Why Medium Food?

I originally called my blog Slow Food Small Budget but as I was creating content, I kept finding myself unable to be as "slow" as I had intended and unable to eliminate all processed foods. I have two young children, a three year old and a nine month old, which makes it particularly challenging.

The other part of my challenge was/is budget. It's just a fact, real food costs more. Over the past few years, my husband and I have learned to prioritize how we purchase our food. And even more so since I've been out of work. As we eliminated packaged foods, convenience meals, started buying only local meat and produce and only eating "treats" we made ourselves, our grocery budget was busted.

The budget restrictions coupled with the feeling of failure to eat perfectly slow was frustrating and a feeling of defeat was creeping in. After some sulking, I became determined to find a happy medium. I would do my best to buy only locally produced, high quality food, reduce processed foods and make the majority of our meals from scratch. And that's when "medium food" was termed.

Here's a couple of definitions for you.

Slow Food (from slowfoodusa.org): Slow Food is an idea, a way of living and a way of eating. It is a global, grassroots movement with thousands of members around the world that links the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment.

Fast Food (from m-w.com): of, relating to, or specializing in food that can be prepared and served quickly; designed for ready availability, use, or consumption and with little consideration given to quality or significance.

"...and with little consideration given to quality or significance." Love that, pretty sobering way to put it. Anyhow, slow food is a movement I respect and do my best to contribute to. Fast food is a thing of the past. I've recovered from the denial that it was decent food and perfectly acceptable in a pinch.

As my journey continues, I will keep updating. This subject has become a passion of mine and my desire to build a healthy foundation for my boys is certainly going to keep me determined to find solutions to the challenges I'll inevitably face.