Are you a visual learner?

I certainly am… I learn a lot from books, but I must admit I need to see things, touch them, get involved with them to really learn (one of the reasons my daughter is in a Montessori school!).  Needless to say, studying nutrition through distance learning was a challenge for me- thankfully technology helped with great presentations, videos, webinars that made all the difference in the world!

Curious about a specific health topic? Want to know what the heck GMOs are? 
Documentaries are a great way to learn a little bit about some of these specific topics. I feel like it's not the same to read about a CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation) than to see a video of how these animals are raised; or to hear and see the many interviews with scientists, researchers, PHd’s and many other qualified professionals passionately explaining their concerns about the health risks of GMOs.

***A word of caution though: documentaries are not meant to be science or completely true (or false!)- they are meant to make you think and learn a little about a specific topic; from there you must do some research and come to your own conclusion.***

Here is a list of some I’ve enjoyed through the years and helped me learn:

Food Matters- the most important one! Love this one and it can get you started to learn about why you should even consider caring about the food you eat. It shows and explains why, and how, food is medicine.

Food, Inc.- Food politics at its best! This film will expose the highly mechanized underbelly that has been hidden from the American consumer with the consent of our government's regulatory agencies, USDA and FDA. Our nation's food supply is now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers and our own environment. Do not miss!!

Forks Over Knives- This is a perfect example of one that I learned from, but I don’t necessarily agree 100%...still a great one to watch! This film examines the profound claim that most, if not all, of the degenerative diseases that afflict us can be controlled, or even reversed, by rejecting animal-based and processed foods.

Genetic Roulette- Never-Before-Seen-Evidence points to genetically engineered foods as a major contributor to rising disease rates in the US population, especially among children. Gastrointestinal disorders, allergies, inflammatory diseases, and infertility are just some of the problems implicated in humans, pets, livestock, and lab animals that eat genetically modified soybeans and corn.  A very important film to watch and topic to learn about!

American Meat- I’m passionate about this one for obvious reasons: we plan on farming grass-fed, organic cattle in our farm, and like Joel Salatin explains in this film- there is a humane, sustainable, and responsible way to do so. 
The film begins with a history of our current industrial system, the feedlots and confinement operations are unveiled, not through hidden cameras, but through the eyes of the farmers who live and work there. From there, the story shifts to Salatin's Polyface farm where he has developed an alternative agricultural model based on rotational grazing and local distribution. Nationwide, a local-food movement of farmers, chefs, and everyday people has taken root... But could it ever feed us all?

Hungry for Change- Another great one! From the makers of Food Matters, the film exposes shocking secrets the diet, weight loss and food industry don't want you to know about; deceptive strategies designed to keep you coming back for more. Find out what's keeping you from having the body and health you deserve and how to escape the diet trap forever.

King Corn- This one simply put unveils how everything in our country is made of corn! The film is about two friends, one acre of corn, and the subsidized crop that drives our fast-food nation. In the film, Ian Cheney and Curt Ellis, best friends from college on the east coast, move to the heartland to learn where their food comes from- what they find raises troubling questions about how we eat—and how we farm.

A lot of these are available on Netflix or Amazon Prime.  So perhaps during these dark, cold winter months, snuggle up with some tea, mulled cider, or spiced nuts, and learn a little about the food you eat!