Should you really be thanking “G” it’s Friday?

There’s only one food group that shouldn’t have to provide its nutritional information: Everything Mother Nature herself creates.

A peach, for instance, doesn’t offer enough real estate on its blushing backside for the 4-1-1 on how many calories it contains; it also doesn’t need to list its ingredients because, well, it’s a peach.

Providing nutritional information should be mandatory for everything Mother Nature does not create (and which, in most cases, involves men wearing hair nets and even beard nets . . . and chemicals, preservatives, fillers, and other nasty science experiments).

In the eye-opening, stomach-turning expose, The China Study, you’ll learn how the food industry works hard to make what we eat less healthy and more desirable (there’s even a revelation about how fast-food chains “pre-chew” their meat . . . gag).

So when I read this MSN article on America's Unhealthiest Restaurants, I couldn’t believe that Applebee’s, IHOP, Outback, and T.G.I. Friday’s still don’t provide the nutritional information on the “food” they serve.

Come on, guys, what are you hiding?

And come on, consumers, why are you putting up with this?

You are what you eat and if you choose to spend your money at a fast-food joint, at least respect yourself by ordering the healthiest thing on the menu. Remember, a garden salad doesn't always come out of a garden.

Do you think Kris Carr would ever read this blog?

To the witty, wild, and oh-so-wise Kris Carr:

This past Friday, I had my own miracle on the Hudson—on the Hudson River Valley, that is. I walked into a veg café in Woodstock, NY for a late lunch with the family and saw . . . you.

Did you experience the thrill of time standing still? Probably not. But, let me tell you, it did, and it was so cool.

You, champion of the Crazy Sexy Life, are one of the greatest teachers and cheerleaders of my crazy sexy life.

It’s because of you that I have a Vita-Mix blender and a Breville juicer (go green juice!). It’s because of you that I transitioned from vegetarian to partly-raw-food vegan (oh, yeah, I survived a detox with Natalia Rose). It’s because of you that I have a stack of books about healthy living on my nightstand (I just finished The China Study—wow). And, most importantly, it’s because of you that I take the time, often, to appreciate all the awesome gifts I have in my life: beautiful baby (about to celebrate her first birthday on Earth Day!), terrific guy, amazing parents, great friends, and my dream job (freelance writer).

I’ve watched your documentary, Crazy Sexy Cancer, a handful of times and I always laugh, cry, and learn something new that improves my life. How do you thank someone for that? I don’t think you can, but the way I try is to share your inspirational story and kick-ass attitude with as many people as possible.

It would have been great to tell you all of this in person, but I’m shy . . . and I also didn’t want to interrupt your lunch (how rude!). And so I hope this posting somehow makes it way to you—maybe, just maybe, time will stand still again when it does.

Sending peace, love, and veggies to you,
Kristyn

P.S. During the drive to Woodstock, Mark and I were talking about how Food Network needs to include a show about healthy eating that celebrates the many pleasures of that lifestyle. “Of course, Kris Carr would make the best host,” I said. “She’s passionate, educated, and utterly motivating.” The current exploitation of a high-fat, high-sugar, high-salt, animal-based diet is truly (and literally) sickening. 30-Miracle Meals instead of 30-Minute Meals? Surely, this country is hungry for the change.