About Michelle
Thanks for stopping by The Honest Palate!
I started this blog in 2009 as a way to voice my opinions on the food system currently in place in our country. Since becoming a vegetarian in 2006, the inherent problems with the way we eat as a nation became much more apparent to me. I found that most of my friends and family members were confused about what was good and bad for them, what diets worked, and what exactly was listed in the ingredients of the food we were eating. I made it my goal to learn about the long lists of ingredients and what deleterious effect those additives and preservatives could be having on the population. I learned that food served in schools was terribly unhealthy and that there is such a thing as “food deserts.” People in our own country are starving while billions of tons of food are wasted annually.
I’ve always thought of myself as a healthy eater, but now I consider myself a thoughtful consumer who’s food choices are based not only on what tastes good and is available, but also on the environment, sustainability, animal welfare, and the conditions that those growing and picking our food work under.
My goal at The Honest Palate is to share my personal way of healthy eating and living, and to expose the lies spread by Big Food, marketers, and lobbyists, as well as the news organizations we tune into every day. I blog about food with false health claims, fad diets, my fitness routine, and eating a diet of whole foods, which in my case is mostly plant based. It’s an honest approach and I hope my little voice will be able to spark some changes in our food system.
A bit more about me:
- I’m a runner! Once upon a time I would have considered myself the most athletically-challenged person I know. I couldn’t finish the mile-run in high school gym class. I had never played on a sports team. I couldn’t successfully throw a ball (this actually may still be true). In 2009, after starting a new and stressful job, I began running on a whim. I started SLOWLY and worked my way up to a 5K, 10K, half marathon and finally a full marathon! I’ve completed several races and I’m currently training for the Chicago Marathon in October 2011. Running has given me something to feel proud of and it’s inspired me to get in shape and feel good about myself. You can read more about my adventures in running at my Fitness page!
- I’m studying to become a doctor! After several years of working in the documentary production business I made a huge change and left my job to pursue a career in medicine. It was an incredibly difficult and terrifying decision, but I’m excited for what the next SEVERAL years will bring. I’m currently attending Columbia University as a Postbac Premed student.
- I love to cook, even if I’m not always great at it. I have managed to create some of my own recipes, which can be found at my recipes page.
- I have a cat named Emily Dickinson.
- I’ve never met a piece of (unprocessed cheese) I didn’t like.
- I’ve lived in New York City since 2003 (when I started undergrad at NYU) and I can’t think of a better place to live. I often blog about my favorite restaurants and places in the city and I’m happy to answer any questions and make recommendations for those visiting!
I would love to hear from you! Feel free to drop me a line anytime at Michelle@TheHonestPalate.com.
