The Local Diet

There is nothing more intimidating than to walk up to a farmer’s market table and have no idea what half the produce on the table is let alone how to cook it. At least for me…

Maybe you can relate in some shape or form. I have really done some digging deep down lately on how can I implement more whole foods in my diet that were locally sourced. If I am being honest here I haven’t felt the greatest physically and my stress levels have been a little high…on top of that, I am a stress eater. Not going to sugar coat it.. your girl can smash a row of Oreos in under 5 minutes.

I started to realize that I have the ability to grow what I need but still choose convenience. It is crazy if you think about it.. we as humans are sometimes very particular about the brand of clothes we wear, the kind of cars we drive but don’t think twice about running through a drive through because it’s more convenient let alone the thought of what’s in the food goes out the window.

This market season I am challenging myself to cut down my refined sugar and pick up a healthier option and find quick ways to incorporate whole foods into my diet. I am getting a jump on my lifestyle change by cutting down my sugar intake. This is one of my highest priorities right now.

I no longer have sugar in my coffee, this was a brutal change for me. I was also drinking a ton of soda and eating lots of sweets because I told myself I deserved them because of a stressful day.

What I am starting to notice is that not having these things in my diet I am getting better sleep, I don’t feel so tired all the time, my skin is starting to look healthier and I just all around feel better. Can you imagine if I take this a step further and start planning meals around what is on a farmers market table or what we can provide right here at the farm!?

The thought of how am I going to have time to really make this work into our lifestyle crosses my mind often. I have started to slowly implement ways to cut out the junk and replace it with something healthier and not time consuming. I do this while looking up meal prep ideas along with juicing recipes.

Last season I bought a Hamilton Beach Juicer for $69 on Amazon. I have not even scratched the surface of the things I can make.. maybe a juicer is not currently in the budget for you but consider if you are a coffee or soda drinker I would be willing to bet you could save for two weeks and not purchase those items as much and have more than enough to purchase a decent juicer.

Last year we had an abundance of eggplant and pears from the farm . I juiced those together. You may be turning your nose up to that right now and I don’t blame you.. I probably would have too! It actually tasted pretty good and the unbelievable health benefits eggplants bring to the table is insane. Such an underrated vegetable. It actually is great for weight loss! I also have a few carrot juicing recipes that I am wanting to try this season as well to up my Whole Foods game!

Let’s talk about some meal prep ideas! I am going to try the mason jar meal prep this season with all of our leafy greens and what ever we bring home from market will go into those. If I can preserve it I will! Kale is on my radar to turn into a powder that I can use all year long. I put a recipe on our website that shows how to do this!

I am on a mission not only to eat locally grown food but to inspire others to do the same. Get outside of your comfort zones and go to your local farmers markets with a plan. If you are new to the market scene and nervous come see me I got you and if we don’t have what you need we promote other farmers who do!

Taking this a step further, find your local farmer! Not only can you change the way you feel with implementing whole foods in your diet you can help a local farmer continue to provide those great options on your table and keep your dollars local. Building relationships with your local farmers is so unbelievably important. Especially when it means you know where your food comes from and how it was grown.

I of course won’t go 100% without sugar. I mean I am motivated but not crazy 😜. My splurge day will be me supporting local. Meaning the bakers at the markets and of course the local coffee shops! I won’t splurge unless it’s local. I have already started to carry this approach ♥️

Moral of the story.. Find your local farmers♥️

-✌🏼Jamie

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