Recently we took a trip to the Davis Ranch “U-Pick” Farm. Supporting local farms is something we are passionate about, and what better way to do this than to visit the farm ourselves and earn the food on our table later that evening! It was a great experience. Here’s how it works at this particular farm:
Taking a trip to Davis Ranch reminded us of how important it is that we support local farmers. There are a variety of reasons, but here are some that spring to mind:
#1 – The Freshness!
Food that comes directly from the fields has an entirely different flavor profile. It hasn’t trekked across freeways, been gassed to stimulate ripening, no sitting around for weeks at a time. This produce is allowed to ripen fully and the result is undeniable freshness and flavor.
#2 – It’s Actually In Season
When we cook with what’s naturally available in nature, we honor the changing of the seasons and our plates are always bursting with fresh flavors. In fact, you’ll likely to start to look forward to the different seasons and the recipes that follow.
#3 – Local Farmers Need Our Support!
Agriculture is dominated by large businesses and small family farmers suffer because of it. Think of it like a huge chain store rolling into a neighborhood clustered with small town shops – that chain’s ability to undercut prices (although quality diminishes greatly) takes customers away from these smaller shops and makes it harder for them to turn a profit and contribute to their local community.
Buying direct from the farmer gives them a much better return on their money – think of it as cutting out the middleman – and helps them better compete in the global ag marketplace. The best part? It’s also LESS expensive for you, by a long shot!
#4 – The Environment
The average trip for food to your plate is at least 1,500 miles. This means a big contribution to pollution and extra, unnecessary packaging. When you purchase food from the farmers market or even better directly from the farm, it has traveled a much shorter distance and the farming methods utilized have a much smaller imprint on the earth.
#5 – Food That Nourishes Your Cells
Most conventionally grown and processed food uses all kinds of things that interfere with our health including pesticides, growth hormones, and antibiotics. Many of these practices have been proven to have a negative effect on health in a variety of ways: digestive disorders, hormone dysregulation, antibiotic resistance, skin conditions … the list goes on and on. Many local farmers go to great lengths to produce their food with sustainable and minimally processed techniques. Even better, you can ask them directly if you’re unsure – yet another perk of going local!
#6 – Your Budget
You save SO MUCH when you buy local. We promise! One of the most common rebuttals for a healthy lifestyle is the cost of nutrient dense food. Visiting your local farmers market or buying direct from the farm is the way to go if you want to keep your budget intact. As we said earlier, buying direct cuts out the middle man which mean you’re basically getting “wholesale” prices for your fresh, delicious produce! Many farmers markets include a variety of other goodies, too including but not limited to eggs, meats/seafood, raw dairy, nuts/seeds, olive oil and even beauty products!
#7 – Weight Maintenance
When your body gets in sync with foods full of nutrients and that heal instead of harm, it is much easier to maintain and lose weight. Instead of counting every calorie religiously, you can start to build a healthier relationship with food. It becomes less about the numbers and more about cleansing your system and creating an environment in which your system can thrive. This will, in turn, make it much easier to reach your weight loss and maintenance goals because your body won’t be at war with a bunch of other issues born from a processed diet.
We hope this post has inspired you to get out and buy local. If not every week, at least more often. It really does have a positive and lasting impact on the local economy and allows your body to thrive with nutrient-dense, minimally processed foods. If you’re local to Sacramento, check out our farmers market guide which includes info for buying in season. Go here to grab yours!
Sham & Christina
Inspired Wellness
About Inspired Wellness
We are a wellness movement aimed at cultivating greatness in all areas of life. We believe that everything is connected and that having the body of your dreams shouldn’t come at the price of your mental and emotional health. You CAN have it all; you just need some determination, grit and the desire to truly change your life!
Catch us locally in sunny Sacramento CA inspiring lives at our wellness center with fitness, nutrition and lifestyle programs, or online doing the same thing with our new online training site + community coming soon!
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