Having 3 kids, a very tight budget, and a crazy work schedule.... Just to name a few excuses. Until one morning I rolled over to see my husband swollen from head to toe... Like "hitch" ( in the movie Hitch...)
He had been stung by a wasp and then consumed a soup that I had made from a mix... And now his throat was closing up...
After rushing to the ER and steroids we were given an epi pen and sent to the allergist...where he was told that he had an reaction to 36 different things... Mostly foods.
So we were forced to pull everything out and start from scratch...(no pun intended)
This was hard, I thought I ate healthy before... But now I wasn't eating healthy... I was eating clean. It was hard...but it was a tremendous blessing to our family...
Little by little we reintroduced things to our diet and found we did ok... The big offender was soy... Which is in EVERYTHING that is processed... And is not good for you if not prepared properly...(that's a whole other animal)
So thus began our journey down this path...
When we moved to Ohio we were blessed to be surrounded by farms that grow things organically, or if not organically, by traditional farming....
We started purchasing our eggs and beef and chicken from the farm...
And on occasion veggies...
Now we belong to a CSA (crop share) where for 25$ a week I recurve a box of produce....
This was intimidating at first when I did it a year ago... But today we start again...
Getting the box is like Christmas... And meal planning is a lot easier when you plan from what you have...
Do does it make a difference? Is it crazy expensive? Is it a hassle?
As far as a difference... We are a lot healthier since eating this way.. Yes we get out annual stomach bug... Bit it hits fast and quick... Which I think has to to with good immunity:). We are trying things that are new & different... But healthy!
We save money when I plan... Otherwise I waste food...but this also occurs when I grocery shop without a plan.
I also buy a lot less packaged foods... Which saves a lot!
Convenience... Again is in the planning... But it's much more convenient than emergency room visits:) and CSA's have many drop points.
It's sparked my creative side in the kitchen...and my kids love it. When Jeremiah was asked at school "where do you get your eggs?" He answered"at the farm". The teacher said " of course eggs come from the farm, but what store do you get them at?" He was confused...it was cute!
So if you can...Eat Local... Look for a CSA...be inspired....
Here in Cincy I love Turner Farm, Green Acres Farm, and Fair Ridge.... I am thankful for their beautiful gift up us:)
It's all baby steps....thus was a big one... But it's been worth it.
Tonight we are having chili... Made with local grass fed beef & "second" tomatoes...( they are cheaper bc they are bruised... Great for sauce)
How do you eat local? Eat clean?
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