Top 4 Reasons To Go Local

* What’s New: Shout Out To My Raw Peeps

* Feature Article: Top 4 Reasons To Go Local

Shout Out To My Raw Peeps

You don’t have to say it.  I know I’m a total dork.

In all seriousness, though, I really want to thank everyone who reads this blog and subscribes to my mailing list.  Fit On Raw has been live for just over 3 months now and the amount of positive, constructive, and inspiring feedback I receive on a daily basis is truly amazing.

Here are some of the encouraging comments I have received over the last few days:

Rebeca writes:

Many adults believe it is too late to start this new way of eating especially since I have been eating a SAD diet, why stop now, the damage is done. Well there is a way of reversing all the damage and I am convinced that Swayze’s way is the best way. I began my 100% raw food diet this past Labor Day. Three days ago. I am stunned with how satisfied I am at every meal. I failed before because I wasn’t eatingt enough fruits. Every Fool Proof Transition To Raw Food tip that Sawyze shares is absolutely your tool for sucess. I have lost 5 pounds in three days, I’m 25 pounds away from my pre-baby weight.

Kathrin writes:

I love how you encourage people to keep it simple and do not tell your visitors that you have to buy this, use that and basically spend a fortune on gadgets and super”food” to do this diet. You are so right about it. People start being raw, because they say that’s what people used to eat and then at the same time they want you to add some pulverized plant extracts to your dehydrated bread. How crazy is that??

I wish there were more people like you who prove that keeping it simple and natural is the best way to go.

Heather writes:

I so appreciate your no-nonsense approach in responding to other raw ‘gurus’ in the field. I HATE the wishy-washy. A few months ago I was at a raw food retreat center working in the kitchen. I was mortified by some of the information given to guests…I realize that we don’t want to scare people away, but at the same time, telling them that sea salt is better than table salt and fine in moderation is STILL garbage.

A big “thank you” to you guys and all of my subscribers, visitors, etc.  It’s hard to convey the feeling in writing, but I really do appreciate all of you.

*muah*

Swayze

Top 4 Reasons To Go Local

The aptly named “Jollie” organic heirloom tomatoes

Alas, summer will be gone in a week and that means I will soon be saying “farewell” to my local farmer’s markets.  No more cheap, delicious food to satisfy my tummy, taste buds, and wallet.

But I can’t complain too much, as this year has presented quite a bounty.  I’ve been up to my eyeballs in awesome stone fruits, tasty and juicy melons, and the most delicious heirloom tomatoes ever (pictured above)!

And all of it has been locally grown and most of it organic as well.

So if you haven’t yet visited your farmer’s market, here are 4 reasons why you should go local and make the most of these last few weeks of summer produce.

#1: Taste and Freshness

Plain and simple, local produce tastes better and is ten times fresher than anything you will find in your neighborhood grocery store.  And there’s a good reason for this.

Local farmers do not have to worry about shipping their foods long distances or ensuring a long shelf life.  They only have to focus on great taste and freshness.

Fruits and vegetables from a supermarket have typically been picked about 4-7 days before they actually reach the store.  In addition, these foods have traveled an average of 1500 miles just to get to the warehouse!

#2: Knowing Where Your Food Comes From

What’s better than knowing exactly where your food comes from?  You get to ask the farmer himself (or herself) important questions like where his farm is located, what is the quality of his soil, does he use pesticides, etc.

Make a trip to your local farmer’s market a regular part of your week and you will begin to form long-lasting relationships with your food growers.

This is great for us raw foodists because it often means good deals on bulk buys.

By the way, to find a farmer’s market in your area, go to www.localharvest.org.

#3: Less Waste

Local produce does not have to travel as far, resulting in a substantial reduction in gasoline and packing materials used.

‘Nough said.

#4: Promote and Encourage Healthful Living

You vote with your dollar.

Whenever you pay for a product, you are encouraging the further creation and promotion of that product.  So when you choose to buy locally, you are helping to ensure the continued sale of local goods.  You are providing the local farmers with much-needed resources (i.e. moolah) so that they can continue to run their farms and provide you with delicious local food.

The more people buy locally, the greater chance local farms have of succeeding and the more high-quality produce in your bellies.

So make a pit stop to your local farmer’s market (or go straight to the source) and enjoy these last couple weeks of summer and its fruity goodness!

Go raw and be fit,

Swayze