By: Lisa Bayorek
I would like to share my story with you…
It started January of 2012. I decided, as many do in the New
Year, to take another healthy step for my family. I wanted to see what all the
fuss was, specifically about GMOs. I, like many others I knew, thought it was
some scientific cross-breeding thing that had little impact on my life, but I
was curious. I poured my boys a bowl of cereal and sat down to watch the
documentary “Genetic Roulette.” I was blown away by what I learned and in tears
that at that very moment, my boys were eating something that had food additives
and chemicals, which were banned or labeled in other countries. And I had no
idea! I was furious that there was no labeling for GMO ingredients, food dyes,
etc.in our country. I immediately did a pantry clean-out and took my boys
shopping to help me find the butterfly (non-GMO project symbol). I shared
“Genetic Roulette” with all my family members and friends. We slowly but surely
replaced everything we buy with a cleaner non-GMO version.
This was three years ago, and we have never looked back. I
have been very passionate about this topic ever since I first learned about it.
I have spoken around Charleston on several occasions, attended our local March
against Monsanto and Save the Bees Rally, been a guest on a screening panel for
the movie “GMO OMG,” interviewed for local publications and have even gone down
to speak with Senator Graham’s office advocating for the consumer’s right to
know and labeling of GMOs.
All of this considered, I would like you to know: While I advocate
for our food system to change, we still go out to restaurants as a family. We
still have treats, my kids attend birthday parties, trick-or-treat and
participate in functions where we do not control the food. At home, we eat
dye-free, GMO -free and additive-free to the best of our ability. I control
what I can, when I can. We find better alternatives for our favorites. This is
a process, and no matter what steps you decide to take for your family, more
real food, less processed food, avoiding GMO s, cutting out dyes, cutting down
sugar or salt, adding more vegetables… No matter how large or small, you are to
be applauded for them.
I consider this the most important step I have ever taken
for my own personal health as well as the health of my family, and I am sharing
with you because I am so grateful for what I have learned. I am here never to
judge but to share and to educate. Many food companies are taking small steps
by removing dyes, HFCS, etc., but there is still a long way to go.
This journey led me to an amazing company called Wildtree. Wildtree
is certified organic as well as certified gluten-free. We are also 100 percent
peanut-free! We are a busy family’s answer to, What’s for dinner?” providing
easy, healthy and fast solutions and freezer-meal workshops. I do several local
workshops a month where people attend and make 10 healthy meals in about two
hours. Those who cannot make it to a workshop or who are out of town can also order
a freezer bundle with all paperwork included to make the meals on their own at
home.
I would like to share a list of a few resources for those
who are interested in learning more.
Video
Robyn’ O Brien’s Ted X Talk (this is just about 18 minutes
long)
Genetic Roulette
Food Inc. (on Netflix)
Hungry For Change (Netflix)
In Defense of Food
GMO OM G
Ingredients (Netflix)
Text
In Defense of Food by Micheal Pollan
The Unhealthy Truth by Robyn O’Brien
The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Micheal Pollan
Websites
100 Days of Real Food
Moms Across America
Lisa lives in Charleston with her husband and two sweet
and crazy boys. She is a healthy-living enthusiast, foodie, farmers market aficionado
and publisher mom for Macaroni Kid Charleston and Macaroni Kid Moncks Corner
Newsletters. If you would like to learn more about Wildtree, host or attend a
workshop or you are passionate about food and would be interested to share it
with your friends and family, please visit my website at
www.mywildtree.com/lisabayorek or email me at lbayorek@gmail.com.