You are what you eat

On Monday, Starbucks, affectionately referred to by those in the coffee-producing industry as char-bucks because of their signature over-roasted coffee beans, is releasing an almost litre-sized cup in their shops across the United States.

The so-called trenta size is only available for iced coffees, teas and lemonades.

That seems kind of gross to me. I can’t even imagine the amount of sugar in a beverage of that size — a long time ago, when I read up on the caloric values on the next size down, a venti, I remember being shocked.

Yet I’m sure there is a market for it because while Starbucks might not have the most ethical business practices — depending on who you ask — they are not dumb.

It makes me wonder if people really think about what they eat and drink.

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I’m reading a book called Cuisines from the Axis of Evil: A Dinner Party Approach to International Relations. It’s a fantastic blend of recipes and politics. One chapter talks about China’s food production for North America and makes a brief mention of some of the chemicals found in that food.

While the book is more about Human Rights abuses and nuclear development than food production, it made me think.

There has to be something to this eating locally or at least taking the time to think about where our food comes from.

For better or worse, one doesn’t need to travel to have an international experience anymore. The produce aisle at the local grocery store can provide lessons in geography for those interested. On my last trip I saw: pineapples from Belize, blueberries from Chile, a melon that I couldn’t identify from China and a whole host of other fruits and veggies from far-flung regions.

I can only think of the energy required to bring tomatoes from Mexico to the middle of the frozen Prairies in the middle of winter. There has to be incredible flight and trucking costs involved as well.

On the other hand, I do like that I can walk down an aisle at Superstore that is almost entirely stocked with ethnic foods. I can get everything I need to make genuine Indian curries, great Italian fare and authentic Caribbean rice and beans. I take some solace in the fact these products are non-perishable, so likely travel by ship rather than plane.

Even if people decide that they do want strawberries in the middle of winter, I think they should just spend a minute thinking about it. Where is the food coming from and what is going on there? Be aware of the decisions made concerning food.

Disordered eating, whether overeating, under eating or just not having basic nutrition, is becoming an increasing problem and it’s all related to us not thinking about what we eat.

Food doesn’t have to come from a box to be convenient, we don’t need avocados in December, and a litre of a Starbuck beverage is a little excessive.

With a slow change in attitude we, as a population, will become healthier. And I think we can all agree that our health-care system needs the break.

Staying aware keeps food less expensive and, for the most part, healthier. I know when I do splurge on a small London Fog or half-a-pint of Ben and Jerry’s Cherry Garcia ice cream, I appreciate it more.

So pay attention to what you eat — you are helping more than yourself.

ahill@panow.com