do About It.
From: Adam Butler | 8/23/10 at 4:48 pm
Robyn is a mother of four beautiful children and a relentless advocate for all "diners" at our "national table". You'll hear her talk about these things a lot. She means every word. She is led by her love of people and a desire to restore trust in our food supply. What better person to follow into the fearful world of change and "unhealthy" truths. Thanks Robyn for all you do!