THE ILLUSION OF CONVENIENCE
In today's fast-paced world, the pursuit of well-being has become a global phenomenon.
It is remarkable that we recognise, understand and prioritise the importance of health and being well in our lives. And like never before in human history, we have multiple resources to educate and support ourselves. You would think we all should be the healthiest and wise than ever. But is it the case? Do we give our powers away?
From wellness lifestyles to trendy diets, people are constantly seeking quick and convenient solutions to enhance their health. One prominent aspect of this trend is the rising popularity of well-being supplements in various forms, such as powders, bars, shakes, injections and pills. While these products promise convenient nutrition, it is crucial to recognise that they cannot, in any way, substitute real food. In this article, we delve into the dangers of relying solely on supplements and food substitutes and emphasise the importance of maintaining a connection with real food, cooking from scratch, and incorporating raw fermented foods for sustainable long-term health.
The Illusion of Convenience:
Well-being supplements have gained popularity due to their convenience. They are often marketed as quick fixes for nutritional deficiencies or as meal replacements for those with busy lifestyles. While these products may provide some essential nutrients, and they are super helpful in certain moments, they lack the complexity and balance found in natural food. Our bodies are designed to process and absorb nutrients from whole foods more efficiently. Supplements cannot replicate the synergistic effects of the vast array of compounds in real food, such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre, not to forget the flavour aspect.
The Unsustainability of Ready Meals:
Well-being supplements are not the only concern regarding our relationship with food. Ready meals, which have become increasingly popular due to their convenience, also pose significant challenges. They are ready to replace our basic survival skill - cooking? While they may save time and effort in the short term, ready meals are often mass-produced and lack transparency regarding their ingredients, preparation methods, and sourcing. This lack of knowledge raises concerns about the quality, nutritional value, and sustainability of these meals. By relying heavily on ready meals, we risk regressing in our cooking skills, disconnecting from the essence of real food. The act of preparing a meal from scratch not only allows us to control the ingredients and their origins but also fosters a deeper connection to our food and the culinary traditions that shape our cultures. Throughout history, convenience has often come at the cost of human health, habits, and traditions. Technological advancements and industrialization have led to the proliferation of convenience-oriented products and practices, altering the way we live and interact with the world around us. While some conveniences have improved our lives and made certain tasks easier, others have had negative consequences on our well-being, culture, and environment.
Knowing Your Food's Origin:
Another crucial aspect of our relationship with food is understanding its origin. The industrialisation and commercialisation of the food industry have distanced us from the source of our sustenance. Preparing meals from scratch allows us to be mindful of the ingredients we use and ensures that we are aware of their quality and origin. By reconnecting with our food, we regain control over what we consume and foster a deeper appreciation for the nourishment it provides.
Cooking and Eating for Survival:
In a world of convenience foods, the art of cooking and the ritual of eating have been undermined. Preparing & cooking food has become almost in the way of our lives instead of part of life as it should be. Dedicating time to cooking and eating is crucially important for our overall well-being and survival. Cooking enables us to harness the nutritional potential of ingredients and tailor meals to our individual needs. Additionally, preparing and sharing a meal fosters social connections and enhances our mental and emotional well-being.
Kimchi in the recipe
The Power of Real Raw Fermented Foods:
When it comes to supporting gut health, raw fermented foods are a powerhouse. They are packed with probiotics, beneficial bacteria that contribute to a healthy gut microbiome. Unlike gut health supplements that often contain processed or isolated strains of bacteria, raw fermented foods offer a diverse range of live cultures that can support digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall immune function. Examples of raw fermented foods include sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, kefir, and yoghurt. To get actual benefits from them, the products must be raw and unpasteurised; otherwise, there is no bacterial goodness in them apart from fibre and taste. Those foods have been consumed for centuries, and their benefits extend beyond probiotics, including increased nutrient bioavailability and improved digestion. Their sustainable preservation method makes them unique, ticking the boxes of REAL, CONVENIENT, HEALTHY and GOOD FOR THE PLANET.
LAB grown greens
The Sustainability Issue:
Beyond the health aspects, the sustainability of lab-produced supplements, synthetic foods and ready-to-eat meals is a significant concern. The production and packaging of these products often contribute to environmental degradation through excessive resource consumption, waste generation, and carbon emissions. Just think about the frozen ready meals production to table journey. Or artificially produced vegan foods. On the other hand, embracing real food allows us to support local farmers, reduce our ecological footprint, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
Conclusion:
While well-being supplements may offer short-term convenience, they should not replace real food in our daily lives. By maintaining a connection with real food, cooking from scratch, and embracing raw fermented foods, we can cultivate a sustainable and nourishing approach to our well-being. Let us remember the importance of knowing where our food comes from, dedicating time to cook and eat, and harnessing the power of raw, unpasteurised ferments for optimal health. Real food is not only crucial for our physical survival but also plays an integral role in nourishing our souls and fostering a deeper connection with our bodies and the world around us. It is an essential basic tool that should be preserved for the next generations.
Stay well, and keep your powers!
Real food is simple
