I should start out with the fact that I’m not trying to go on a rant or a tirade, I’m more just trying to understand and start a conversation. I keep coming back to why I care and put so much time into this space. I’m trying to figure out where I go from here, what battles I want to fight, and what really matters the most. What I’ve come to realize about food blogs is: I love the ability they have to inspire and (hopefully) show that getting into the kitchen doesn’t have to be frightening, time consuming, or a thing you hate.
Here’s the thing- whether you eat vegetarian, vegan, paleo, gluten-free, or meat/potatoes kind of diet, it doesn’t matter to anyone but yourself. Too often I hear/read, “Oh, you eat vegan” or “oh, you eat paleo” and you can just tell it’s in that condescending voice that he/she thinks the way you eat is stupid or wrong.
I eat what I love to eat and most of all: I cook it myself.
Call the aforementioned diets “fads” if you want, but what I see is more and more people getting into the kitchen, cooking, and realizing the power of food. At the end of the day whether you’re cooking a beef steak or cauliflower steak, you are taking a step away from processed foods and that’s awesome.
In this country, we are going the wrong direction when it comes to our corporate food system (most recently I read a quick article that there is a proposal to let dairy companies put sugar-alternatives into milk and NOT label it). We let big business persuade us through targeted advertising and misleading facts about how “healthy” or “nutritious” their product is for you . This article from the New York times about the junk food industry or this article about sugar from Mark Bittman begin to scrape the surface of the larger issue we are facing. We’re letting processed foods/big businesses get away with feeding us crap. In fact, we’re paying them to do it.
And here’s the truth: they will continue to do it for as long as we continue to buy it. It is our job as consumers to be well informed and educated about our purchases. There shouldn’t need to be government oversight on what we can/cannot purchase in relation to food. We should do that for ourselves.
Next to water and air, food plays a rather large role in sustaining us and yet so often we turn a blind eye to where it comes from, how it’s produced, and what kind of things go into our food. We take so much for granted. We all have to be advocates for food we eat through the purchases we make. We need to get into the kitchen and take a serious look at what we’re putting into our bodies.
It is time to love your food.
Here is what I need from you: I’d like to know what helps you, what inspires you, and what you would like to see more of on this site. I’m excited that soon I’ll be heading to Indy to hang out with Alex and Sonja from A Couple Cooks who are starting a new initiative called The Healthy +Whole project that aims to inspire more people to get into the kitchen. I’ve already started brainstorming and can’t wait to talk more with them about how we can help make a difference.
And seriously, so much love to everyone who reads this site- I would give you all big hugs if I could. Your comments, your recipe adaptions, and your stories make this space a better place.
(On a side note, if you are new around these parts and wondering why I care so much, you can read my post on diet, self-efficacy, and honesty).
AL says
I’d love to see more input from fellow “healthy living” people as to what makes them feel good on a daily basis because I sometimes lose touch with my own needs in the midst of a busy school schedule and stress.
elalderson says
I think that’s a great idea and I completely know how you feel!
Cheryl P says
Just discovered your site on Pinterest and was drawn to the inspirational photos and healthy ingredients you use. I am not on a particular program, but every day I try to make the healthiest choices for myself and my family. When I cook healthy, I’m more excited about the meals I prepare, we feel better about the food we eat, we enjoy it and our bodies feel better too. I have so many friends that are making the same choices based on medical reasons but also to improve their well-being in general and that of their children and loved ones. Websites like yours help inspire food choices. Keep up the good work!
elalderson says
Thank you, Cheryl! I agree- even when I’m cooking for myself there is
such excitement over cooking healthy. I love the color, smells, and
taste more!
Guest says
I love everything about this. Such a great post and so well written. I’ll be sharing this, thank you.
elalderson says
Thank you!
Holly says
I love this and I agree whole-heartedly. Those little shifts become seismic ones when viewed with a longer lens. I’m glad there are food blogs (like yours!) that are leading the charge by inspiring people to think more ‘simply’ (whole grains/whole foods) when it comes to their food. I think that food tastes better and we appreciate it more when we’ve prepared it ourselves from scratch ingredients and if the overall experience is better, we tend to do more of it. It’s a great self-perpetuating cycle. 🙂
elalderson says
Thank you, Holly! I agree that it helps us appreciate it more (I’ve also slowed down and started taking time for meals- even when it’s myself).
kh says
I made a change a year ago to eat healthier and be more adventurous with my ingredients. It was interesting how uncomfortable it made those around me. They also felt the need to define me when I didn’t feel the need to be defined. Healthy and happy, that’s definition enough for me.
elalderson says
Ugh- I hate that! I just want to shout, I don’t care. I absolutely love your definition- it’s perfect!
Katrina Mona says
I love these posts so much Erin. I couldn’t agree more. No matter what “diet” you’re on, you need to love it, and if not steer clear! I love when you post whole food that’s really easy to make – it’s so inspiring! xx
elalderson says
Thank you, Katrina!
Elizabeth Jarrard RD says
you rock. that is all. love your message!
elalderson says
Aww, thank you, Elizabeth!
Kimberly says
I LOVE this idea. I’m finally starting to learn this concept myself – loving what you eat, no matter what “classification” you are in. We get caught up in labels too many times and we forget what matters most – being healthy and moderation. Everyone has a different idea of “healthy” living, but I think the common denominator amongst all is limiting our intake of processed foods. And you do a fantastic job of showcasing how easy it is to do so. Please keep it up!
elalderson says
I totally agree that everyone has their own definition of healthy! Thank you, Kimberly!
Jennifer says
You are very well spoken and I agree 100%! I cannot wait to hear more about your new project 🙂
xo Jennifer
http://seekingstyleblog.wordpress.com
elalderson says
Thank you, Jennifer!
Lindsay says
I love posts just like this. 6 months ago I stopped eating meat (minus wild fish) and I sooo often feel like no one understands my philosophy on food and eating. It’s tough, but worth it!
Love all of your recipes!
elalderson says
Thank you, Lindsay and I agree- completely worth it!
Hannah (BlueKaleRoad) says
Thank you for sharing this thoughtful, well-written post, Erin! I appreciate all the healthy, delicious food you create. I’m popping over to check out the Healthy & Whole Project now.
elalderson says
Thank you, Hannah!
Ally says
I LOVE LOVE LOVE your blog! It is so honest, and inspires me to be a better consumer in so many ways. Kudos to you – keep up the good work!
elalderson says
Thank you, Ally! I’m so glad I can inspire you!
alison says
Love it Erin! What has made the conversion to healthy eating easiest for us is accessibility. How to swap an old way (meaning processed ingredients) for new ones and where to find them (online, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods etc).
elalderson says
Great idea, Alison! I so often take it for granted that I know where to find everything I need that I forget for many it can be a big pain!
Dana Taylor says
I am a loyal blog follower and will stand behind whatever direction your heart leads you! The way your photography communicates the beauty of simple food is inspiring and always makes me want to cook whatever you’re writing about. I want to learn more about the current state of the food industry and how we can improve it. I like that you’ve posted links to articles in this post and I plan on reading them as soon as I finish this comment. You’re clearly passionate about making a difference in regards to food politics — maybe you could do some posts on current events and your thoughts on them?
Have a great (and delicious) trip to Indiana! I look forward to following the future of your site.
elalderson says
Thank you for such a kind comment, Dana!
Kristin says
I love your beautiful food. You make delicious, healthy dishes and take mouthwatering pictures of them. You make healthy food craveable. That’s what keeps me coming back.
elalderson says
I’m so happy you said that I make healthy food craveable- it’s really something I strive for! Thank you, Kristin!
sandra says
That is a great message: cook what you eat!
elalderson says
Thank you, Sandra!
Sarah says
Thank you for this awesome post. You rock.
elalderson says
Thank you, Sarah!
Michelle Easton says
LOVE this. Thank you. Blogs like yours are what inspire me. They inspired me to start my own and to push my boundaries in the kitchen. The direction the food industry is heading is super scary. We need more people like you to help educate and bring awareness to these issues. Your DELICIOUS recipes certainly help too 🙂
elalderson says
Thank you, Michelle! I’m also glad I’m not the only one that feels like the direction of the industry is frightening! I’m always amazed at the crazy stuff they come up with!
Grace says
Amen to all of this! I continue to come back to your blog and use it as a resource because you cook with honest food and take simple ingredients and turn them into wonderful meals. Your are not afraid to use or skimp on butter, whole grains, and cheese; I admire that. What inspires me to cook and thrive in the kitchen is whatever I see at the farmers market and on simple whole foods blogs like yours, and the clean connected feeling I have before, during, and after the process of making and eating food. Your blog is a gem and you are an inspiration. 🙂
elalderson says
Thank you, Grace! I’m also super inspired about whatever I see at the market. I’ve moved away from planning out a straight forward menu for the week and moved more towards buying what appeals to me and creating around it!
Meg Hall says
Posts like this make me excited to see where food blogging as a medium is going. I think bloggers need to move beyond the diary-style writing (though it is nice to see personal touches) and move toward writing in a way that enables conversation and action within the community.
People get so caught up in “But I don’t have TIME to cook.” when really they’re saying “I would rather watch this episode of reality TV than take care of myself.”. There are days when I don’t get dinner on the table until 7:30, and I hate those days – I’m exhausted, I’m cranky and I frankly don’t want to be removing the skin from a salmon filet. But that dinner is going to be something so much healthier than the pizza I thought about ordering an hour before. We just need to convince our society that it’s worth it.
elalderson says
I know that feeling about being happy I didn’t order pizza. Cooking is definitely a labor of love (that I think is totally worth it). I also agree about the time- I think sometimes our priorities are a bit skewed!
Courtney West says
I was just talking about these issues yesterday! Over the past year I became involved with my local farmer’s market as a vendor and it is so amazing to see people excited about fresh (and local) produce and other products. I think sometimes people have that same condescending voice about people that shop “local” or at the market, thinking it too is some sort of fad. I think part of the problem is that we need to realize as a society that what we put into our bodies matters, whether it’s vegan, vegetarian, or a beef filet. I try to make it a point to spread the word about healthier eating habits, especially at my day job.
Appealing to the masses and the average family would probably be really helpful to people looking to make healthy changes in their diets. Perhaps you could add a little bit of information about why certain foods are good and maybe a few key health benefits. And, perhaps create some recipes that can be made in larger quantities and kept as leftovers throughout the week.
Keep it up Erin, you’ve created an inspiring place and I can’t wait to see where you go from here 🙂
elalderson says
Oh yeah- the poor local movement gets so much crap and I hate it! If only people were just a bit more aware! I also love the suggestion of appealing to families- I’ve already been kicking around ideas on how to freeze/deal with leftovers (both of which are huge in my cooking!) Thank you, Courtney!
Miriam Stanford says
I am relatively new to Naturally Ella and I am sooooo appreciative of your Seasonal and Bulk Bin sections in particular, as I make the transition from a start-with-a-recipe-and-go-buy-the-ingredients style of cooking to one where I begin with what’s ready in the garden and what I already have in the pantry.
Your love of food shines through bright and clear, and is the reason I keep returning. Thank you for all your work!
elalderson says
Thank you, Miriam! When I first started with the “cook with what I have” mentality, I felt a bit lost but the more I did it, the more I was able to whip up something- no problem! It’s so rewarding!
Hemlock Creek CSA says
I agree, the seasonal and bulk bin sections are so nice! My husband and I run a small CSA in Pennsylvania and we’re always looking for ways to help members get through their baskets. It’s hard to make the shift to cooking with what you have, but I think your site really helps to make it feel realistic and fun. I’m especially excited to share your canning experiences with our members. It’s such a daunting but rewarding venture. We’re big fans of preserving by fermenting and have made some progress with our members on that front, but I’ve been hesitating to give more direction on canning (even though canned tomatoes are an essential part of our winter diet). Thank you so much for what you’re doing!
Holly Stephenson says
As someone who loves to read recipes, loves to cook, loves food… your posture of humility when you talk about food is why I read. What inspires me most in food writers is connecting with others’ real kitchen stories… other people who love the same things as me. Stories about making beautiful and delicious food in our own kitchens.
This isn’t a new concept, and there is no place for snootiness in it. Food, throughout history (and so truly in our hearts!), connects us to each other, and I believe we should talk about it this way. Less of a I “eat this way” you “eat that way” conversation, although I know that for some this is necessary for dietary reasons, but rather a joyful conversation around the gift of food and how it enhances our lives. Eating well and cooking yourself is beautiful and empowering. Everyone should have a seat at this table–whether they are simply peeling an orange or making the most delicate pastry.
I love this conversation. Thanks for opening the table, so to speak 🙂
elalderson says
Such wonderful words, Holly! I really agree that there is no place for snootiness and whenever it hear it/read it, I can’t help but think of the bigger issues.
Kim Porter says
Since running into the metabolic wall known as the 40-something age, I have been on a mission to eat healthier, to cook more food in my home, and to educate my teenage daughter on how to best follow a well balanced eating plan. Our big corporate food “providers” are not making that easy! I sincerely appreciated reading your thoughts today and couldn’t agree more. By the way, I just moved to WA from CA. I miss our sunshine state terribly and am wishing the best to you in your move in the Fall to CA!
elalderson says
I think it’s awesome when families get involved together (my mother was one of the key factors that helped me!) And thank you!
Margarita Larrazabal says
this is a very well-written post erin! thank you so much for doing what you do and having the words to speak what is in my heart and mind. i blog about mostly healthy recipes, but have never really written about why we should eat healthy, eat local and fresh as much as possible, and support small-business owners.
the humbleness and simplicity of your delicious recipes continue to inspire me… thank you for being a great advocate for eating well.
elalderson says
Thank you, Margarita!
Including Cake says
when you said “realizing the power of food” I think you totally hit the nail on the head!! 🙂
elalderson says
Thank you!
Samantha Erin says
I really love the seasonal fare page and mostly just your cooking style. I like that you use whole foods and that your dishes are easy to make.
elalderson says
Thank you, Samantha
jacquie says
i agree w/ much about what you say. however, in order for consumers to make better/informed choices doesn’t there have to be some kind of truth in labeling or some way to allow the consumer to be aware of what is being added to our food? i mean really sugar in milk and no way to know???? that is criminal in my mind. and if w/ more truth/transparency someone still wants to consume all that processed food well then isn’t that there right to do so? isn’t that just as “valid” a choice as eating lots of veggies or going paleo?
elalderson says
I agree completely about labeling and I should clarify about the article- I’m assuming the sweetener would show up in the ingredients list (but you would have to look for it). And of course, everyone’s choice is their own (note I said above, There shouldn’t need to be government oversight on what we can/cannot purchase in relation to food). I’m just trying to help those who want to make the move away and don’t always know the best steps.
Jess says
Well-said Erin. I spent ten years as a vegetarian, but when I look back, I actually ate far less healthy and diverse foods during that time than I do now at a time when I put absolutely no labels on the way I eat. I think we’d all do so much better to learn to listen to what our bodies are telling us – there are so many ways to get the nutrients we need, but I agree with you that the most important thing we can do is learn to enjoy what we eat. It’s not sustainable to try to box ourselves in to restrictive diets, unless of course, the foods in them bring us pleasure and health.
Hilary says
I love this post. Thanks for sharing. Good recipes and a supportive community are what I think is important. Encouragement and positivity can go a long way! Thank you for what you do!
Nat @ The Apple Diaries says
Great article Erin. I think we should all care enough about our health to educate ourselves on where exactly our food comes from and what we are putting into our bodies. It doesn’t matter what type of diet you follow, healthy eating starts with knowledge and taking responsibility for the food choices we make.
Thanks again 🙂
Colleen's Kitchen says
Love this! Exactly how I feel. Thanks so much for voicing this so eloquently.
walt says
Thank You
Tessa says
Great post! And I share your sentiment.
Kate Selner says
Just keep doing what you’re doing; these words rang true and will always ring true for me because it’s just common sense and there’s no right or wrong way to eat, but we’ve gotten so contentious about it, all puffing out our chests and banging on them in righteousness when we really should just be high-fiveing one another over making better choices for ourselves. I like to think that food is the one last thing that we can freely vote on 3 times a day, where we can take a stand and not be persecuted or worse, where we can speak without saying a word.
Fresh and Foodie says
Well done.
I used to occasionally grab lunch at the Whole Foods by my office. More often than not, I’d choose the line with the “vegan cashier”. I know this because she told everyone that she was vegan. As if we cared.
I definitely love food, and I eat a certain way. But I’m not preachy about it. Because when it comes down to it, food is very personal. Isn’t that part of what’s so great about it?
Anthony W. says
After 49 years of crawling and walking on this planet, I’m learning to cook. I enjoy all the things you write about. I learned about CSA’s from your blog and found one near me by using the Local Harvest site. I purchased some organically grown greenhouse tomatoes this week from the farmer. Freshly picked off the plant and very delicious. Keep up the awesome blog and photos!
Sophie says
Erin, I don’t love all of your food, but I love that you love your food and it keeps me coming back to your blog. Veggies, nuts and whole grains inspire me, so keep bringing them to my table. Keep cooking with whole foods and I’ll keep reading. I enjoyed reading about your canning experience last summer and I will try and overcome my own fear of canning this summer.
You’re already making a difference, keep cooking and keep sharing.
Elizabeth C says
Thank you for the wonderful post. Can you please include the article you referenced? I have been reading a lot about milk lately as I am considering raw milk for our family.
elalderson says
Here’s the article I read: http://www.thelibertybeacon.com/2013/02/23/aspartame-in-milk-without-a-label-big-dairy-petitions-fda-for-approval/ I haven’t dug through the government official document yet, but I’m interested to see how the language reads.
BGSK says
Your recipes take the “obvious” healthful food we should all be eating – grains, vegetables, a little bit of egg/dairy – and put it together in inspiring, creative ways.
Bernadette Nativo says
I love this post. I personally am trying to start eating only whole foods and it can be difficult. So many processed foods everywhere that are advertised as fast/easy/delicious. I think so many people don’t realize just how east/fast/delicious home cooking can be. The huge added benefit is that you know what you are eating. There are so many resources available to people wanting to eat naturally, but they can be difficult to find. I know that I would love any tips that you have. 🙂
Kate says
So right on, as always. If you commit to eating whole, real, fresh foods, the labels and restrictions fall away. People like you bring so much awareness to the movement, and I’m excited to learn more about this project!
Ravyn says
I love this post. We are going through an interesting journey, currently. I’ve been eating vegetarian for 5 years, but suddenly started feeling sick. Too little cooking at home … to much cheese … junk. So, for the past few weeks, we’ve been eating dairy-free & gluten-free as well. I’d love to see more recipes that fit those categories, but are still delicious. I also love reading what you write, so posts like this are awesome. I think it’s always amazing to learn & grow … I was telling my hubby that I didn’t see an avocado in person until I was 16 or 17, and now I eat 10+ per week. It’s all an evolution. Thank you for sharing!!
Taylor Kee says
Great post! I completely agree… there is so much stuff that is in our food that we don’t know about. I’ve been on a quest to clean up my diet. I just picked up a book, Health on Your Plate, that put lots of info out there about what is in your food and how to avoid it. It helped immensely as far as making me realize what is going into my body!
Brooke Fiore says
This is lovely, completely relatable. For weeks now I’ve been throwing words around in my head to formulate a post similar to the feelings you have shared. Thank you!
St Summer says
Dear Naturally Ella, I love what you write here and I hope you don’t mind me for using a part of your blog on our Summer Foundation facebook-page. We’re spreading the word!
Helene says
Totally with you and I love your site. The only thing I feel is a bit dangerous about these ‘diets’ such as paleo etc is that they somehow imply something transitory (and many of them such as ketogenic, Atkins, Kate Moss etc actually are only safe if they are done for short periods of time: I should know, I did ketogenic for 8 months four years ago and I’m literally still recovering, many medical bills later) whereas health should be a lifestyle change such as you have done, or it’s not really ‘for real’, and I think we owe our bodies enough to be real with them. After all, they definitely get real with us when we’re getting it wrong! So while I really try not to judge anyone for what they’re eating, I literally fear for people who try ketogenic or anything faddy, because it’s also as much about following advertising as eating processed food, and I also know intimately the health problems that could wait for them should they follow that road!