Eat Local & Organic

I'm getting sick and tired of grocery shopping. The fruits and veggies aren't fresh and they have no flavor. Even worse, the food we buy isn't safe. One week we cannot buy spinach because of e. coli, the next week it is peanut butter and recently even the pets aren't safe. What are we polluting our bodies with?

I've been dismissing research and sensationalist journalism for years arguing the pesticides, fertilizers and hormones our foods are pumped full of are the cause behind illnesses ranging from autism, neurological disorder, allergies and even cancer. For me, "organic" was just a buzz word that allowed food companies to charge double the price of its chemical laden counterpart.

Fortunately, the great chefs of the world have changed my mind. You see, every great meal starts with great ingredients. Turn on the Food Network and you will hear chefs clamoring that they buy only fresh, local ingredients in season. You know what? I am going to do the same.

There are a lot of benefits to eating local & organic:

• Organic farmers are good for our Earth. They practice sustainable agriculture, don't pollute our precious waterways and reduce our dependency on petroleum (used to make the chemicals and fertilizers used by traditional methods).
• Support hard working families. I love supporting family businesses, as opposed to large, faceless corporations. What can be more satisfying than procuring your groceries from generations of farmers who feed their own families the same products you are feeding yours? It is amazing to meet and develop relationships with people who nourish your family with their own hands and hard work.
• Meat, eggs and dairy from pastured animals is lower in calories and fat. It is higher in antioxidants (2-3x more Omega3s than grain fed animals) and "good" fats.

There are more options than ever for buying local, organic food. Many of the larger, chain grocery stores even have organic sections (although many of these stores are staffed with experts to help you find the best products). There are even grocery stores, like Whole Foods, Wild Oats and your local health food store that carry a huge variety and knowledge of natural and organic products.

There are also two great websites to help put you in touch directly with the farmers themselves. Most of the time, you visit the farm yourself. I highly recommend bringing the entire family and making a day out of it. You (and your kids) will learn so much and the farmers are often excited to tell you about the history of their family, their land and their bounty. The free samples don't hurt either. You will be amazed at how flavorful the fruits and veggies are. I almost forgot what strawberries really tasted like.

• Eat Wild - This site is dedicated to grass fed beef, lamb, goats, bison, poultry, pork and dairy products. You can search by state for local farmers. Don't have room for a side of beef in your freezer? Get together a group of friends and family and split the bounty. Surprisingly, buying direct from the farm is MUCH MORE AFFORDABLE than grocery store prices.
• Local Harvest - This is my favorite. Heirloom seeds, listing of farmer's markets, local farms, wools, honey, soaps, coffee, chocolate, etc. A ton of useful information. Check it out today. Again, you can search by location for those farms closest to you (many even deliver or ship their goods).

Earth Day or not, you should at least consider adding local and organic products to your grocery list. Not only are they healthier for you and your family, but they taste a lot better.