real food

​The theme of Real Food keeps coming up for us.  Our efforts to secure real food to nourish ourselves are being challenged in many ways in these times.  Despite apparently the abundance of produce available with multiple supermarkets and convenience stores in reach of most of us the grim reality is we are drowning in the toxicity of ultra-processed products which continue to displace opportunities to nourish and build our bodies, our families, and communities.

We pay a heavy price for this chronic poisoning in physical and mental health problems.  Our time and resources are channelled towards managing and caring with the fallout.  It is exhausting!!
 
The top 100 grocery brands are revealed again for Ireland and yet again Coca Cola gains the top spot.  The top 10 list below is a sobering reminder that what we consume is far removed from the concept of nourishment.

1. Coca Cola
2. Tayto
3. Lucozade
4. Dairy Milk
5. Avonmore
6. Brennans
7. Monster
8. Red Bull
9. 7UP
10. Jacob’s

 
Half of this list are carbonated energising drinks that are well implicated in the debacle of diabetes/obesity incidence.  Addictive and readily available everywhere!
 
Real Food advocates are usually those who have learned the hard way.  Ill health driving a change in behaviour to seek an alternative to the intolerable status quo.  Seeking the Real Food amid the ultra-processed can be a challenge.
 
What if Real Food was as available? What if Real Food was as heavily advertised? What if Real Food was normal?  I propose a top 100 Real Food Brand list to champion each year as we see out the end of the 30 day local food challenge.  I welcome your suggestions!
 
Anne Maher
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