Farmers Market Shopping
I am so excited about this weekend! It is the opening day of our local Farmer's Market. I am a big proponent of eating food within its season and buying locally. You may know that I am also big on eating close to a Paleo Diet or at least a low grain and gluten free diet. Well, the Farmer's Market is the one of the best places you can shop to do just that!
The benefits of shopping at a Farmers Market are numerous. First and foremost the food is in season. Fruits and vegetables in season are much more supportive of not only your health, but also the health of the planet. It is typical for most fruits and vegetables to be transported over long distances before they reach your local supermarket. That sometimes means they travel up to 2500 miles across roads and railways using up large quantities of precious fossil fuels. Most produce is picked immature, to assure they don't spoil on the way. Produce picked in this manner do not contain the same high levels of nutrients and fresh product!
Of course one of the best reasons to shop locally is the TASTE! There is nothing like a fresh tomato, right? Food that is fresh, tastes better! You are also more likely to buy Organic. Why Organic? There have been several studies that show fruits and vegetables grown organically contain significantly more nutrients such as vitamin c, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, and other essential phytonutrients. And once again you help the planet by supporting agriculture that increases the health of our soil, which in turn grows more vitamin and mineral rich foods.
Not to mention when you buy organic you are protecting your family and yourself from harmful pesticides that can cause a copious amount of illness and disease. Eliminating toxins is the first step in becoming healthy and staying healthy!
Finally, shopping at your local Farmer's Market has a wonderful social benefit that improves our mental health. In our fast paced over stimulated cubical lifestyles we don't often get that social connection we all need. Spending the time in a small social atmosphere, running into friends and making new ones can help your mental health. View the vibrant colors of fruit, vegetables and fresh flowers can stimulate your senses and give you a sense of well-being. You might even try a new food that you have hesitated to try before because someone is offering you a free taste!
It doesn't seem to matter if you live in a city like San Francisco, a rural area or a subdivision there is usually a Farmer's Market close to you! I see them springing up all over the place.