One of the best pieces of nutritional advice I ever got was from a little organic farming book. I found this treasure of a read at the library in Alabama, and for the life of me I cannot remember the name of it. It was written back in the 70s and had a comprehensive list of fruits and veggies. This list would refer to when you should eat something, where it should come from, how to preserve it and numerous ways to cook it. It was one of those books you wish you could "lose" and just pay the library for. Of course, I could not keep it for myself. I took some notes and returned it on time.
What I wanted to share with you today is something that has stuck with me ever since. Eat Food In Season.
When I walk past the apples in the grocery store, and it's the dead of summer, I tend to just pass. There are basic fruits most of us are familiar enough with to know that it's not harvest time for that item. So ask yourself, why is in sitting in your grocery produce department? How was it grown? How far has it traveled? If we are talking fresh fruit, what type of pesticides were put on this piece of fruit to keep it "fresh?" The very thought freaks me out.
This next video is a QUICK intro to seasonal and healthy eating. If you don't have time to watch the next video which goes into great detail, please take a moment and watch this one.
This next video is phenomenal for understanding why I am sooooooo passionate about eating seasonal, organic and local.
That young lady has a series of videos. Just click into Youtube and check out her channel.
If you are at work and can't turn your speakers on - here is a quick visual chart to check out:
I hope this has been super helpful for you.
Even if you are not dieting or limited on funds to purchase organic food - you can totally shop better by at least purchasing what is in season.
Don't forget, your local farmer's market is SUPER cheap. Make a point to stop by, you'll be surprised.
I've always thought bees were something special. From the way they engineer a garden to the fact that they produce the liquid gold so many of us love.. bees are incredible creatures.
I heard a while back about an issue with the honey bees. Apparently, they were disappearing. Not dying, not flying to another place, actually vanishing into thin air. As I was scanning the documentaries to watch today, I decided to finally watch "Vanishing of the Bees."
I'm alarmed. I disappointed in our EPA. I am even more so opting for organic options.
According to the film makers of "Vanishing of the Bees," honeybees have been mysteriously disappearing across the planet, literally vanishing from their hives.
The films description goes on to say: Known as Colony Collapse Disorder, this phenomenon has brought beekeepers to crisis in an industry responsible for producing apples, broccoli, watermelon, onions, cherries and a hundred other fruits and vegetables. Commercial honeybee operations pollinate crops that make up one out of every three bites of food on our tables.
Vanishing of the Bees follows commercial beekeepers David Hackenberg and Dave Mendes as they strive to keep their bees healthy and fulfill pollination contracts across the U.S. The film explores the struggles they face as the two friends plead their case on Capital Hill and travel across the Pacific Ocean in the quest to protect their honeybees.
Filming across the US, in Europe, Australia and Asia, this documentary examines the alarming disappearance of honeybees and the greater meaning it holds about the relationship between mankind and mother earth. As scientists puzzle over the cause, organic beekeepers indicate alternative reasons for this tragic loss. Conflicting options abound and after years of research, a definitive answer has not been found to this harrowing mystery.
Apparently there is something we can all do to help keep our honey bees!
1. Plant a garden. For more information on how to do so the right way, check out the following websites:
