I was recently turned on to a website that’s been around for a year, and an idea that started a few years ago, that has a unique look at how we should choose what foods we consume (sort of). Here’s the long and short on it: Eat foods grown locally.

Sounds simple, right? I mean there’s nothing quite like going to the local farmer’s market on a breezy summer morning and picking up some fresh-from-the-field produce….or some great organic, locally baked bread (oh my, our farmer’s market has this guy that brings the MOST WONDERFUL organic bread, made one loaf at a time with incredible ingredients that are fresh and locally grown! yum! My mouth waters just thinking about it!)

I am a huge proponent of eating organic whenever possible, buying as fresh as possible, as close to the source as possible. I believe, and some research has shown, that the sooner you eat fresh foods or the closer to the source you are, the more nutritious the food is. This makes sense since once food is separated from it’s nourishment (i.e. the plant or tree which it grows on), it begins to die - well, technically, it dies as soon as it’s separated from its source. So, each moment from the time it is separated from its source until you actually eat it, the degradation process is moving along, and it’s losing more of its wonderful nutrients that your body wants and needs.

So, the idea behind the 100 mile diet is one that I really embrace. Is it always possible? Maybe not - depending on where you live….but, that doesn’t mean that it’s completely impossible. I can’t think of one inhabited area of the planet that doesn’t have food grown or raised within 100 miles. Of course, I know, you are thinking that I live in the middle of farm country, so, that’s easy for me to say. But, understand that, even though I DO live in Iowa, there are many farms in my 100 mile radius that you couldn’t PAY me to eat from! Remember, we are living in the age of commercial agriculture. Simply buying something directly from a farmer really isn’t ensuring that it’s organic, or that it’s the best for your body. Sad, yes, but, very true.

While I’m focused on the nutrition and health benefits of eating locally grown, fresh, and organic, there is also an environmental aspect to this as well which is covered at the 100 Mile Diet website.

The 100 Mile Diet website has some great information, and super getting started tips - based on REAL experience (that’s always refreshing, isn’t it?!?), so surf over and check it out when you have the chance.