A Fast Look at Slow Food: How to Eat Slower and Greener Every Day

A big part of green eating is slowing down the entire process

By Mickey Z.
Tue Sep 8, 2009 14:55

One of the most visible examples of any green lifestyle is eating. What we choose to eat can serve as the motivating power of example. The same can be said for how we choose to eat: fast or slow. Fast food has been around so long that a full generation of humans can't remember life without it. I'd say the time is long overdue for a major slow food comeback.

"The slow food movement works to reconnect people to the food they eat. Local food, and local food traditions are central to reclaiming our relationship with nature," declare the good folks at TreeHugger.com. And there's nothing slow about this movement with over 83,000 members in 122 countries. Some of the objectives sought by those 83,000 slowpokes include lobbying for the inclusion of organic farming concerns within agricultural policy, lobbying against government funding of genetic engineering, and lobbying against the use of pesticides.

When we shorten the distance--both literal and figurative--that our food travels to get to our bellies, we are participating in the Slow Food movement. (And it can all start with nice slow breakfast.)

5 Ways to Be a Slow Eater

1. Say no to fast food.


2. Eat locally grown food whenever possible. Again, local food traditions help reclaim our relationship with nature.


3. Choose organic. It's good for the farmers, the soil, the local food tradition, and the health of all involved.


4. Avoid GMOs. Slow food is all about reconnecting people to the food they eat. That's food, not frankenfood.


5. Find time to slowly savor your meals.