I have many crunchy friends. I love them all. I don’t consider the term “crunchy mom” an insult. My own husband lovingly uses it to describe me. And I use it to describe me too.
Crunchy Mom Qualifications
I earned my “crunchy mom” status after the birth of our first baby, during which I remained adamant, even after hours (ok, days) of back labor in which I refused an epidural. I was so strong in my conviction that I wanted to successfully breastfeed the baby that I didn’t want to take any chances that an epidural or pain meds during labor would affect my ability to achieve that. Also, I did NOT want to be stuck in bed AND I just 1000% believe in the power I have as a woman to birth babies using my own strength. But, I digress.
I would not, however, recommend an epidural-free, pain meds-free birth for everyone. Nor do I judge anyone for choosing differently than I do.
Related to my method of child-birthing, I also practice extended breastfeeding, nursing my babies past the age of two years old.
However, breastfeeding is flipping hard. It doesn’t always come naturally. And it’s plain and simple just not always possible for every mom. Do I think that my way is the only right way? Nope. Do I judge other moms for choosing a different route than me? Nope.
My youngest at 19 months old
We practice attachment parenting, gentle discipline, and baby-led weaning too. And, I use essential oils in conjunction with modern medicine for any ailment we have. My point is, I do a lot of things that have earned me my “crunchy mom” title.
But do I think my way is the only right way?
Nope.
Do I judge other moms for choosing a different route than me?
Nope.
I personally find it fabulous that we have so many choices in how to parent and raise our families. And I don’t think there’s one BEST way.
Just like there’s more than one way to parent, there’s more than one way to farm. It doesn’t mean one is right and the rest are wrong.
Variety and Choice are Good Things
Variety in farming methods is a good thing. It gives us variety in food choices, which is a good thing.
As a mom, doing the grocery shopping and meal planning falls mostly on my shoulders. If you’ve been to the grocery story lately, you know how overwhelming choosing food can seem when everywhere you look, new labels are popping up.
“Natural,” “organic,” “non-GMO,” “gluten-free,” “lactose-free,” “antibiotic-free,” “no hormones,” “grass-fed,” and I could seriously keep going. To add to the confusion are the media and marketing tactics that make you feel like the only right way to feed your family is by choosing foods with as many of said labels on them as possible because they are “better choices.”
The (false) reasoning ranges from claims that foods with those labels are raised or grown in a way that is “better for the environment,” “healthier,” or “contain fewer harmful chemicals, pesticides, and antibiotics.”
Let’s pause right here. Doesn’t momming come with enough guilt? Choosing food for your family should definitely not add to that guilt!
I have a Bachelor of Science degree (in Radiation Science) from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. I am a certified nutrition coach (through Precision Nutrition). I was a farm kid. And I am the wife to a third-generation farmer.
No role or title is as important as my title of “mom” though. I want to do my best to keep my kids healthy and thriving. I want to cook and provide nourishing, delicious meals for my whole family.
How Do I Choose Foods?
So, how does this self-proclaimed “crunchy mom” choose foods for myself and my family? It’s actually simpler than you might think—it depends on our tastes, availability, and the price. I feel comfortable choosing foods this way because of my knowledge of foods, farming, and what all those labels really mean.
Speaking of labels – let’s just take one – the organic label – and break it down.
The definition of “organic,” taken straight from the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) website (because they are the organization that accredits certifying agents) and because they are the governing body that makes/sets the standards for the label:
“Organic is a labeling term that indicates that the food or other agricultural product has been produced and processed using approved methods. These methods integrate cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity.”
So, literally, the organic label indicates a farming method and not much else.
It doesn’t tell you the size of the farm or ranch the produce or animal came from (which, doesn’t matter anyway because the size of an operation also tells you nothing). It doesn’t tell you whether or not pesticides were used (contrary to popular belief, pesticides can be used in organic farming). It doesn’t indicate sustainability (organic farming usually produces lower yields, which in turn means more land required). And it doesn’t indicate nutritional value (there is no solid research showing any kind of significant nutritional differences between foods raised organically and those raised conventionally).
The bottom line is that we are so flipping fortunate to have so many choices when it comes to feeding our families.
Say No to Food Fear and Food Shaming
And no matter what you choose, your choices should not be made out of guilt, or fear or shame. Because there is no wrong choice. I have no tolerance for mom-shaming about parenting choices, and I have no tolerance for food-shaming either.
There is no one-size-fits-all way to do parenting and life. And sometimes labels can be deceiving, as evidenced by me – a crunchy mom who opts out of organic. We’re all doing the best we can with what we have. And I hope this new knowledge equips you to have a more peaceful next shopping trip knowing that the quality, sustainability, and nutritional value of food is not determined by the label.
As always, if you have questions, you know where to find me!
All my best,
Michaela
I find it sad that I need to add this disclaimer, but here it is: this is written with a hint of satire. Also, I fully acknowledge that some people have legitimate food allergies or diseases or illnesses that require special diets. I am not giving nutrition advice. When I talk about nutrition, I am speaking to the general, generally “healthy” population.
Leave a Reply