It has been a while (again)...and I have been busy, busy, busy! I started a new fitness class at 5 am so when I get home I am pretty drained!
I am sticking to my local diet pretty well. The markets have been wonderful still and I feel good about going into the winter season. I have a lot frozen but not as much canned as I would like. I will rely on the co-op to provide much of what I need. My awareness grows each day...
I have also been able to strat a running routine!
I signed up for the Nike Human Race and invite you to join me!
Join me for the Nike+ Human Race through Team UP TO SPEED!
Register (it's free!) for the Human Race at
http://inside.nike.com/blogs/nikerunning_humanrace-en_US?register=HR2009
then sign up with Ambassador Amandah at
http://tinyurl.com/ambchall
Make sure to tell Amandah I sent you!
Be well!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
What Day is It?
The further and further I get into my "experiment" the more I find that the so-called changes I have made are becoming second nature. I no longer go into my days thinking about day ?? of 365...it's just another day in my life and another opportunity to do something good for the community and the planet. Each day I find that there are more and more things I can do to challenge myself and to lessen what I leave behind. The latest- No Impact Challenge. Through a series of links I was going to for more information on local eating I came across No Impact Man's blog (I had read about him in Sleeping Naked is Green--info at www.greenasathistle.com) which led me to the website for the project (www.noimpactproject.org). I have been making small changes, for the environment, since starting to eat locally, as most the information I find on locavores leads me to interesting links and resources about living greener, so this challenge is perfect! I would love to have a local group take the challenge with me! I should get information soon as to when it starts.
I have also found there are frustrating barriers to things I would like to do because of where I live (in a condo)...planting a huge garden that will feed us through the season, composting without violating a condo-law, biking to work without getting squashed on the highway, and freezing large quantities of food (having a large freezer in addition to my refrigerator would just make me feel like I am undoing any planetary good I have done). So- I am doing what I can in my small space and forming habits I can live with day to day, while holding a job, keeping a partner, and not starving.
So what have I done?
-Set up recycling bins in the garage
-Unplugging appliances when not in use (and following my loved one around turning off lights!)
-Traded in two old (one gas guzzler) vehicles for smaller, more fuel efficient cars
- Buy 90% of our food from the Farmer's Markets and the local Co-op
-Eat and buy locally (I am averaging 70% daily and have forced my partner into about 40%) with a goal of being able to maintain 90% for a month.
- Switched my cat to a more natural and Eco-friendly brand of food (though it has created a much more vocal cat)
- More houseplants and less TV
-Fair trade coffee
-Doing most my shopping at second hand stores
-If I purchase new I try to buy items made with mother earth in mind.
-Turning off the water when I brush
- Adding two water bottles to the toilet tank so it uses less water
-Cutting back on shower time and let my hair air dry more (which is especially easy when I am running late!)
-Recycling books (at the resale bookstore) and magazines (I am sure fellow gym members love me!)
-Reusing containers in a variety of ways
...I am sure I have left out some things that I do on a day to day basis that I don't think about anymore.
What I want to add to this list...
-Be more visible with the organizations in which I am a member.
-Get out my bike and use it to get around town.
-Use my granola bar "business" as a way to inspire change in others (get to the Farmer's Market!)
-Begin my month of 90% local eating (I can do this tomorrow!)
-Cut meat from my diet
-Integrate my education into my classroom.
-Buying locally made, earth-friendly, world-relief instilling products for my loved ones for Christmas (wrapped in reused and/or recycled paper)
It is good to have goals...
I have also found there are frustrating barriers to things I would like to do because of where I live (in a condo)...planting a huge garden that will feed us through the season, composting without violating a condo-law, biking to work without getting squashed on the highway, and freezing large quantities of food (having a large freezer in addition to my refrigerator would just make me feel like I am undoing any planetary good I have done). So- I am doing what I can in my small space and forming habits I can live with day to day, while holding a job, keeping a partner, and not starving.
So what have I done?
-Set up recycling bins in the garage
-Unplugging appliances when not in use (and following my loved one around turning off lights!)
-Traded in two old (one gas guzzler) vehicles for smaller, more fuel efficient cars
- Buy 90% of our food from the Farmer's Markets and the local Co-op
-Eat and buy locally (I am averaging 70% daily and have forced my partner into about 40%) with a goal of being able to maintain 90% for a month.
- Switched my cat to a more natural and Eco-friendly brand of food (though it has created a much more vocal cat)
- More houseplants and less TV
-Fair trade coffee
-Doing most my shopping at second hand stores
-If I purchase new I try to buy items made with mother earth in mind.
-Turning off the water when I brush
- Adding two water bottles to the toilet tank so it uses less water
-Cutting back on shower time and let my hair air dry more (which is especially easy when I am running late!)
-Recycling books (at the resale bookstore) and magazines (I am sure fellow gym members love me!)
-Reusing containers in a variety of ways
...I am sure I have left out some things that I do on a day to day basis that I don't think about anymore.
What I want to add to this list...
-Be more visible with the organizations in which I am a member.
-Get out my bike and use it to get around town.
-Use my granola bar "business" as a way to inspire change in others (get to the Farmer's Market!)
-Begin my month of 90% local eating (I can do this tomorrow!)
-Cut meat from my diet
-Integrate my education into my classroom.
-Buying locally made, earth-friendly, world-relief instilling products for my loved ones for Christmas (wrapped in reused and/or recycled paper)
It is good to have goals...
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Been a Long Time...
Day 26 already!
While I am not 100 %every day I feel like I have had it pretty easy with having so many Farmer's Markets almost every day somewhere near me and with the co-op just 20 miles away...I am too comfortable. I have not canned and have not made any additions to my freezer festival. I need to get my mind back in the game.
I have found that my work meals are getting easier but some days I am in a hurry and don't pack enough. Hunger hits and I grab something close (need to move the candy drawer). I am learning though. I put a lot more thought into the food I eat and where it comes from and it's really catching on...
I went to a benefit dinner to promote healthier school lunches. It was at a vegetarian, organic restaurant and I took my least vegetarian, organic friend. It was a holiday for me (local food options galore!) and a learning experience for her. But the conversation was great and I learned that she has another friend who has recently gone vegetarian after reading about the treatment of animals on that provide us with our meat. I had plenty to add to that conversation!
I have to think that maybe that dinner gave her something to think about or encouraged her to give more thought to where some of her food comes from too...
Not an excuse as to why my blog has lost its luster but more like an explanation...
I, upon discovering the world of bulk, local grains and organic cooking ingredients have found myself on the brink of my own business (possibly!). Remember those yummy granola bars I made? Well- I made them again and again and came up with five different flavors. I shared some with friends who suggested I try to sell them at the Farmer's Market. I gave it some thought and got an application from the market. The lady there encouraged me because there wasn't anyone selling that there so I looked into business cards, logos, labels, order forms and I sit here now having sold 5 and a half dozen bars!
I call them Natural Girl Granola Bars.
Flavors? Oats and Fruit, Apples and Peanut Butter, Fudge-Ola, CranConut, Peanut Butter, and Morning Lift (espresso flavor). I am not at the market yet but just by making samples and having my fabulous significant other take some to work I have gotten orders! I am in the process of taking samples to my workplace and having them available at a 5K that my sis is having for her workplace...all about getting the word out. I would like advice, recommendations, resources, etc. I need to know things about my name and copyright/trademarks, the labels I need for marketing, tips, and the ins and outs. Anyone have any of these things?
So- I have been trying to eat locally, make granola bars, get back to a structured workout routine, work, and have time to enjoy life. Whew! Does that explain my absence?
It's late and I have a local lunch to make so thanks for catching up and plan on my return soon!
While I am not 100 %every day I feel like I have had it pretty easy with having so many Farmer's Markets almost every day somewhere near me and with the co-op just 20 miles away...I am too comfortable. I have not canned and have not made any additions to my freezer festival. I need to get my mind back in the game.
I have found that my work meals are getting easier but some days I am in a hurry and don't pack enough. Hunger hits and I grab something close (need to move the candy drawer). I am learning though. I put a lot more thought into the food I eat and where it comes from and it's really catching on...
I went to a benefit dinner to promote healthier school lunches. It was at a vegetarian, organic restaurant and I took my least vegetarian, organic friend. It was a holiday for me (local food options galore!) and a learning experience for her. But the conversation was great and I learned that she has another friend who has recently gone vegetarian after reading about the treatment of animals on that provide us with our meat. I had plenty to add to that conversation!
I have to think that maybe that dinner gave her something to think about or encouraged her to give more thought to where some of her food comes from too...
Not an excuse as to why my blog has lost its luster but more like an explanation...
I, upon discovering the world of bulk, local grains and organic cooking ingredients have found myself on the brink of my own business (possibly!). Remember those yummy granola bars I made? Well- I made them again and again and came up with five different flavors. I shared some with friends who suggested I try to sell them at the Farmer's Market. I gave it some thought and got an application from the market. The lady there encouraged me because there wasn't anyone selling that there so I looked into business cards, logos, labels, order forms and I sit here now having sold 5 and a half dozen bars!
I call them Natural Girl Granola Bars.
Flavors? Oats and Fruit, Apples and Peanut Butter, Fudge-Ola, CranConut, Peanut Butter, and Morning Lift (espresso flavor). I am not at the market yet but just by making samples and having my fabulous significant other take some to work I have gotten orders! I am in the process of taking samples to my workplace and having them available at a 5K that my sis is having for her workplace...all about getting the word out. I would like advice, recommendations, resources, etc. I need to know things about my name and copyright/trademarks, the labels I need for marketing, tips, and the ins and outs. Anyone have any of these things?
So- I have been trying to eat locally, make granola bars, get back to a structured workout routine, work, and have time to enjoy life. Whew! Does that explain my absence?
It's late and I have a local lunch to make so thanks for catching up and plan on my return soon!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Day 16...Time, Time, Time...
It has been a while since I posted (thanks Karen) and it is only due to time. I have been watching the contents of the refrigerator dwindle and have been working away at making granola and granola bars. Yep- new hobby!
I am currently trying to use up all the oats I had in my pantry before buying local/organic again. So- most of those bars are getting eaten by the BF and co-workers/friends. I have found a new passion! I love trying different flavors and ways of making them but it has swayed me from the local goal. So- when I go for ingredients this weekend I will be focused on trying to get as many ingredients locally as possible.
The eating has been okay...not the best. Visiting others and being away from home makes it hard. Now that I am going back to work I find that I need a well stocked eatery if I am going to pack locally.
Any tips on packing a lunch and what foods are best to have handy for this?
I think I can make it through the next days and this weekend I am going to "Organic-land" farmers market so I will be ready for my full first week back to work!
I am also looking forward to some canning time this weekend...
Last question- Any ideas for preserving watermelon? Freezing takes so much from the flavor!
Thanks for reading!
I am currently trying to use up all the oats I had in my pantry before buying local/organic again. So- most of those bars are getting eaten by the BF and co-workers/friends. I have found a new passion! I love trying different flavors and ways of making them but it has swayed me from the local goal. So- when I go for ingredients this weekend I will be focused on trying to get as many ingredients locally as possible.
The eating has been okay...not the best. Visiting others and being away from home makes it hard. Now that I am going back to work I find that I need a well stocked eatery if I am going to pack locally.
Any tips on packing a lunch and what foods are best to have handy for this?
I think I can make it through the next days and this weekend I am going to "Organic-land" farmers market so I will be ready for my full first week back to work!
I am also looking forward to some canning time this weekend...
Last question- Any ideas for preserving watermelon? Freezing takes so much from the flavor!
Thanks for reading!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Day 9...Packing Lunch
Back to work means new challenges. It also means I may need to find a bigger lunch box...
Two days of being away from home made me realize how much I was relying on the fridge and kitchen functions to enable me to have local, home prepared meals and snacks.
My lunch box was bursting with containers of fruits, salads, eggs, and various homemade snacks.
I had to get to the classroom to get things ready for school and found myself snacking when I was hungry and getting along fine until the time came to head out for another school obligation. There, I found myself surrounded by many, many sugar filled, non-local edible items calling out to me..."Just a bite! You have eaten like this before!" As I found myself answering "Yes" to an invitation to join a colleague for lunch in the room filled with such foods with the ethereal voices of meals past, I also recall reaching for the small, but pride-saving, box of local gold edibles en route.
Meal Summary: Contents of lil' lunch box plus a few crackers and minuscule amount of chicken salad. I will chalk that up to good with a side of well done!
That was yesterday and today fared even better...
I decided to tempt the boundaries of my lil' munch box and went full scale on the home-made salad and extra fruit, plus some left-over potatoes. I also added to this bounty of local yum, the soon-to-be famous granola bars that I delightfully gleed about the day before (to colleagues).
This afternoon was a moment for me...watching the faces of those (besides my loved one at home) consume what was my first attempt at home-made goodness. It was a grand experience, to say the least. I thought my granola bars were good. I was very happy with the final result. Loved one was also thrilled...(but does that truly count as a review?) so to see the faces of those not bound by devotion with the same thrilled expression as a result of consuming my granola bars...well, it was just swell.
Due to this magnificent reaction I feel it is my duty to continue to add to the happiness and peace in the world through the home production of these bars. Who knows- maybe my segway to the non-local/organic eating public on the benefits of this way of consumption is through granola bars! Hmmmmm...
My next endeavor- peanut butters granola bars AND 2nd attempt at granola (first one was a bit dark and crunchy).
Recipe: TBA
What I have learned:
Never underestimate the space of lil' munch boxes.
Local/organic travels well ('cept yogurt...ew)
People carry pieces of the desire to eat better...it just takes one of you start that conversation.
Two days of being away from home made me realize how much I was relying on the fridge and kitchen functions to enable me to have local, home prepared meals and snacks.
My lunch box was bursting with containers of fruits, salads, eggs, and various homemade snacks.
I had to get to the classroom to get things ready for school and found myself snacking when I was hungry and getting along fine until the time came to head out for another school obligation. There, I found myself surrounded by many, many sugar filled, non-local edible items calling out to me..."Just a bite! You have eaten like this before!" As I found myself answering "Yes" to an invitation to join a colleague for lunch in the room filled with such foods with the ethereal voices of meals past, I also recall reaching for the small, but pride-saving, box of local gold edibles en route.
Meal Summary: Contents of lil' lunch box plus a few crackers and minuscule amount of chicken salad. I will chalk that up to good with a side of well done!
That was yesterday and today fared even better...
I decided to tempt the boundaries of my lil' munch box and went full scale on the home-made salad and extra fruit, plus some left-over potatoes. I also added to this bounty of local yum, the soon-to-be famous granola bars that I delightfully gleed about the day before (to colleagues).
This afternoon was a moment for me...watching the faces of those (besides my loved one at home) consume what was my first attempt at home-made goodness. It was a grand experience, to say the least. I thought my granola bars were good. I was very happy with the final result. Loved one was also thrilled...(but does that truly count as a review?) so to see the faces of those not bound by devotion with the same thrilled expression as a result of consuming my granola bars...well, it was just swell.
Due to this magnificent reaction I feel it is my duty to continue to add to the happiness and peace in the world through the home production of these bars. Who knows- maybe my segway to the non-local/organic eating public on the benefits of this way of consumption is through granola bars! Hmmmmm...
My next endeavor- peanut butters granola bars AND 2nd attempt at granola (first one was a bit dark and crunchy).
Recipe: TBA
What I have learned:
Never underestimate the space of lil' munch boxes.
Local/organic travels well ('cept yogurt...ew)
People carry pieces of the desire to eat better...it just takes one of you start that conversation.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
One Week!
After a full week of ups and downs and multiple learning experiences I feel good about continuing and only getting better. Of course the first week consisted of times when I found myself at a restaurant or nibbling on Tim's food...or trying to justify a non-local/non-organic substance but I figure with the other things I HAVE accomplished this week, those are small potatoes!
Looking back on the week I can only set a goal to have more days of 100% local/organic eating. Limit the excuses (like going out to eat after Tim's golf tournament last night) and stay focused.
What do I truly want to learn from this ?
What knowledge do I want to gain in order to share with others?
How can my experience with the 100 mile diet help other people to take the challenge?
I have noticed that while I strive to consume in a way that is more healthy (for myself and local farmers) I am paying more attention to the other things I am doing and asking myself if what I am doing is truly the best way...
- Driving: How far do I have to go? Can I walk? Does my car have to idle or can I shut it off?
- Packaging: If I buy more smaller containers rather than one large one I prevent more waste. Which product has the least amount of packaging? Do I have to store this in plastic or a reusable container?
- Water: Taking quicker showers and using the water I cook with to fee my plants (when it is not full of yuck) and taking notice of the times when I run water for longer periods of time.
One good thing we do for the environment essentially leads to awareness of the other things we do in our daily lives...I look at it like if I am going to spend this much time and effort to make my eating habits better for myself, the local farmers/businesses, and the planet than why not make most of what I do the same kind of friendly? I guess I was taught that when you do something, don't do it halfway.
What I have learned the past week:
Canning 101 (peaches and tomatoes!)
How to make yogurt and fruit Popsicles
There are certain Farmer's Markets that rock over others! At the Iowa City Farmer's Market it was odd NOT to see an organic produce stand! I had soooooo much!
I can get my grains and other local goods (baking, popcorn, dairy) at a small village store in the Amanas.
Spending five hours in the kitchen with shoes on my feet limits the soreness by a smidgen.
There are many resources available to me if I just open my eyes a little wider!
A few I am using to seek out like-minded people:
http://www.jclfa.org/ the Local Food Alliance website
Mother Earth News- magazine based on living wisely.
Edible Iowa River Valley- just picked this up from the market.
This site!
Goals for the following week:
Find a place to store canned goods AND potatoes. Anyone?
Stay focused on what my goal is and limit "exceptions".
Make some rock star granola bars today!
Add to my collection of canned foods.
"There is a sufficiency in the world for man's need but not for man's greed."
~Mohandas K. Gandhi
Looking back on the week I can only set a goal to have more days of 100% local/organic eating. Limit the excuses (like going out to eat after Tim's golf tournament last night) and stay focused.
What do I truly want to learn from this ?
What knowledge do I want to gain in order to share with others?
How can my experience with the 100 mile diet help other people to take the challenge?
I have noticed that while I strive to consume in a way that is more healthy (for myself and local farmers) I am paying more attention to the other things I am doing and asking myself if what I am doing is truly the best way...
- Driving: How far do I have to go? Can I walk? Does my car have to idle or can I shut it off?
- Packaging: If I buy more smaller containers rather than one large one I prevent more waste. Which product has the least amount of packaging? Do I have to store this in plastic or a reusable container?
- Water: Taking quicker showers and using the water I cook with to fee my plants (when it is not full of yuck) and taking notice of the times when I run water for longer periods of time.
One good thing we do for the environment essentially leads to awareness of the other things we do in our daily lives...I look at it like if I am going to spend this much time and effort to make my eating habits better for myself, the local farmers/businesses, and the planet than why not make most of what I do the same kind of friendly? I guess I was taught that when you do something, don't do it halfway.
What I have learned the past week:
Canning 101 (peaches and tomatoes!)
How to make yogurt and fruit Popsicles
There are certain Farmer's Markets that rock over others! At the Iowa City Farmer's Market it was odd NOT to see an organic produce stand! I had soooooo much!
I can get my grains and other local goods (baking, popcorn, dairy) at a small village store in the Amanas.
Spending five hours in the kitchen with shoes on my feet limits the soreness by a smidgen.
There are many resources available to me if I just open my eyes a little wider!
A few I am using to seek out like-minded people:
http://www.jclfa.org/ the Local Food Alliance website
Mother Earth News- magazine based on living wisely.
Edible Iowa River Valley- just picked this up from the market.
This site!
Goals for the following week:
Find a place to store canned goods AND potatoes. Anyone?
Stay focused on what my goal is and limit "exceptions".
Make some rock star granola bars today!
Add to my collection of canned foods.
"There is a sufficiency in the world for man's need but not for man's greed."
~Mohandas K. Gandhi
Friday, August 7, 2009
Day 5...Learning to Can
I now officially have three jars of canned peaches...yay me!
Three jars of canned peaches took me almost two hours...I will be freezing more than I will be canning.
With that said- the most nerve-wracking thing about canning. My nerves! I was so nervous that something would explode, boil over, melt, or turn green. Not sure why the fear of that last one.
The only expense for this adventure was the $3.99 purchase of fruit fresh powder...oh- and the peaches. Otherwise I got the jars and lids from mom and dad and already had the pot and use regular tongs to get the jars out...if (for some reason) this becomes something I LIKE to do, I will be purchasing better equipment...
While my jars were taking their boiling bath I managed to make a wine bottle cork trivet. I was up last night thinking about the canning and what I would do with all my corks. Oddly enough I managed to do both of those things at virtually the same time! I also managed to burn myself on the glue gun more than with two pots of boiling water going on the stove...figure that one out!
Now- I am off to the market to get more peppers so that I can actually fill a freezer bag before putting it in the freezer.
Three jars of canned peaches took me almost two hours...I will be freezing more than I will be canning.
With that said- the most nerve-wracking thing about canning. My nerves! I was so nervous that something would explode, boil over, melt, or turn green. Not sure why the fear of that last one.
The only expense for this adventure was the $3.99 purchase of fruit fresh powder...oh- and the peaches. Otherwise I got the jars and lids from mom and dad and already had the pot and use regular tongs to get the jars out...if (for some reason) this becomes something I LIKE to do, I will be purchasing better equipment...
While my jars were taking their boiling bath I managed to make a wine bottle cork trivet. I was up last night thinking about the canning and what I would do with all my corks. Oddly enough I managed to do both of those things at virtually the same time! I also managed to burn myself on the glue gun more than with two pots of boiling water going on the stove...figure that one out!
Now- I am off to the market to get more peppers so that I can actually fill a freezer bag before putting it in the freezer.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Day 4...Fridge Full!
On the way home from our visit we managed to find quite a few produce stands and markets with farm grown produce. Organic? Not so much.
Standing amongst the vast array of colors and smelling the sweet peaches made it difficult to walk away but had to redirect my train of thought to the non-pesticide track. It is easy to say "Supportin' the local farmer" and purchase bushels of freshness but my taste buds have experienced what a fresh, organic tomato can taste like and they don't want nothin' else (and I didn't even like tomatoes so much before)!
After three (?) stops we finally found a great produce market in Manchester. The woman working was very helpful and pointed out the items she KNEW were grown organically and those she was semi-sure...so we tried a few blueberries and decided that the taste and texture was so different than any we had eaten before that they had to be grown in suitable conditions...right? The car drove off en route to the homestead with enough blueberries to freeze and and eat, sweet potatoes, beans, lettuce (yay) and a bunch of peaches (a whole bunch of peaches).
The majority of the night was then used to find out how to can peaches (I will need to get more), freeze blueberries (I now know that all berries and most fruit can be cut, single layered on a cookie sheet, put in the freezer overnight, then bagged) cook up eggplant I bought the other day, how to store potatoes when living in a condo (anyone?), and re-found the blanching times for beans, peppers, and squash. Oh! I almost forgot to mention I bought a bag of beets so my next quest will be to find a recipe and find out if we even like them!
All this and I managed to throw together a 100 mile salad!
Standing amongst the vast array of colors and smelling the sweet peaches made it difficult to walk away but had to redirect my train of thought to the non-pesticide track. It is easy to say "Supportin' the local farmer" and purchase bushels of freshness but my taste buds have experienced what a fresh, organic tomato can taste like and they don't want nothin' else (and I didn't even like tomatoes so much before)!
After three (?) stops we finally found a great produce market in Manchester. The woman working was very helpful and pointed out the items she KNEW were grown organically and those she was semi-sure...so we tried a few blueberries and decided that the taste and texture was so different than any we had eaten before that they had to be grown in suitable conditions...right? The car drove off en route to the homestead with enough blueberries to freeze and and eat, sweet potatoes, beans, lettuce (yay) and a bunch of peaches (a whole bunch of peaches).
The majority of the night was then used to find out how to can peaches (I will need to get more), freeze blueberries (I now know that all berries and most fruit can be cut, single layered on a cookie sheet, put in the freezer overnight, then bagged) cook up eggplant I bought the other day, how to store potatoes when living in a condo (anyone?), and re-found the blanching times for beans, peppers, and squash. Oh! I almost forgot to mention I bought a bag of beets so my next quest will be to find a recipe and find out if we even like them!
All this and I managed to throw together a 100 mile salad!
Day 3 ...continued
I am going to take a moment and reflect back to the first part of this day...a mention of nachos?
I am now going to place you in the most local setting of McGregor...La Fajitas. Psychic?
My two goals were to be healthy and be aware...well, I was very much aware that the fajitas I ordered were about the healthiest thing on the menu!
I would say I did better than I would have had I not been thinking about 100 miles and not disrupting my stomach with the "new addition".
I DID manage to drink local water (thanks Jen!) :)
Back on track today thanks to my trusty blue lunch sack...although I have a feeling I will be in need of a larger version if I am going to use it when school starts...
What I have learned:
If more than half my meals are local I can count it as a day on plan...only when on leave from home base.
I am starting to really like this...
What does day 4 have in store!?!
I am now going to place you in the most local setting of McGregor...La Fajitas. Psychic?
My two goals were to be healthy and be aware...well, I was very much aware that the fajitas I ordered were about the healthiest thing on the menu!
I would say I did better than I would have had I not been thinking about 100 miles and not disrupting my stomach with the "new addition".
I DID manage to drink local water (thanks Jen!) :)
Back on track today thanks to my trusty blue lunch sack...although I have a feeling I will be in need of a larger version if I am going to use it when school starts...
What I have learned:
If more than half my meals are local I can count it as a day on plan...only when on leave from home base.
I am starting to really like this...
What does day 4 have in store!?!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Day 3...Additions in Action!
On the road and with my lunch sack! Ha!
What would I do without the local co-op? I managed to find so many great, local foods yesterday!
Breakfast: I heated up the 7 Grain Cereal I found in the bulk bin. Added berries, then wondered if maybe I should have looked up how to cook it. It wasn't bad, just maybe not as simple as I thought.
To do: Look on co-op website for cooking instructions?
The co-op supplied me with milk, cheeses, cottage cheese, yogurt, eggs, and grains- all local!
My plan for the rest of the visit: Be healthy. Be aware.
Something tells me that when your body gets used to eating good foods and you throw a plate of cheesy nachos its way, the response will not be in your favor...
To be continued...
What would I do without the local co-op? I managed to find so many great, local foods yesterday!
Breakfast: I heated up the 7 Grain Cereal I found in the bulk bin. Added berries, then wondered if maybe I should have looked up how to cook it. It wasn't bad, just maybe not as simple as I thought.
To do: Look on co-op website for cooking instructions?
The co-op supplied me with milk, cheeses, cottage cheese, yogurt, eggs, and grains- all local!
My plan for the rest of the visit: Be healthy. Be aware.
Something tells me that when your body gets used to eating good foods and you throw a plate of cheesy nachos its way, the response will not be in your favor...
To be continued...
100 Mile Plan
Note: This is a plan specifically set up by me, based on my individual learning needs. I retain the right to change said plan, at any time, when I feel my health, emotional state, my effect on others due to the plan, and/or unplanned circumstances demand change.
The Plan: To consume foods and drinks grown and produced within 100 miles of my home.
Why? To aide in the sustainability of local farms and businesses, learn about local foods and where they come from and how they are grown, and the health benefits associated with consuming organic, local foods. Back to the basics.
Duration of Time: One year
Individual Plan Additions (due to the waving of my magic wand of rights)
- Coffee; not going anywhere but will focus on purchasing fair-trade.
- 100 miles: Nice, round number that can be altered slightly and only under circumstances such as peanut butter and ingredients that may be in products purchased locally. Used sparingly!
- Vacations, visits, leaving home, dining out, etc.: You will probably not see me munching on carrots slices and frozen watermelon from a lunch sack at Applebees. Meal decisions will be made with priority to local, organic foods ("local" being based on where I am) but may not always be an option.
- Additional additions may be added. Hehe.
The Plan: To consume foods and drinks grown and produced within 100 miles of my home.
Why? To aide in the sustainability of local farms and businesses, learn about local foods and where they come from and how they are grown, and the health benefits associated with consuming organic, local foods. Back to the basics.
Duration of Time: One year
Individual Plan Additions (due to the waving of my magic wand of rights)
- Coffee; not going anywhere but will focus on purchasing fair-trade.
- 100 miles: Nice, round number that can be altered slightly and only under circumstances such as peanut butter and ingredients that may be in products purchased locally. Used sparingly!
- Vacations, visits, leaving home, dining out, etc.: You will probably not see me munching on carrots slices and frozen watermelon from a lunch sack at Applebees. Meal decisions will be made with priority to local, organic foods ("local" being based on where I am) but may not always be an option.
- Additional additions may be added. Hehe.
Days 2 #1...Adventures in Locavoring
Day 2-
Sliced carrots are not chips...no matter what you dip them in.
I woke up starving...the need to reboot is larger than life and my list of 'to-dos' aims to get to this need. Off to the market.
The first market I attend I discover the "Market Master"...the one all market-goers are waiting for...the one with the bell. Only by the power of that bell can those waiting for their beautiful bounty get their hands on the green (or red, or yellow, or orange...). I arrive early without the knowledge of the master so I have to wait (tick, tock).
Of the dozen or so stands at the market only TWO (yes, 2) are not spraying their produce. Sigh.
I managed to get my hands on more potatoes (add root cellar to my list of things to do), tomatoes, 2 onions, 4 peppers, an eggplant (recipe needed), and a bunch of berries (with the added bonus of a prospective phone number from said farmer...no thanks!)
Stomach growling, I made my way down south in the hopes of more organic-tism. Did I buy anything I could much on for the ride? Yep- and eating those berries only brought back the fond memories of the not-so-appropriate joke told to me before he gave me the bag. Anyone else have berries for sale?!?
The next market was smaller than the first but had local honey and melons (does organic matter when the good stuff is under so much of the tough stuff? I also bought some apples BEFORE asking if they were sprayed. A curt reply of "yes" follows as she stuffs my apples in a plastic bag while I stand before her holding my cloth bag! I take my apples wondering where my firm stance disappeared to...
Off to the co-op...all my hope packed onto three sticky notes (that's where I wrote all the local places and people who sell there).
As I wander through the aisles I start thinking about this year...the last few days have been hard and my focus has been more on my growling stomach than on my "master plan' of learning and growing as a consumer. Something would need to give or I could spend the year in misery.
I think back to the ways I have grown up eating. As a child, I spent a lot of time wondering what was lying across my plate after not much more than a skinning and a cooking. Most our food had to be peeled from the bone and there was always a starch, a veggie, and a fruit...not too many boxes of anything around. Fast food was only something we got to eat when we visited the grandparents (as well as candy bars...minus Halloween). My relationship with food has not been good for a long time so to have to continue to think about "what I can't have" for another year could put me over the edge...instead I want to focus on where my food comes from, who planted the seed, what it tastes like, how to cook it and how many other ways can I cook it, what is available and when, and how are these choices making Tim and I healthier and local people keep their businesses. That seems a lot better to me than asking how many calories somethings has, how much can I eat, how far do I have to run to burn that off, and why I am still hungry.
Yep- all this went through my head as I perused the aisled and it enabled me to buy a few things without guilt because I know they are healthy, semi-local, and sticks true to what I want to come from this (BTW- those things were peanut butter from Missouri, hummus made in the co-op, and organic raisins).
Leaving the co-op I felt like I had a good plan of action...one that I could stick to and maintain each day. The plan will be #2 for the day...
To sustain from boring anyone with many more details of day 2, I will just say that I managed to research preservation options and ended up with beans, cantaloupe, and watermelon in my freezer after spending hours in the kitchen.
What I learned:
-Watermelon from a Farmer's Market looks NOTHING like the ones I have purchased from the store...NOTHING!!!!!
- Fruits and veggies DO taste different coming right off the farm.
- A great meal can be made locally (last night's dinner: salad, broccoli, and chicken that I had to pull off the bone- go me!)
- Standing in the kitchen for 4-5 hours in bare feet does not a tough woman make...ouch!
To Do:
Write up the plan.
Day 3
Sliced carrots are not chips...no matter what you dip them in.
I woke up starving...the need to reboot is larger than life and my list of 'to-dos' aims to get to this need. Off to the market.
The first market I attend I discover the "Market Master"...the one all market-goers are waiting for...the one with the bell. Only by the power of that bell can those waiting for their beautiful bounty get their hands on the green (or red, or yellow, or orange...). I arrive early without the knowledge of the master so I have to wait (tick, tock).
Of the dozen or so stands at the market only TWO (yes, 2) are not spraying their produce. Sigh.
I managed to get my hands on more potatoes (add root cellar to my list of things to do), tomatoes, 2 onions, 4 peppers, an eggplant (recipe needed), and a bunch of berries (with the added bonus of a prospective phone number from said farmer...no thanks!)
Stomach growling, I made my way down south in the hopes of more organic-tism. Did I buy anything I could much on for the ride? Yep- and eating those berries only brought back the fond memories of the not-so-appropriate joke told to me before he gave me the bag. Anyone else have berries for sale?!?
The next market was smaller than the first but had local honey and melons (does organic matter when the good stuff is under so much of the tough stuff? I also bought some apples BEFORE asking if they were sprayed. A curt reply of "yes" follows as she stuffs my apples in a plastic bag while I stand before her holding my cloth bag! I take my apples wondering where my firm stance disappeared to...
Off to the co-op...all my hope packed onto three sticky notes (that's where I wrote all the local places and people who sell there).
As I wander through the aisles I start thinking about this year...the last few days have been hard and my focus has been more on my growling stomach than on my "master plan' of learning and growing as a consumer. Something would need to give or I could spend the year in misery.
I think back to the ways I have grown up eating. As a child, I spent a lot of time wondering what was lying across my plate after not much more than a skinning and a cooking. Most our food had to be peeled from the bone and there was always a starch, a veggie, and a fruit...not too many boxes of anything around. Fast food was only something we got to eat when we visited the grandparents (as well as candy bars...minus Halloween). My relationship with food has not been good for a long time so to have to continue to think about "what I can't have" for another year could put me over the edge...instead I want to focus on where my food comes from, who planted the seed, what it tastes like, how to cook it and how many other ways can I cook it, what is available and when, and how are these choices making Tim and I healthier and local people keep their businesses. That seems a lot better to me than asking how many calories somethings has, how much can I eat, how far do I have to run to burn that off, and why I am still hungry.
Yep- all this went through my head as I perused the aisled and it enabled me to buy a few things without guilt because I know they are healthy, semi-local, and sticks true to what I want to come from this (BTW- those things were peanut butter from Missouri, hummus made in the co-op, and organic raisins).
Leaving the co-op I felt like I had a good plan of action...one that I could stick to and maintain each day. The plan will be #2 for the day...
To sustain from boring anyone with many more details of day 2, I will just say that I managed to research preservation options and ended up with beans, cantaloupe, and watermelon in my freezer after spending hours in the kitchen.
What I learned:
-Watermelon from a Farmer's Market looks NOTHING like the ones I have purchased from the store...NOTHING!!!!!
- Fruits and veggies DO taste different coming right off the farm.
- A great meal can be made locally (last night's dinner: salad, broccoli, and chicken that I had to pull off the bone- go me!)
- Standing in the kitchen for 4-5 hours in bare feet does not a tough woman make...ouch!
To Do:
Write up the plan.
Day 3
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Day 1...Reality Check
I was very excited to begin my 100 mile diet...then I woke up this morning.
A night with my sister and her family, celebrating being together after many moons of apart-ness, made for a difficult first chapter in this story of mine.
I thought I was adequately prepared for today...made a trip to the Farmer's Market to stock up yesterday and mom & dad gave me some veggies from their garden, knowing I would need to take with me, anything I would need to eat at my sister's. Did not think about the fact that potatoes, broccoli, carrots, flax seeds, garlic, and kale would not suffice when faced with this morning.
Regardless, I sliced up some potatoes while my brother-in-law made a hearty breakfast of hash browns, eggs, and cheese whiz for everyone else (yes- cheese whiz). I ended up eating some eggs (strike one?) with my potatoes and coffee (my "outside 100 miles" keeper) and filled up pretty fast.
Meal one: check.
We made our way home and I managed to get everything cleaned and put away...then I read a produce book I am using to educate myself on the ins and outs of buying, storing, and cooking seasonal eats and found out that washing lettuce before refrigerating speeds up the wilting process . Darn.
Anyone have any other tidbits of info that could be useful to me at this point?
I am planning to purchase the produce book of all produce books pronto- in the hopes that it will save me any more mishaps.
Lessons Learned Day 1:
-Think "breakfast" when purchasing foods to eat at loved one's house (when I can).
- Do NOT wash lettuce before refrigerating/storing (thanks for the paper towel tip mom!).
- Start buying larger quantities of the foods to be canned or frozen.
- Cold turkey 100 miling it is very difficult. I succumbed to the organic apples and cherries here at home (strike 2/3?) due to a craving for fruit (realized I had not bought any at the market yesterday).
- I should have signed up for a CSA farm share.
Tomorrow: To the market (fruit, fruit, fruit, fruit...)
Look up info on canning and freezing fruits and veggies
Trip to the co-op (using the list of local suppliers from the website)
Decide where I will be more laxed on this plan...dining out, coffee, staying with others, trips, etc. to make this more realistic and easier to continue.
A night with my sister and her family, celebrating being together after many moons of apart-ness, made for a difficult first chapter in this story of mine.
I thought I was adequately prepared for today...made a trip to the Farmer's Market to stock up yesterday and mom & dad gave me some veggies from their garden, knowing I would need to take with me, anything I would need to eat at my sister's. Did not think about the fact that potatoes, broccoli, carrots, flax seeds, garlic, and kale would not suffice when faced with this morning.
Regardless, I sliced up some potatoes while my brother-in-law made a hearty breakfast of hash browns, eggs, and cheese whiz for everyone else (yes- cheese whiz). I ended up eating some eggs (strike one?) with my potatoes and coffee (my "outside 100 miles" keeper) and filled up pretty fast.
Meal one: check.
We made our way home and I managed to get everything cleaned and put away...then I read a produce book I am using to educate myself on the ins and outs of buying, storing, and cooking seasonal eats and found out that washing lettuce before refrigerating speeds up the wilting process . Darn.
Anyone have any other tidbits of info that could be useful to me at this point?
I am planning to purchase the produce book of all produce books pronto- in the hopes that it will save me any more mishaps.
Lessons Learned Day 1:
-Think "breakfast" when purchasing foods to eat at loved one's house (when I can).
- Do NOT wash lettuce before refrigerating/storing (thanks for the paper towel tip mom!).
- Start buying larger quantities of the foods to be canned or frozen.
- Cold turkey 100 miling it is very difficult. I succumbed to the organic apples and cherries here at home (strike 2/3?) due to a craving for fruit (realized I had not bought any at the market yesterday).
- I should have signed up for a CSA farm share.
Tomorrow: To the market (fruit, fruit, fruit, fruit...)
Look up info on canning and freezing fruits and veggies
Trip to the co-op (using the list of local suppliers from the website)
Decide where I will be more laxed on this plan...dining out, coffee, staying with others, trips, etc. to make this more realistic and easier to continue.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Prepping for 100 miles...
I just finished a book called 'Plenty-One Man, One Woman, and a Raucous Year of Eating Locally' by Alisa Smith and JB MacKinnon. I decided the best way to follow this up was to begin my own journey...one year? Hopefully! I thought to start with 100 days of 100 miles made sense because it sounded good, then decided if I am going to do this then might as well try to do it the hard way!
I did some research today and found some great websites where I can get some information, recipes, and places to get food. PLUS many of these resource sites have FB pages with many others trying the same thing!
Today was also some prep time at the homestead. I cleared spaces in the cupboards and the refrigerator for my local foods and have my significant other on board with me! :)
I have a map of my 100 mile radius and the number of places within that space put me at ease a bit. I will post a pic of my map soon.
Next step- Check out localharvest.org for a list of farms, markets, and places for food buying.
My "official" start date for my year challenge is August 2nd...
A few websites to check out to learn more about this challenge:
www.100milediet.org
www.100mile.foodtv.ca/
I did some research today and found some great websites where I can get some information, recipes, and places to get food. PLUS many of these resource sites have FB pages with many others trying the same thing!
Today was also some prep time at the homestead. I cleared spaces in the cupboards and the refrigerator for my local foods and have my significant other on board with me! :)
I have a map of my 100 mile radius and the number of places within that space put me at ease a bit. I will post a pic of my map soon.
Next step- Check out localharvest.org for a list of farms, markets, and places for food buying.
My "official" start date for my year challenge is August 2nd...
A few websites to check out to learn more about this challenge:
www.100milediet.org
www.100mile.foodtv.ca/
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