Discover the Surprising Health and Environmental Benefits Of Eating Local!

By Tom Seest

What Are the Benefits Of the Locavore Diet?

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If you’re wondering what the Locavore Diet is, it’s basically a diet that’s produced by buying locally grown foods. Buying foods that have been produced in your own neighborhood means that you’ll be supporting your community and its economy while saving yourself money at the same time. In addition, you’ll be ensuring that your diet contains only food that’s grown in a way that is environmentally friendly and healthy.

How Can Eating Locally Help You Reach Your Health Goals?

Locavores are people who are committed to eating only Food that is produced within a hundred miles of their home. Locavores have a variety of reasons for pursuing the diet. Some cite the health benefits of eating local foods and the environmental benefits. Others believe that local foods taste better. Regardless of the reasons, the movement is gaining ground.
The 100-mile diet was introduced in 2005. It encourages consumers to buy and eat food from farms and restaurants that are located within a hundred miles of their homes.
Several years ago, the term “locavore” was coined by Jessica Prentice, a San Francisco Bay Area resident. She was inspired to try the diet by her experiences at farmers’ markets. In addition to buying local produce, Prentice also planted a vegetable garden on her church property.
While there is no set definition of locavores, it is believed that the majority of them choose to purchase food that is grown, produced, or raised within a 100-mile radius of their homes. Often, they also grow their own vegetables or fruits, which are then preserved during the growing season.
For many locavores, the challenge begins with purchasing and eating locally. They visit local farmer’s markets, grocery stores, and natural food stores. There are also local co-ops and stores where they can buy food from other community members.
Although it may sound daunting, it can be done. There are numerous resources available to help you calculate your mile radius. Also, there are apps and websites that provide individual farm social pages where you can find products. These sites update regularly, allowing you to keep up with what’s in season and what’s available for purchase.
While the 100-mile diet book is the primary guide to a locavore diet, you can also follow your own tastes and try to purchase and eat more local food. Many people start by purchasing local products in their own communities, then expand to other areas.
A locavore diet is more of a lifestyle than a diet. You can still eat a wide range of food. But you can limit yourself to only buying local foods, avoiding foods that are grown, processed, or packaged out of your 100-mile radius.

Can the Locavore Diet Increase Height, Life Expectancy, and Reduce Malnutrition?

A locavore is a devoted foodie who is committed to eating local foods. In the spring of 2015, 82 million consumers claimed to be eating local in one form or another. While there are some critics, the movement is growing by the day. As such, it is only a matter of time before we see a major shake-up in our food supply chain. Until then, a locavore lifestyle is the best way to go.
To be fair, a locavore diet doesn’t necessarily mean a gourmet meal; it just means that you’re eating at least locally. It also helps if the food is grown organically. Not to mention that a more localized food source is better for the environment. The locavore movement will eventually have to deal with modern food system shortcomings, such as the lack of a standardized food safety program or the dearth of consumer education. Luckily, the best part of the locavore movement is that it’s a grassroots effort.
Of course, a locavore diet won’t be possible if your local farmers aren’t producing it in the first place. For instance, in the United States, it is estimated that two bad local harvests in a row would spell famine. Fortunately, local farmers are now getting a leg up on the competition thanks to the burgeoning locavore movement. With the help of an educated public and some smart marketing, the locavore movement will continue to prosper. This includes the newest hot food trend, the CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). Among other things, CSA provides a healthy meal plan to those in need while providing the foodies of the world with a source of healthy, wholesome, locally grown foods.

Save Money by Eating Local: How Can Misfit Items Help?

This is a good question, especially given the glut of food choices that are ripe for the picking. For instance, the Department of Agriculture estimated that forty percent of the food produced in the United States is not consumed. To wit, the most likely reason is a lack of affordable access to healthy foods. With that said, there are several companies like Misfits and Feeding America that are working hard to fill the void. The best part is that the most cost-effective of these local food hubs can be located close to home and work.
Besides, misfits aren’t exactly expensive if you’re willing to take the time to browse through their various offerings. While the average consumer may not have access to their finest cuts of meat and produce, the savvy foodie knows where to look. Several stores boast a plethora of micro-dairy goats, lambs, and poultry of all shapes and sizes. Likewise, you can get your hands on fresh seafood of all stripes as well. Aside from the standard fare, the company also specializes in a myriad of other foodstuffs, including gluten-free and lactose-free offerings. Of course, if you don’t have the foresight to scout out the aforementioned restaurants, the food re-supply service can provide a quick and convenient solution to any foodie’s culinary woes. All of which means you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time with family and friends. After all, the more time you spend with those you love, the more likely they are to do the same.

How Can You Join the Locavore Movement?

Joining the locavore movement is a great way to support local farms and eat locally-produced food. It can save you money and help improve your health.
Many people are now turning to local foods as a way to reduce their carbon footprints. Eating local produce supports biodiverse food systems and reduces wastage. In addition, buying in-season produce helps keep a natural order of foods in demand.
Buying local can also help increase the number of jobs in your community. When you buy from a small farm, you can build personal relationships with the farmer. Supporting local farmers allows them to continue doing what they love.
A recent study published by the Journal of Rural Health revealed that a locavore diet can help decrease obesity and diabetes rates. Locavores may also reduce the amount of pollutants and pesticides that are sprayed on fruits and vegetables.
Another benefit of eating locally is the nutrient value of the food. Research shows that food that is grown locally is more nutritious than food that is shipped from other parts of the world.
Eating locally can also lead to healthier families. Studies have shown that local foods help with gut health. The nutrients from fresh fruits and vegetables help to improve digestion and overall wellness.
You can also join the locavore movement by making purchases from local restaurants. Restaurants usually receive their products directly from producers. This ensures that you are getting the freshest and highest quality foods.
If you can’t go to a farm to pick up your produce, you can purchase it at roadside stands. These stands often have good prices. They also offer information about the farms that grow the food.
You can also use smartphone mapping apps to find a farm or a shop that sells local food. There are also individual farm social pages that list new products regularly.
Locavores also benefit from a more local economy. Choosing to patronize local businesses can help you save hundreds of dollars over imported products. Plus, buying locally can help local businesses survive the current economic downturn.

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