Yup, that's my big sister helping me take some of my first steps.

Yup, that's my big sister helping me take some of my first steps.

Baby steps. I secretly, inwardly, even derisively laugh when I read advice that suggests I start by taking baby steps. I know it’s a popular catch phrase and all, but really. I mean, we’re all adults here.

Let’s take this whole slow, traditional, real, local food thing. If it really is a good thing—good for me, my family, the environment, the economy—why pussyfoot around with baby steps? Why compromise little good changes with big, wholesale bad living?

Maybe we need some time to adjust, Mom.

Just do it and be done with it! Cold turkey. Yeah. Go home and throw out all that evil food lurking in your house that doesn’t measure up to the ideal!

Wait, Mom! Not my peanut butter! I hate that stuff we have to stir first!

It might put a dent in your budget to replace it all with healthier versions, but if a little is good, then jumping in with both feet is best.

Um, honey, why is the food budget so totally out of control?

And for heaven’s sake, get smart right away! Put the fiction books and magazines aside until you know everything you need to know and can give a reasonable, rational-sounding defense to any and all who ask.

If I have to hear one more reason my oatmeal has to soak overnight, I’m gonna scream.

Every bite of chocolate, or chips, or every sip of soda just prolongs the transition and makes it that much longer until “real success” is achieved.

*sniff* What do you mean I can’t have a chocolate bunny this year? *sniff*

Baby steps. Please. I learned early how to run, and I’m not going back.

Besides, with sweeping changes, a higher failure rate is to be expected. It’s not a setback, it’s a total failure. Easy in, easy out.