I think this is a great topic, and one that is getting more and more attention. My only dispute–you talk about buying organic a lot, and after having read Pollan’s book, he puts down the organic farmer as much as the conventional one, saying that they’re using the same methods, the organic farmer simply being a lot more wary of disease since they can’t fight it. Although there are some foods that are good to buy organic because of the high concentration of water (leading to a high concentration of chemicals), like melons and squash, I would put more emphasis on buying local (not that that is a viable option while traveling, but at home it is a good thing to strive for). Why pay for organic tomatoes shipped from CA (or Canada, these days)when you can get local NH tomatoes at half the price? As a cash-strapped-skier, I would rather buy conventional foods, and spend my money instead on the grass-fed beef or free-range chicken, than buy into the “if it’s organic, it’s better for me” marketing.

Following with the burritos comment, beans are a fantastic way to get fiber, protein, carbs, and a bunch of nutrients at rock-bottom prices. Mix some rice and beans with some veggies and you’ve got yourself a cheap, filling, nutritious dinner. You can get canned beans for instant use, or dried beans like lentils and split peas require no soaking and can be cooked and ready in 20 minutes. Compare the $15.99/lb for good sirloin to $0.99/lb for beans, and well, I know what I eat most days.

Anything burns if the engine is hot enough, but it runs a bit better if given good fuel…

Alex

One could learn from our ancestors in the stone age. Their diet originates from the most natural or organic sources. And I have to say they were pretty badass. Its amusing to think a diet from 12,000 b.c. is better than what wingnut dieticians today think of.

stay classy

Tom D. should really enjoy reading this essay… since he assigned it to us for summer reading.

since the burke blog is now being used to showcase school assignments, should I post my AP honors calc II homework next week?

Actually, many of the people on my junior race team eat less junk than you would expect teenagers to. Perhaps it’s because our team is pretty small and not a school sanctioned sport. There are occasions when I eat less healthy fare, but only when there is no race on the line. Balance is the key there.

I agree that travel is the worst for diet. The burrito idea above sounds great. Going to the local grocery store (or bakery) and getting a loaf of good, whole grain bread and some good sandwich material also works well and doesn’t differ too much from a normal diet. Because the human body usually doesn’t appreciate changing what you eat before racing. Granola or oatmeal (or both together) are good breakfast…or anytime. Like said above, pasta and rice are inexpensive and great for dinner the night before races. I tend to eat at restaurants for dinner usually when traveling for races, it’s always hard to find one that has decently healthy food when in an unfamiliar city or town. It’s probably better to cook for yourself/team, rather than eat out, if there is time among waxing and preparing and everything else. It’s nice when there’s someone who can cook for the team, but not always plausible, especially with a big team.

I’ve heard that “Omnivore’s Dilemma” is a worthy read but haven’t got around to it yet…

Again, great writing.

Good topic.