Recently The New York Times article, "Why Eating Processed Foods Might Make You Fat" by Anahad O'Connor, reported on a study that compared a "typical" American diet of processed food and a natural, plant-based diet. The study determined that eating processed food causes most consumers to overindulge, gain weight, and suffer health issues. As O'Connor states: "Observational studies of thousands of people have found that eating high amounts of these [processed] foods is associated with a greater likelihood of early death from heart disease and cancer." The study extolls the virtues of eating a natural, plant-based diet in order to achieve optimal health.
Why, then, do people "treat" themselves with processed foods like take-out pizza, potato chips, and mass-produced candy? It's simple. Big food companies spend a lot of money finding that sweet spot that combines the perfect ratio of fat, sugar, and salt that makes processed food addictive. There's a reason we "can't have" just one chip. Companies have worked over decades to "tweak" their recipes to make sure we keep eating and eating until the bag is empty! And then what happens? We buy more to satiate our cravings and the companies make more money.
So why not flip this narrative? Instead of craving take-out-pizza, why not make your own healthy version? Choose what you put into your body. Why not dream about a hearty meal with Vegan Pesto Parmesan Grilled Corn? If you retrain your brain, slowly, to crave these types of food, treating yourself will feel a lot better.
2 - 4 ears of corn on the cob
1 tbsp. salt
Cold water
Set grill on medium.
Stir salt into water in a large bowl. Pull outer husks down the ear to the base. Strip away silk from each ear of corn by hand. Fold husks back into place, and place ears in water for 10 minutes.
Remove corn from water and shake off excess. Place corn on grill, close the cover, and grill for 15 to 20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes, or until kernels are tender when pierced with a paring knife. Carefully remove husks, open, and scrap off the kernels into a bowl.
Serve vegan pesto, get the easy recipe here, and freshly grated vegan parmesan on top of kernels.
After you enjoy your meal, why not read a good book?
Amazon - Audible - Smashwords
Chris Pavesic is a fantasy author who lives in the Midwestern United States and loves Kona coffee, steampunk, fairy tales, and all types of speculative fiction. Between writing projects, Chris can most often be found reading, gaming, gardening, working on an endless list of DIY household projects, or hanging out with friends. Learn more about Chris on her website and blog.
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Well said, Chris! There's a movie called 'Grow!' out that I bet you'll find interesting. Cheers for the recipe and all the best!
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