Do you know where your food comes from? (NOTE: the Dad joke response, “the grocery store” is not what I mean 🙂 ) I’m talking about the actual FARM where it was produced. And speaking of grocery stores, so many more of them are carrying (and highlighting) locally grown foods … which is fantastic.
There are SO MANY BENEFITS to buying locally grown/raised foods. First, you’re supporting a local business, which is always a plus for the health of the local economy.
But there are also benefits to YOU!
- Local produce is allowed to ripen on the vine, which means it has more nutrients. Most non-local produce has to be picked early in order to safely make the long journey to your grocery store (and not over-ripen in the process).
- Local produce is fresher – which means more nutrients. The quicker the trip from the farm to your table, the more nutrients your food contains.
- You can get access to more produce varieties, especially heirloom veggies & fruits, boosting the number of micronutrients you eat! Most large farms that ship their produce long distances stick to varieties that are tough enough to make the trip.
- This depends on the farm, but organic local farmers use healthier, more sustainable farming practices. This can lower your exposure to pesticides and other chemicals, and it’s better for your local environment.
It’s win-win-win all the way around: fresh, healthy food that tastes great and is good for you – and also good for the local economy and environment!
REFERENCES:
The #1 enemy of your goals
If you could call out the #1 enemy of your goals, what would it be? There are so many to choose from:
Not having enough time, Lack of support, Not knowing what to do, Your genetics, Pizza…
The list goes on and on!
Your new favorite cookie recipe
Are you a fan of no-bake cookies? Soooo good!But have you ever seen the original recipe? Talk about fat and sugar bombs … whoa!Not anymore … I’ve got a healthified version for you that’s a lot less sugar, and – bonus – it’s loaded with fiber and antioxidants.
Setting realistic goals
Every once in a while I get a panicked email or call from someone who wants to “lower their cholesterol down x points before their next doctor’s appointment a month from now“ or “get ready for a marathon in two months”. Don’t get me wrong: Those are all important goals … but they absolutely are not possible (at least in a healthy and sustainable way) in only a month or two!
Upscale sandwich shop recipe inside…
Ever eaten at a gourmet sandwich shop and tried something new … and was BLOWN AWAY by the deliciousness?!Well, I’ve got a recipe for you today that’s based on one of those sandwiches. I’m drooling just thinking about it. It’s crunchy (the toasted bread) … creamy (the avocado & hummus) … and tangy (the sauerkraut).
