Whoever said money can't buy happiness simply didn't know where to go shopping. ~Bo Derek (really)
Congratulations - you've decided to eat healthier so you are cooking more of your own whole foods and creating your Mindful Battle Plan. Yippee! So, where do you shop? There are lots of alternatives. We use a mix of the below options and flirt with the idea of investing in a CSA.
- Grocery stores: shop the outside aisles of your grocery stores for whole foods - the inside aisles are where the packaged, processed stuff lives. If you want organic foods, you can usually find a section. Your local "natural foods" grocery store (the one that smells funny) and Whole Foods have great, thoughtful selections.
- Specialty shops: find your local butcher, seafood shop and gourmet stores for some beautiful food options. The people that work here are generally very informative, so if you develop a relationship with them, they will hook you up with the freshest foods.
- Farmer's Markets: great source for locally grown foods. Nourished Kitchen provides great tips for navigating the market. You can often talk to the growers - but don't ask a yes or no question like "is this organic?" The farmer might farm sustainably but not have bothered to get certification. Politely ask to learn more about his farming practices instead.
- Community Supported Agriculture shares (CSA's): this fabulous option allows you to buy a share in a farm. In return, you receive a weekly bounty of locally grown, farm fresh food. There are produce, meat, egg and dairy CSAs. If you travel, this might not be a good option for you as you need to pick up regularly. Or you can share a box with a friend (who gets the box when you are out of town) - this might also be a good option if you are single since the boxes can be a lot for one person. Local Nourishment blogs about her experience with a CSA. If you want to find a CSA, ask around in your area or look at the link below.
- Food pantry: more and more food pantries are adding fresh selections. You should ask around and find out if there are any in your area.
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What I ate: 14 oz. green juice, 1 hard boiled egg, 1 banana, 1 bite cheddar cheese, 1 oz. macadamia nuts, salmon + broccoli, 6 squares dark chocolate, 2 madelines, 3 minidesserts, coffee, eggplant + couscous, Taiwanese sticky rice, hot chocolate
Exercise: 1 hour yoga
