Locavorism: Heathier For You, Healthier For Our Planet

Today’s healthy food trends are more than just fads, consumers are becoming increasingly more health conscious about their diets- and that’s here to stay. Darren Seifer, the food and beverage industry analyst at NPD Group says, “Consumers are increasingly focused on clean ingredient labels. They want food in its purest form.”

Food culture has shifted to consumers wanting to know where the food on their plates comes from. Conventional food has been contaminated so much and has had a significant impact on our health.

The Environment and Our Health Are Linked Together.

In the last half-century, American agricultural policy has focused on increasing yields, serving both our high demand and need to produce food cheaply. These scientific and chemical-intensive farming methods have polluted our environment tremendously, causing “dead zones." Incremental environmental toxins are a root cause of health problems as revealed by WHO, showing that pollution is attributed to keys areas of health risk.

Moreover, government data shows that the concentration of a range of essential nutrients in our food supply has declined in the last few decades. As a result of agronomic practices with increasing yields tactics- less space and more chemicals- soil dilution and root disease has made it a struggle for plants to absorb minerals, decreasing the amount of nutrients we consume from them.

This decline in nutrition density has affected consumers; we have more food and fewer nutrients.

“The best diet comes from eating from the home garden grown from locally adapted seeds needing no pesticides to grow, in natural soils, and complementing that with harvests from the wild.”

 

Real healthy food from farm-to-table

True Health Is Possible for All.

Leading a truly healthy lifestyle is possible in terms of environmental friendliness and nutrition. Consider how the food we consume is produced and our buying power when evaluating our options. We still have the choice, so opt for locally and sustainably grown as often as possible.

Eating local or “locavorism” is a simple and sustainable premise we can follow. Locally grown food has a significant connection to organic farming; many local farms are certificated organic or organic without an official certification.

Food from these farms is healthier, fresher and more delicious with no chemical substances or GMOs. Organically grown has a positive impact on both producers and consumers. Eating food that is produced within a 100-mile radius from where you live also reduces its carbon footprint from transportation. It’s easier to be a locavore, sourcing and eating locally grown produce and meat. Here’s how:

Shop at Farmers’ Markets

Supporting local farmers supports our local environment as well. A tip to ensure you’re purchasing pure products is to look for stands featuring the green USDA certified organic label or organic label from another reputable organization. If you do not see the label, ask the farmer. They may not have a label made or are in the process of certification.

Organically grown encompasses healthy, fresh and eco friendly options.

Dine at Restaurants Using Locally Grown Ingredients

If you don’t want to cook or find the local stuff yourself, dine at a restaurant that does both for you. The “farm to table” trend is up and coming with more restaurants sourcing local ingredients. If you’re not sure where a restaurant purchases their ingredients, ask.

Join a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

From farm to your front door is such a healthy, convenient process. If you cook often and like picking quality ingredients, being a CSA member is a great way for you to access local, fresh materials. Consumers can pay weekly or monthly and opt for delivery or pick-up of seasonal vegetables, fruits, flowers, and meats from local farms.

Whether you’re a carnivore or an herbivore, be a locavore.

Meet Rootasters:

Belle is an organic lover who found out her passion in a healthy lifestyle while studying MasterDegree in Boston. What makes her happy is simple, wandering around the riverside on her runningshoes, roaming in downtown with her sister and spending the day in her place to do somehandicrafts or making homemade meals all bring a smile on her face.