Where Does Your Food Come From?
According to research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, ultra-processed foods make up 57% of the average American diet—woah. As a result, many of us (especially our children) have lost touch with where real food actually comes from.
This past weekend, I had an experience that highlighted just how separated our society has become from real food sources.
I was with my friend’s kids, and we were carving pumpkins— one of my favorite fall activities! After cutting off the top of the pumpkin, it was time to dig out the insides, which, for me, is always fun! But as soon as the kids saw the gooey mess of pumpkin and seeds, they lost it.
“Ewwww, this is so gross!”
I laughed and asked, “Do you ever eat pumpkin muffins, donuts, or pumpkin bread?”
They nodded enthusiastically, “Yeah, all the time!”
“Well,” I explained, “this is what they’re made of—pumpkin!”
One of the kids, eight years old, looked at me confused -
“But pumpkin comes from a can..."
And there it was—the disconnect that so many of us experience today. Many children believe processed foods are the original source. To them, pumpkin wasn’t something grown in the dirt; it was something that came from a can.
So, I explained that before it gets into a can, a pumpkin grows in a field, nourished by sunlight and water, and farmers harvest it just like the one we were carving.
Understanding Our Modern Disconnect
How many of us—adults included—have lost touch with the connection and sourcing of our food? We grab something off the supermarket shelf, assuming it’s fueling our bodies when in reality, much of what we eat today is doing the opposite.
Our Historical Connection
Throughout history, humans maintained a much closer connection with their fuel sources. We physically foraged for plants and herbs, hunted for meat, or spent the day fishing. Eating became the natural reward for the hard work spent to survive each day. This direct interaction fostered a deep appreciation for food and its nutritional value.
Industrial farming and processed foods have dramatically changed our perception of what we eat—and this shift is affecting our health in ways we might not even realize.
Why Quality Matters
Today, we often overlook the quality and sourcing of our food—and make no mistake, it matters. The quality of our food influences not only our energy levels and how we feel during our day but also how our bodies digest the food and use it for fuel. Ultimately, it directly impacts the quality of our lives.
Quick Guide: Signs of Quality Food
Ways to know if a food is actually offering you nourishment:
Whole, unprocessed ingredients
Organic certification when possible
Local sourcing when available
Minimal ingredient lists with recognizable items
Making Better Choices
I want to help us all better understand food quality and sourcing. That’s why I created my Consuming with Clarity E-book, which breaks down everything you need to know about food quality. It provides real food education amidst all the confusion in today’s world. I’m not telling you what to eat; I’m showing you how to know what’s in your food and leaving the rest up to you. This guide will empower you to make more informed decisions and reconnect with the very source of your energy and health, just as we did throughout history—and as we’re meant to.
In this guide, you'll learn to:
Read food labels like a pro
Identify quality produce
Prioritize when to buy organic and when to save $
Understand today’s farming practices in dairy and meat sourcing
Make informed decisions when buying processed foods
Balance quality and budget