No, eating organic and natural is not a fad. It is how humans have eaten for millennia and the "conventional" style has only been done for about a century now. Hmmm, what's more conventional, a hundred years or several thousand?
Part of living this lifestyle is not eating highly processed foods. Yes, there are processed foods out there that are "unconventional." Sausage comes to mind. When looking for a good sausage, be aware of how it is processed. Is it in a "natural casing" ie, animal intestine? (Yes, that is what they have used for thousands of years) Is it low in sodium and nitrates? "Conventional" sausages douse the meat in all sorts of sodium and nitrates to quicken the curing process, thus not allowing the minerals to dissipate. When done as it has been for generations, the sodium and nitrates are trace in the meat when it is fully cured. Time is needed to cure the meat properly. These meats won't cause problems as the mass produced ones in the meat case will.
Make your own soups and pasta mixes. Get/save glass jars and lids and combine the dry ingredients needed for the dish. Seal it with an air pump to preserve freshness for future use. It saves money and you know EXACTLY what is in your meal.
Cook at home. Whatever you put in the pot, goes in the belly. What could be simpler? Only put in the ingredients you like and you'll never be angry at a wrong order and yell at the waiter to get it right. I love the old adage, "Cook once, eat twice." Make extra, you're already cooking anyway. Freeze extra portions for later, or refrigerate it for lunch the next day. It saves time and money!
When shopping, read the ingredients list. Anything scientifically sounding (other than vitamin proper names) should be avoided. There are specific ones that should be avoided like the plague. "MSG" or monosodium glutamate, aspartame, artificial color/flavor (these are ALL petroleum based), anything hydrogenated, and high fructose corn syrup are top on my list. Try googling any of these and you'll be disgusted at what pops up. Stick to foods that have short ingredient lists. Chances are the longer the list, the more processed it is. Be nice to your body and give it foods it can actually use and break down naturally!
