Whole Food

The Integrity of Whole Food

Whole food is about purity and utilizing ingredients that are in their original, unadulterated state. This means using food that has been grown or raised in a manner that does not cause any sort of compromise or damage. It also means there is minimal processing so that the nutritional value and taste are of the highest quality. To maintain a whole food focus, consider avoiding the following as they negatively impact the integrity and nutrition of food:

• Chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides
• Growth hormones and antibiotics
• Genetic engineering
• Refining (sugars, oils, flours)
• Over cooking or processing

Why These Things Matter

Food sustains life. Many believe food can also heal the body. Whole food cooking focuses on the role of food and its relationship to our health and well-being. In choosing foods that are in their natural state, one can not only avoid adding harmful or unnecessary ingredients, one can optimize the nutritional benefits and provide the body with food that is rich in nutrients. Foods heavy in vitamins and minerals encourage the body to protect itself against illness, promote healing and maintain good health. The following are guidelines for choosing food that encourage high nutrition:

• Use organic when possible
• Eat free range meat and wild caught fish
• Choose fresh fruits and vegetables
• Pick foods that are in season
• Eat meals that have raw or sprouted nuts and grains

Environmental Impact

Respect for the environment and the implications of food production are of great concern to whole food enthusiasts. Remembering that one of the primary goals is to seek a balance between what is eaten and how it is produced, farming and transportation issues are significant.

Sustainable farming methods are nature-based in that they are focused on maintaining the long-term health of the land and the integrity of its crop. Considerations in soil health, crop rotation and pest control all impact the final harvest. Every effort is made to grow food in cooperation with nature in order to leave the smallest imprint possible in production. Sustainably farmed produce is organic food at its finest!

Eating seasonally and locally is also important in whole food cooking. By choosing foods that are in season, one can avoid aiding in additional pollution and waste due to transportation by train, truck, ship or plane. Everybody knows an apple tastes best fresh off the tree. But did you know they are also at the peak of nutrition when just picked? Not only do you get the sweetest, crunchiest, most nutritious apple you can, by getting it locally you also support a farmer, the environment and the local economy.

It’s All About Relationship

Again, whole food cooking is about finding balance and creating a positive relationship between growing and eating. Seeking to find harmony at all junctions along the way, consideration is place as much on where food comes from to how it is eaten. From farming practices and transportation to processing and preparing, every decision impacts the next. Whole food considers the whole picture.

Simple Ideas to Introduce Whole Foods

• Choose fresh organic apples instead of commercial applesauce
• Sweeten naturally with honey, maple syrup or stevia
• Saute or steam fresh vegetables rather than eating canned
• Eat whole grain breads, crackers and cereals
• Try raw nuts and dried fruits in baking.
• Substitute raw sugar or Sucanat for traditional white sugar
• Drink water, tea or raw juices in place of soda