You Say You Want a (Food) Revolution

The world’s rising rate of obesity is staggering. Since 1980 worldwide obesity has doubled, claiming the lives of 2.8 million people annually. Unfortunately, Canada is not exempt from these figures. Recent statistics from Health Canada state that one in four Canadian adults is obese. (That’s just obese, and does not include those who are overweight.) The economic burden of obesity is a heavy one too: in 2008 it was estimated at $4.6 billion, up from $3.9 billion since 2000.

The numbers don’t lie. It’s clear that we need an intervention. No, not an intervention, we need a revolution.

Spearheaded by English chef and healthy eating activist Jamie Oliver, this Saturday, May 19 is the first (of hopefully many) annual Food Revolution Day. The aim of this unique day is to foster the shift toward healthier eating habits and a real appreciation for the food we eat by connecting with others in our communities through events at schools, restaurants, dinner parties, local businesses, and farmers’ markets. 

What can you do?
There are a number of ways to get involved in Food Revolution Day. Consider the following:

• Host a dinner party. The goal of the dinner party is to steer clear of all processed foods and to cook with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Make it fun with a dinner party theme, such as a specific type of cuisine. Or cook up a little competition with a fun cooking contest. Short on time? Make it a potluck!
• Register a local food event. Ideas include creating your own cookbook, hosting a cooking class, or organizing a beekeeping class or farm tour.
• Bring the Food Revolution to work. We spend a lot of our time at work, so why not take action there too? Such workplace initiatives may include organizing a health and wellness committee, starting a breakfast club, offering food and nutrition education, and taking a proper lunch break.
• Bring the Food Revolution to school. Parents, teachers, and students can push for healthier food options as well as nutrition education at schools. A downloadable guide provides 30 tips for bringing change to your local schools.
• Donate. One hundred percent of funds raised for Food Revolution Day will support food education projects for children and adults via the Jamie Oliver Food Foundation.

Further reading
alive places immense value on eating a diet rich in whole and unprocessed foods. Below are some recent articles we’ve printing on living a healthy lifestyle

• “A Food Revolution in Schools”
• “Cleanse Your Grocery Cart”
• “20 Ways to Save on Food”
• “Slow Food in the Fast Lane”
• “Healthy Living on a Budget”
• “9 Secrets of Natural Weight Control”