Back in August, I gave up all food that wasn’t sourced in Canada. On a day-to-day basis, what has that meant?
- I drink water almost exclusively. With the exception of a few samples, I can drink no soda (I’ve been a lifelong Coke user–I seriously miss it). Most juices are out as well, and I don’t drink coffee, tea or alcohol.
- I don’t eat many deserts. Chocolate is out. I’ve occasionally had some homemade pie with Canadian fruit, and my wife made an excellent galette with blackberries and peaches from the freezer, but they’re the exception to the rule.
- Junk food and fast food are non-starters.
- I rarely ‘grab something on the go’ when I’m out of the house. That means I’ve been eaten far fewer muffins, bagels and other baked goods you’d usually find at your local coffee shop.
- I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, fish, chicken and pasta (made from Canadian wheat durum).
As I mentioned in an earlier post, I’m downright apathetic about food, so this process has just been a time-consuming bother more than a trial. I have missed the stimulating effect of Coke and the occasional sugary snack. I didn’t realize how much I depended on those to get me through some wintery afternoons.
I didn’t plan for this to happen, but I’ve lost seven pounds. Or, if you prefer, 3.2 kilograms. I think the big difference is that I’m pretty much drinking only water. If you add up the calories from a can of Coke a day, plus the occasional juice and hot chocolate, you get to a couple thousand calories a week pretty quickly. Over a few months, that makes a difference.
I’ve been using an app to track my weight all year. This is what the last few months looks like:
Maybe I’ll start a new Canadian dieting craze? “Act now, and get your Canada Diet Program for three monthly installments of $29.99! The pounds will melt away like a spring thaw in Winnipeg!”
Great way to lose weight. But I could not live without milk! Lots of Canadian cows and dairies. Have really enjoyed your 2011 blog.
What, no donuts? Well, if not, that’s quite the unexpected detox programme! Not easy at the best of times, major sugar & caffeine withdrawal, eh? How about herbal teas? Inuit wildcrafted traditional Arctic herbal teas are lovely, unusual [like Cloudberry] and profits support the local cultural programs; Northern Delights is the brand [and full disclosure, we stock it]. And any Canadian honey would be a superb winter pick up, in tea, yoghurt [as above], etc, no? And/or how about Maple or exotic Birch syrup? With ‘Wildly Canadian’ steel-cut oats, apples, dried or frozen berries, etc? Bircher muesli style too is nice as a snack served chilled. Wild Blueberry Juice from NS is fab too, apple cider? Lots of wholesome alternatives to Coke, no? Also wild rice, Arctic Char, etc? I’m making myself hungry… Best of luck, great blog/adventure, cheers!
Darren
Well done.
bobby.
You could eat Cadbury, the Mr Big bar is manufactured in Toronto. I’m not sure if that fits the requirements but I thought I would let you know there might be an option out there for a sugar fix.
Gee Darren, it’s too bad you couldn’t do this project before you were born.
Forty to fifty years ago, almost everything was made in Canada.
Yes, we produced every kind of food and drink (you would have liked Canada’s own Kik Cola – check it out online). We made every kind of tool and toy, plus hardware right down to our electrical wiring plus all kinds of stationary from typewriters to pencils and – of course – paper. Not to mention cars, bikes, planes, sporting goods and of course, all kinds of clothes, hats and shoes (remember Bata before it went global?). All made right here in the Dominion of C.
As a kid, I remember Kitsilano when it was still dotted with factories where we made everything from beer to boomerangs. After school, I myself made kitchen graters, telephone parts and lighting fixtures.
I used to think it would be nice to have a Made in Canada museum to amaze younger Canadians with how self-sufficient we were, not that long ago…
Hi there,
My girlfriends and I were talking about buying Canadian for one week only, just to see if we could do it. Just wondering when your book is coming out and if you have any resources you would recommend. We are all busy moms and want a quick list to refer to when grocery shopping?
Thanks!