Slow Food - Home-Cooking Movement Gains Ground

Slow Food is an international movement that urges people to find time for meals made from scratch. It also extols the benefits of regional traditions and recipes using all-natural foods grown by local farmers. And it's catching on.

The movement started in 1986 when Italian author Carlo Petrini, incensed by a McDonald's opening near the Spanish Steps in Rome, accused corporate chains of destroying many foods and traditions.

Slow Food has since tempered its message, moving away from its origins in protest. It doesn't endorse bans or boycotts.

Dr. Andrew Weil, author of "Eight Weeks to Optimum Health" and an admitted Slow Food fan, contends you don't have to be wealthy to join the movement. Replacing some commonly consumed items with fresh and organic alternatives is a good start.

"Start slow. Start with maybe a few items and try them," Weil said. "If done carefully, it doesn't break the bank."


I Watched Under the Tuscan Sun tonght. They made big changes to the novel but maintained the spirit. I loved it but saw it was attacked by a bunch of people at Amazon. The director/writer also wrote "The Truth About Cats and Dogs" which is great and has some incredible lines.

The book sequel, Belle Tuscany - the sweet life in Tuscany, is excellent and implies a lot about slow food being part of improving your life.