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 and 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!
1 – 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).
2 – Local produce is fresher – which means more nutrients. The quicker the trip from the farm to your table, the more nutrients your food contains.
3 – You can get access to more produce varieties, especially heirloom veggies & fruits, boosting the number of micronutrients you eat!
4 – Fresh is just tastier! Nothing beats a fresh garden tomato!
Most large farms that ship their produce long distances stick to varieties that are tough enough to make the trip.
Buying locally grown produce is a 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!
And if you can grow your own, even better! Why not start with a small herb garden and a few potted plants? That’s really putting the idea of “locally grown” into action!
REFERENCE:
www.uvm.edu/vtvegandberry/factsheets/buylocal.html
https://rodaleinstitute.org/blog/why-local-food-is-better-for-you/
If you’re feeling stuck, there’s no need to go it alone. Join my private Facebook community for a daily dose of health & fitness motivation and inspiration. Surround yourself with positive people at https://www.facebook.com/groups/HFandU/.
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