Do you want to know why you should choose locally sourced food? According to statistics, the average carrot travels around 1,800 miles before reaching your salad bowl. That’s an insane amount of distance for a single piece of produce. However, it’s a reality that most of us live in. And unless we change the way we source our produce and meats, this could lead to some severe consequences in the long run.
That’s where locally sourced foods come in.
What do we consider locally sourced food?
Locally sourced foods are essentially food that are grown or raised in a specific region that’s considered “local” to your area. So, for example, we believe vegetables that producers grow in your city, country, neighborhood, or even your backyard are “locally sourced.”
You can purchase locally sourced dairy products, meats, vegetables, and fruits. Local farmers can also source specialty items such as canned foods, honey, and nut butter.
Where can I buy locally sourced foods?
You can get locally sourced foods in a variety of locations. Of course, the simplest and most cost-effective way is through a farmer’s market. However, you can also get your locally sourced food through grocery delivery services and apps, which is the preferred purchase method.
What are the benefits of choosing locally sourced foods?
Here are five expected benefits of choosing locally sourced foods:
1. Locally sourced foods are fresher.
The great thing about locally sourced foods is that they don’t have to travel very far before getting to your plate. Fresh produce already loses a great deal of nutritional value as soon as producers pick them. Long-distance travel doubles this loss, and when the food reaches your destination, you’re left with fewer nutrients.
Locally sourced foods keep those essential nutrients since they don’t suffer through the same environments. Thus, they are ideal for adding weight-loss diet plans, which rely heavily on clean and filling nutrients to keep the body fueled and energized.
2. Locally sourced foods can support your seasonal needs.
Seasonal changes affect the nutritional needs and requirements of each individual. Locally sourced foods typically follow a seasonal cycle. Therefore, this makes them the best candidate to meet the seasonal needs of each person. For instance, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and bok choy can relieve hormonal balances in women during their period.
Often, eating healthy can get a little boring. After all, you can do so many things with oatmeal and berries. However, you can expect more variety in your menus with the seasonal changes. This forces you to become more creative in the kitchen; plus, it exposes you to a wider variety of vitamins and minerals.
3. Locally sourced foods contain less pesticide.
Locally grown foods may have fewer pesticides or none, depending on a farmer’s authorizations. To be qualified to use pesticides of any kind in the US, farmers need to pay a fee and become certified by the USDA. Thus, small-scale farmers opt for more organic methods to fertilize their crops. Some farmers forgo fertilizers overall.
4. Locally sourced foods encourage mindful eating.
When you shop locally, you’re forced to pay closer attention to the ingredients you’re buying and putting on your plate. First, you get to learn about the farmers responsible for the food you’re eating. You find out the methods and techniques behind its growth and development. Finally, you notice the benefits of each food before consumption.
Being more mindful about the food you put in your body plays a massive role in maintaining fitness. By connecting with the food you eat, you’re less likely to scarf down your entire plate without the slightest consideration of its nutritional value.
5. Locally sourced foods produce fewer emissions.
As mentioned earlier, produce often travels thousands of miles before reaching your plate. Imagine the amount of fuel and rubber this single process burns through every day? This sits on top of the massive amounts of packaging used to preserve the freshness of these products during shipping.
If left to continue, this can cause dangerous consequences for many people.
Choosing locally-sourced food for your meals and menus is a great way to reduce your emissions. In addition, locally sourced foods help empower local communities and encourage others to purchase locally.
The last word on why choose locally sourced food.
Working to get fit requires a ton of effort and consistency. Besides exercise, eating right is one of the most effective ways to maintain and improve fitness. Locally sourced vegetables, fruits, and meats are excellent sources of essential nutrients necessary for your overall health.
Buying them not only ensures that you get your required daily dose of vitamins and minerals but also helps you avoid contact with harmful chemicals and pesticides present in other commercial goods.
We hope what you learned today about locally-sourced foods encourages you to buy locally and continue buying locally long term.
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