Erma Bombeck said, “I am not a glutton. I am an explorer of food.”
The summer challenge task this week is to make, and indulge in, a beautiful salad. There’s no derth of options this time of year thus it makes sense to seak out the best ingredients at the best prices. Now is the time to do the research on what you like, what’s different and exciting out there and what’s reasonable that you can count on all year.
Eating healthy doesn’t always have to be expensive. Per serving, broccoli will always be cheaper than processed food. The truth is, we end up throwing away a lot of food because we buy too much at a time. Beware that trap in the produce section of stores or at local markets. A serving of veggies is a half cup. We’re at our best when we’re getting 4-5 cups a day, and that includes fruits. So when you think of green beans for two, think a small handful for each. That’s all. It weighs a tiny amount and packs a nutritional punch. It’s less than fast food and far easier on the wallet down the road when health complications cease to exist
So this week, be a fresh food detective, an explorer extraordinaire. Ask questions at your local farmers market. Where can I get decent tomatoes in the winter? Do you sell all year? What’s a reasonable price to pay for carrots? Eggs? If I can’t get organic, what’s the closest alternative?
Food that comes from our local, organically treated farms is higher in nutrients than factory farmed goods. The soil is rich with vitamins and minerals that get passed on to our food. There is truth to the notion of tender loving care when it comes to farming. Soak it up now while the soaking is good!
Try adding protein to your salad to make it a meal – hard boiled eggs, beans, tofu, fish, chicken, steak, bacon. Yeah, we said bacon. It’s not the meat that’s bad. It’s how we raise the animal that matters. And, how much you’re burning it off. If the animal is happy and active and you’re happy and active, meat is a healthy part of a good diet.
Share a nutrient packed salad with loved ones this week keeping it colorful and therfore marvelous. Take the time to experience the color, the pop, the crisp, refreshing crunch, and slowly marvel in the wonder of an abundant earth.
“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.” J. R. R. Tolkien
We’ll see you on the PATH Ahead!