The Internet is good for so many things. News. Information. Connection. But some days, the Internet is evil. Access to so much information can give you just … too much information, you know? At least that’s where I am this week. I’ve read no fewer than five articles lamenting the health or safety of more than 18 foods I eat. So now what do I do?

Here are some of the things I’ve learned:

• Strawberries (the non-organic ones) can contain up to 13 different pesticides. Yuck.
• That’s wood pulp in our ice cream and on our pre-shredded cheese. Aka “cellulose.”
• We’ve so genetically modified wheat that bread isn’t healthy in any form, organic or non.
• Meat can possibly give you breast cancer.

Now, you may scoff at any of these statements, and the articles I’ve sourced, and totally dismiss them as fear-mongering  But I’m concerned. It scares me that it’s cheaper to eat a fast-food hamburger meal with a large soda or a microwave frozen pizza than it is to buy a pint of fresh blueberries. Clearly our food system is broken, and we’re making ourselves sick with the food we choose. But I’m busy like the rest of us and can’t live beyond my means, so I fall down on the job and eat something cheap, plastic and disgusting when I’m in a pinch. It’s easier. I certainly notice that I feel better when I eat better, though. 

The only thing I can think to do is follow Michael Pollan’s mantra. I haven’t read any of his books, but I really want to — well, I need to. He says:

“Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.”

That sounds like a decent start.

So, this week, ladies and gentlemen, I’m a vegetarian. Well, most of the time.

Also this week, I discovered Lisa Leake’s blog, “100 Days of Real Food.” I don’t know where I’ve been, since she’s really popular and right here in my own hometown. But I’m encouraged by her philosophy and dedication — and her family is following the same path.

I think it’s going to be okay, since I actually really like vegetables, and I’m already on the organic, locally-sourced bandwagon.

We’ll see, kids.