Eat Local April

Spring has officially sprung, and the birds and the bees are buzzing from budding tree to blooming bush. I love the brink of a new season, and every year I tell myself "Oh! Spring is just my favorite!"Until Summer or Fall come around, then I am their biggest fan (shhhh, don't tell Spring!). Call me fickle, or call me optimistic. Either way, every new season beholds it's own kind of beauty, and I love them all!

I was wandering around downtown yesterday and I came across this poster that informed me that it was "Eat Local Month" in my city. I was having a difficult time coming up this ideas this month (I'll admit I have been a little busy as of lately…), but when I saw this poster, I thought to myself, "Ah-HA! This is it!" It was fate.

This April, in honor of "Eat Local Month", I want to challenge all of you in a manner that is different than just physical trials. This month will be a little more holistic in the sense that the challenge is not only beneficial to you, but greatly influences the well-being of your immediate community, as well.

Here's the challenge:

• Shop your local market for fresh fruits and vegetables that were grown in your area. 
• Eat local foods as much as you can!
• That's it! 

Seriously, there is no catch. I am literally challenging you to eat. BEST CHALLENGE EVER, right?! Not only do you get to spend the month indulging in some of the most fresh food you can get you hands on, you will be doing wonderful things for yourself AND your community. Double whammy!

Some of the benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Local foods are often more fresh, because they spend significantly less time in transit from location to location. They get from the farm to your plate much quicker!
• Since local food does not have to travel as far, and therefore not exchange between too many hands, it often costs a lot less. Less transit time and distance and less exchanges leads to less expensive products. 
• Small farms that provide the community with fresh food usually do not have to produce in mass quantities, unlike large commercial farms. Therefore, small farms can utilize cleanlier farming practices, i.e. less exposure to pesticides and chemicals. 
• Chemical run-off is minimal from small farms utilizing cleanlier farming practices (less pesticides, etc.). You can enjoy fresh food AND help the environment!
• By eating local, you are supporting small business, local farming families, and your local economy.

*Notice: On Instagram (IG) my username is no longer @fitspobod. It is now @freshfitandfancy.