Food Rules #6: Avoid foods with more than 5 ingredients

Pollan's rules are pretty straightforward and simple. I gotta say, though, that while yes, it's getting easier and easier for me to eat the way I think is healthfully, socially and financially responsible, it's still hard sometimes. I think about road trips I've been on. When you're on the highway in the middle of nowhere and get hungry, you're left with very few options: fast food or gas station food. And most of the choices there I'm sure contain lots of ingredients we don't want or need. But that's the rub: in a world where so many of us work so much, eat meals in our cars and have a jam-packed schedule, it's daunting to try and plan our meals enough where we can avoid the crud and eat well. In today's world I guess planning is key.

One thing worth mentioning about rule #6 is that recipes w/more than 5 ingredients are not included in this rule. It's more about pre-packaged, processed food that may come in a tiny wrapper, but with a LONG list of ingredients. I actually think Pollan would applaude anyone who makes time to cook from a recipe with more than 5 ingredients. Cooking and eating a meal with others (or just yourself) can be relaxing, affordable and very rewarding. Sure, easier said than done sometimes, but if you are intimidated by cooking your meals, I highly recommend taking a cooking class from somewhere like Chopping Block or Wooden Spoon to learn some 'basics'. It's really very easy to come up with some simple meals that take less than 30 minutes. We've got lots of great things at the shops we can recommend to you, just let us know! (shameless plug, but it's all about following the Rules! :) )