Eating organic isn't just a trend. It's a lifestyle.
With today's mass produced products that include who knows what and comes from who knows where, eating organically gives a sense of clarity to the mystery of where our food comes from and what they are exposed to. It eventually becomes a way of life. A great dose of cleaner agriculture and healthy eating that not only benefits the Earth but ourselves as well. But it wasn't until I came across an eye-opening story that I began to truly question what and how I eat.
While in Costa Rica, I met Christine, a German who found herself in love with a local Tico many years ago that led her to stay (Their love story was really adorable).
The night I met her, I was there for a cooking class with the rest of my classmates from Pace. Although we did learn some great new recipes and cooking techniques, it was the story she told us while sitting around a fire that left a lasting imprint.
About five years ago, Christine was diagnosed with cancer in her liver and bones. Her doctors advised her to undergo chemotherapy, but she was strongly opposed to the idea. That's what led her to an alternative solution; nature.
She started trying every plant surrounding her tropical home and used them to make all natural juices to cleanse her body of toxins. She juiced for a few months before introducing raw foods from her garden back into her diet. This strict routine lasted for about two years before she slowly began to bring back the occasional fish and warm-cooked meals.
And the cleansing was certainly not without a reward. After going to a routine check up, the doctor said that she managed to "cure" herself. The cancer was stagnant. But the health problems didn't stop there.
"Estrogen?", she asked, "Where could I be getting so much estrogen from?"
She discovered her estrogen levels were too high, which could be linked to the use of fertilizers and plastic bottles. She took it as a sign to continue improving her healthy lifestyle by replacing her water bottles with glasses, other containers for reusable Tupperware, and began collecting all her food scraps to create her own compost to replace her fertilizers.
And so began her journey of organic living, the growth of her garden, and her amazing cooking class where she offers healthy and traditional Costa Rican cuisine right in her beautiful home (and it should be noted that she was voted The Best Cooking School in Costa Rica).
Christine inspired me.
Although I have always been semi-environmentally conscious (like using reusable bottles, recycling; you know, what some might consider the bare minimum), I feel like I should be doing more. Not only eat in a way that is healthy for me but for the environment too.
And yes, being a college student while trying to eat healthy and be eco-friendly is hard, especially when the nearby grocery store sells products that seem overpriced and have questionable quality.
But I want to try harder. There is always another solution.
And hopefully this will give you the push to try yourself. Mother nature and your body will thank you.
