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Natural Awakenings Space & Treasure Coast Florida

Nourishing Body and Planet with Local Food

Mar 03, 2016 02:12PM ● By Kris Urquhart

In the last week I’ve picked up two resources that highlighted locally grown food and where to find it. I’m always on the lookout for local farms that offer fresh vegetables and pasture-raised, ethical meats. One of my favorite discoveries was during a ‘homeschool field trip’ that my friend Karen organized. She invited me to tag along so we could shop in the farm’s store and bring back our yummy selections. The kids enjoyed seeing the chickens, goats, and hydroponic gardens. A crowd pleaser was watching how they checked the eggs and put them in cartons. The only draw back is that it is a 40-minute drive from my home so not as convenient as a quick stop in the grocery store.

In our feature article, Meaty Truths: Choosing Meat that’s Sustainable and Safe, the author notes an increase 
in farmers producing pasture-raised, ethical meats and the growing number of farmers selling directly to people that reject the industrial system. Further motivation to buy directly from farmers is that non-pasture raised animals are typically isolated on feedlots, where they typically eat a grain-based diet (such as genetically engineered corn) and receive growth stimulants, including hormones and antibiotics.

In my family, we take a multifaceted approach to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It is important to me to consider what goes in and on our bodies as well as what comes out. We look for organic, non-GMO, and hormone-free food products as often as possible. In addition, we integrate a detox strategy to assist the body with eliminating chemicals. Then we employ the support of herbs, massage, energetic treatments and more whenever needed.

In this issue we bring you information to enhance your food choices and de-stress your life. Find suggestions to expand your palate with colorful veggies in our Conscious Eating column. Discover how communities are developing gardens instead of golf courses. Enjoy grown up coloring to de-stress. Learn how to fostering healthful sleep for kids on page 39. Then in our special feature explore good reasons to try acupuncture. I invite you to not only support, but also be supported by the bounty of resources you’ll find in this month’s issue, including our local guide to finding an acupuncture physician.

Here’s to healthy choices!

Kris Urquhart, Publisher