Weather.... We Want To Or Not

Unless you have been living under a rock for the past few months you must certainly have noticed that the weather this year is a bit more extreme than usual.  Polar Vortices...Record Drought...etc.

What does this have to do with food cooking and weight loss? Lots!

There have been some studies into the connection between healthy food costs and obesity. In general its inconclusive. But if you just go by your gut instinct...people will prefer to eat food that is cheaper.

Now, the cost of food is complicated - in no small part due to the U.S. Farm Bill - but if you just look at standard economic principles of supply and demand this winter is really bad news for everyone - even those of us that managed to avoid living in a zone of extreme weather.

Explain how? The extreme drought in California has caused the farms there to let fields they normally plant go fallow. They can't irrigate the thirsty crops many of which won't even be planted. (Personally I think it is ridiculous that we were farming rice in a drought prone area in the first place...but no one asked me).

The ice and cold in the South has most certainly affected the fruit trees that we all associate with Georgia (Peaches) and Florida (Oranges).

All up and down our country the extreme weather had affected the agricultural machine. I can only guess what the repercussions will be. But one thing I know is that the costs of our food is going to go up.

What to do about it....

Well, that is also a complicated question too. It depends on many variables.

Do you feel that the weather is being affected by climate change? Then you can try to pressure lawmakers (Ha!) into drafting stronger legislation to protect the earth. Also though, you can take matters in your own hands (no I don't mean become some crazy eco terrorist). I mean that you can make some real changes to your lifestyle to stop being part of the problem. Sell your old car or trade it in for a new fuel efficient model. Or better yet start car pooling and commuting to work on the bus or even biking to work.  Don't tell me how you can't do it because the time it takes you to commute would be too long - plenty of the "less fortunate" have some seriously long commutes on public transit and the manage. If more people who don't have to commute via bus started doing so out of a feeling of civic duty or whatever, the public transit systems would improve.

Water conservation...it's not just something that concerns farmers. It isn't just for people who live in a drought stricken area. Simple water saving measures help everyone.

Turn off the faucet while you are brushing your teeth (or brush your teeth in the shower - like I do).
Replace your shower head with a low flow head.
Take any unused medicines back to a pharmacy instead of flushing them or throwing them away. (It keeps them out of the sewer system and depending on the meds can sometimes be used to help people who need them)

Do you own your living space? Replace your toilets with low flow ones or better yet...this thing:

If you can afford it, buy water efficient dish washers and laundry machines.
Plant a rain garden to help the aquifers refill instead of having the rain just wash into the sewer system.

While we are on the subject of planting things...plant a garden. You can plant a single pot of herbs for your window or convert your entire yard to non-grass plants. If you plant edible plants you are contributing to your own food security. And as far as non grass plants go - most are more drought resistant than that opulent stuff. Just try to plant things that are native varieties to make the best use of your soil and climate and to prevent invasive species issues. Many urban areas have garden plots available to city dwellers. Some are free or low cost so look into it.

Got additional ideas on what you can do...post 'em. I could go on and on and on....