Classified as a speed athlete, I’m not generally in the business of slow – but when it comes to food, I am happy to take my time.
Recently, during my first visit to a small diner here in Calgary, AB – I happened to notice the terms “Slow Food” written on the back of the staff shirts. Making a mental note, I returned home and did a quick search.
Now, while I am familiar with organic, to be honest, I find the term “Slow Food” confusing. I understand the concept, but if you look back a few short years – “organic” was just FOOD. Today, with the systems of genetic modification and year-round mass production – real food requires a classification, and too often we are paying a great deal more to eat it.
The Slow Food movement originated in Italy in 1989; it refers to wholesome, fresh, fair, real, naturally grown food. As I discovered, this not-for-profit organization seeks to promote just that and works to position food, culinary traditions and mealtime as important features of any culture’s identity. Their membership extends worldwide and I was happy to learn of their existence.
Choosing a heath-conscious lifestyle often has us taking a closer look at the food we select. Understandably, it isn’t always simple or possible to purchase slow food but it was nice to find a resource to help me do so for whenever I can. Maybe we could all share the views of Slow Food President and Founder, Carlo Petrini, “slow food unites the pleasure with responsibility, sustainability and harmony with nature.”
Here’s a quick and easy meal, made with fresh, farmer’s market produce and free-range chicken – that a couple of my training partners and I enjoyed one evening after lifting weights.
RECIPE: Honey-Molasses Chicken Drumsticks with pan fried zucchini & green peppers.
Give it a try and let us know where you find your favorite slow food.
Cassie Hawrysh 
