The Hidden Dangers in Your Supermarket Basket
I never set out to change the world – that would just be too hard. I set out to educate myself so I could change myself, as I am the only person I have complete power over, and then in turn do the best for my family.
I can only change myself, but with my family’s love and support, I may be able to influence a community and then, perhaps, a ripple effect will continue around this great country and create a tsunami of change in the world. Change can only come from the individual and influence lead by example creates the ripple.
Food is my passion. I’ve been studying it for nearly 4 decades, not only as it pertains to eating, but also to the growing process. The more I learn about diet and agriculture the more incensed I become.
People accept that what is on the supermarket shelf is safe to eat, but there are so many hidden agricultural chemicals and added food enhancers that are made from dubious sources. And it’s hard not to say something when you learn about an injustice that may hurt your loved ones and others. I see so many children and adults with health issues, more so than when I started my career in 1980.
Educating people is the key to a rebellion. As I learn I teach. Writing my book ‘Changing Habits, Changing Lives’ was just passing on my knowledge to an unsuspecting public. Producing my documentary ‘What’s With Wheat’ was also a chance to capture another audience. Creating the podcast ‘Up For A Chat’ was yet another way to educate. Different mediums help spread the word. It is also an opportunity for me to learn.
Interviewing people on specific topics allows a deep dive into the unknown. When I interviewed Dr Stephanie Seneff, senior researcher at MIT in Boston, for my documentary, I spent the three hours with her with my jaw on the floor. Dr Seneff researches the herbicide glyphosate (Roundup). I was so appalled by the misinformation on this topic that I delved deep into it to become an expert on the ramifications of this herbicide, not only on human health but animal, bacterial and soil health.
It’s hard not to do things differently when you know the truth.
I purchased a farm to grow my own foods for food security, not only for me and my family, but for my local community. When I learnt our local council sprays Roundup through the region, I became a bee in their bonnet about the topic. I visited my local councillor, I called the mayor, I rang the local parks officer, and I spread the word on my social media platforms. My aim is to stop the use of Roundup and Glyphosate-containing products on our parks, playgrounds, sports grounds and veggies in my community.
If I don’t stand for something, then I’m going to fall for everything. Education, persistence and being consistent creates change whether it be in your own life or that of your community.
I don’t think that being rebellious against the establishment of the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA), the Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicine Authority (APVMA) and The Sunshine Coast Council (SCC) is easy. It’s a huge train to stop and even bigger to turn around.
Having said that, I’m seeing change happen as the public become educated and start to vote with their hip pockets, or in who they choose to elect to local councils and beyond.
My topic is food and agriculture and this is where I focus my efforts, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have concerns for other areas of our lives and the planet. I watch other mums become leaders for their causes with great admiration; they are the ones that keep me going to create that tsunami of change that will make a difference to the health of our children and future generations.
About the author
Cyndi O’Meara is a nutritionist, best-selling author, real food advocate, international speaker, film maker (What’s With Wheat) and the founder of Changing Habits, an online holistic health destination offering wellness products, programs and guides to nourish yourself and your family. Passionate about empowering people to make simple and long lasting changes to their health, Cyndi is travelling around Australia on her Real Food for Health Tour, spreading a sustainable health message to many. For more on Cyndi and her tour, visit: www.changinghabits.com.au or follow her on Instagram: @changing_habits.
