Why the Return to Turkey?
The author's aversion to turkey has only grown stronger over the years. It's not that they've seen the light; rather, it's a matter of nature. Just as they've made up their minds about certain people, they've firmly decided about turkey. Additionally, with the passage of time, they've become more environmentally conscious. Turkey, with its potential for waste, no matter how many leftover korma recipes one reads, is a constant source of concern. But there's more to it. Turkey has been financially weaponized, with certain circles only accepting it if it's ordered with a gold Amex in late August from a butcher driving a hybrid Range Rover. The very word "premium" represents the longstanding divide between food production and consumption in the country. Wouldn't it be better if all birds were of moderate to good quality rather than most being cheaply reared and only a privileged few enjoying the poultry equivalent of Eton?The Most Expensive Turkey
Recently, the author read about "Britain's most expensive turkey" in a newspaper. This fowl could be purchased from a butcher in Holland Park, where the big stuccoed houses resembled iced Christmas cakes. A hefty one would set customers back more than £360, justified by a diet of nettles, wild blackberries, and fresh oats, along with a hearty outdoor life. Such talk was highly contagious. At the author's preferred supermarket, the prices were high and the patter seductive. Even if one's head knew there might be no difference, the heart couldn't resist the thought of adding this dry-plucked turkey to the virtual basket. It was an irresistible temptation.Alternatives to Turkey
Good food is often more expensive than bad food, but there's no reason it should be only for the rich. The author revisits their argument from a decade ago. Turkey, even with a luxurious life of listening to Michael Bublé sing carols and nibbling on lychees, is distinctly underwhelming. It's not even half as nice as chicken, duck, or pheasant. Why not choose one of these instead? One can still have all the trimmings, and potatoes, parsnips, and red cabbage are not easily marked up in price. Fortnum & Mason sells lovely marzipan vegetables, but they might not be the best place to find an actual carrot.The Key to Culinary Happiness
The author believes that the key to culinary happiness on Christmas Day lies in good and copious gravy and bread sauce. Keeping an eye on the roasties is crucial to ensure they reach optimum crunchiness. One definitely doesn't want to end up like Larkin, with disappointing tubers that "unwreathed themselves, like something at a seance." By focusing on these aspects, one can create a truly memorable Christmas feast.The Battle Against Forever Chemicals on American Farms
Fred Stone's Dairy Farm Struggle
It's 4 a.m. in Maine, and Fred Stone continues his family's dairy farming tradition. But now, his life is turned upside down by the discovery of PFAS in his milk. The USDA's consideration of exterminating his cows was a blow, and he had to make the difficult decision to euthanize many of them. Despite installing a water filtration system, the contamination kept returning. Fred's story is a tragic one, highlighting the devastating impact of forever chemicals on American farmers.He now has to face the daunting task of telling his father and grandfather what happened to the dairy farm they entrusted him with. This weighs heavily on his mind and keeps him awake at night.
Adam Nordell and Johanna Davis' Organic Farm Crisis
About 120 miles north, Adam Nordell and Johanna Davis had a dream of building a sustainable organic farm. They named it "Songbird Organic Farm" and envisioned a life of growing produce and raising a family. But when news of PFAS contamination spread, their world came crashing down.Voluntarily testing their land and water, they discovered high levels of PFAS. Their blood levels also tested higher than those of chemical manufacturer employees. Faced with this crisis, they had to shut down their operations and recall their products.
The Origins and Spread of Forever Chemicals
Forever chemicals, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, were created during WWII and have since become ubiquitous. They are found in various products, from carpet and couches to non-stick cookware. The process of spreading biosolids, or "sludge," on prime American cropland has led to the contamination of farmland and the food chain.Epidemiologist Patrick MacRoy explains how PFAS enters the food chain through crops and animals. At no point does the EPA require sludge to be tested for PFAS before being spread on farmland, leading to a serious problem.
The Paper Trail and Chemical Companies' Knowledge
NewsNation's investigation reveals a "shell game" played by chemical companies. Documents show that they knew about the harm of PFAS chemicals as early as the 1950s and 1960s but kept the information secret. Court filings show that 3M and DuPont were aware of the risks but continued to produce and use these chemicals.It wasn't until decades later that the full extent of the problem was revealed. In 2023, a multi-billion dollar federal settlement was reached over PFAS contamination in our nation's tap water.
The Role of the EPA
The EPA has been criticized for its slow response to the PFAS problem. Epidemiologist Patrick MacRoy calls for the EPA to require testing for PFAS before putting sludge on farmland. Radhika Fox, then-assistant administrator for water at EPA, said the agency is taking action now but still allows sludging to continue without testing requirements.In April 2024, the Biden-Harris administration issued the first-ever national drinking water standard to protect 100 million people from PFAS pollution.
A Celebration at Misty Brook Farm
After 11 months of contamination, Brendan and Katia Holmes at Misty Brook Farm are finally able to sell milk again. They took immediate action when they discovered PFAS in their milk and have been working hard to ensure the safety of their products.They borrowed money to buy uncontaminated cows and have been praying that no contamination comes back. Their story is one of resilience in the face of a difficult challenge.
Update on Farmers Surviving PFAS Contamination
Brendan and Katia Holmes are still selling milk at Misty Brook Farms, but they remain vigilant. Adam Nordell and Johanna Davis sold their farm to the Maine Farmland Trust for research purposes. Fred and Laura Stone received new test results showing that their cows and farmland are contaminated, and they are facing a significant debt.Maine has made significant progress in addressing PFAS contamination, becoming the first state to ban sludging and the sale of PFAS-containing products. However, 48 states still continue to sludge.
Unlock the Secrets to Taming Food Noise for a Healthier You
What is Food Noise?
Although there is no official definition, “food noise” is a common experience for many. As Dr. Reena Bose explains, it’s a feeling of continuous hunger that makes it difficult to feel full or satisfied after a meal. You might find yourself instantly thinking about the next snack or meal. This preoccupation with food can lead to excessive calorie intake and contribute to obesity and other health issues.
For example, imagine finishing a hearty meal and within minutes, your mind starts wandering to what’s in the fridge or what you can order next. This constant mental chatter about food is what we refer to as food noise.
What Causes Food Noise?
Food noise often stems from poor food choices. Consuming ultra-processed foods like doughnuts, candy, ice cream, and chicken nuggets can trigger a vicious cycle. These processed foods activate the hedonic or reward pathway in our bodies, giving us a sense of pleasure that leads us to keep eating them.
Internal cues such as hunger hormones can also prompt thoughts about food. But external cues, like the smell of a freshly baked apple pie or a social media ad for a pizza, can also activate our desire to eat. For instance, seeing that pizza ad might make you impulsively order a slice, even if you’re not truly hungry.
Why is it an Issue?
Food noise can make it extremely difficult to maintain a healthy weight. When you constantly feel hungry and don’t feel satisfied, you tend to eat larger meals. This can lead to obesity, which in turn can cause problems like sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Let’s take an example. If you’re constantly thinking about food and not feeling satisfied, you might end up snacking throughout the day and consuming more calories than your body needs. Over time, this can lead to weight gain and a host of health problems.
How to Stop Food Noise
Dr. Bose suggests several ways to reduce the impact of food noise on your life. One important step is to focus on a healthy diet by planning and preparing meals in advance.
Start by making a weekly meal plan and shopping for the necessary ingredients. Washing and cutting fruits and vegetables ahead of time can make it easier to whip up healthy meals. Additionally, hiding unhealthy snacks can help you avoid temptation.
Another key is to eat intentionally. Don’t wait until you’re extremely hungry to eat or be afraid of eating because you think you’ll gain weight. Eating on time and providing your body with the right fuel can boost your metabolic rate and make you feel healthier.
Exercise also plays a crucial role. Even if you have limitations due to pain or mobility issues, an exercise physiologist can work with you to find ways to build muscle mass and preserve your muscle strength.
Managing stress is another important aspect. Stress can lead to poor food choices, so finding ways to reduce stress, such as listening to music, spending time in nature, or connecting with others, can help you make better decisions about what to eat.
Getting enough quality sleep is also essential. Adjusting your bedtime routine to include activities like meditation and avoiding electronics before bed can improve the quality of your sleep. When you’re well-rested, you’re more likely to make healthy choices.
Consider medication as well. Semaglutide medications can help regulate hunger and appetite by activating certain receptors and promoting the release of the hormone GLP-1. However, it’s important to note that the reduction in cravings is temporary, and lifestyle changes are still crucial.
In conclusion, if you’re struggling with food noise and its impact on your weight, talk to your primary care physician. They can refer you to a team of professionals who can help customize a treatment plan to support your weight loss journey.