Pri Dogra - Health Coaching | Transform Your Health and Your Habits

SEPTEMBER 2022

Almost every single Saturday for the last ten weeks I have frequented my local farmer’s market.

Here’s what I’ve grown to love about it:

1) Knowing exactly where my food comes from

IMO, this one is HUGE. Have you ever really thought about where your food comes from? Until recently, I hadn’t paid any attention to the “Product of Mexico/USA/Chile/Guatemala” labels at the grocery store. It was when I realized that the garlic I had reached for was imported from China that I paused, put it back, and took note of all the labels in the section. Where exactly was it grown? How – and when - did it get here? How long did it take to get here? How did it stay looking fresh this entire time? As the consumer, the reality is that we don’t know. THIS is why I love the market so much – I know exactly where the food is grown, when it is gathered, and how long it takes to get to me (usually not more than four ground hours!). I also know the people who harvest it. This, in itself, is major; I have relationships with the people who literally grow my food (and they recognize me each week!). Very powerful stuff if you ask me.

2) Eating seasonally

You probably already know that when produce is fresher, it’s MUCH tastier. But, did you also know that it is actually healthier? Seasonal produce refers to produce grown in its peak season (e.g. strawberries in summer, squash in fall, brussels sprouts in winter, asparagus in spring). Because of this, the produce is able to flourish to its maximum capacity, resulting in a greater concentration of nutrients. This nutrient density is more easily preserved in the minimal transport time we were talking about earlier - #farmtotable - compared to internationally imported items at the grocery store. Not to mention, market produce is often organic, and not genetically modified. This is why you’ll see peaches the size of your palm, kale bushels double the size of your head, crooked crispier cucumbers, and massive juicy tomatoes that aren’t perfectly round. If you do want to eat out-of-season items, you can always freeze your fresh produce. Overall, the increased vitality of market produce has me hooked.

3) Increasing diversity

It has been well-established that people who eat 30+ types of plants a week have significantly stronger guts than those who don’t. In other words, biodiversity is key for a healthy gut. Trying new produce and only using what’s in season has forced me to become much more creative in the kitchen. For example, tomatoes have been on heavy rotation in my household this summer. While I have always been a tomato fan, I have definitely branched out into trying more sauces and salads with them. Similarly, mint and basil have become staples in my routine. I have been savouring super potent mint tea, adding it to smoothies, and basil has become the base of many breakfast bowls. Prior to the market, I was dubious about fruit in salads. Now, I have been converted into loving peaches in any combo, especially ones that involve buffalo mozzarella, greens, walnuts, and honey. Oh and how could I forget: going to the market is what prompted me to try salmon after 18 years! I now have it once a week – aptly with basil and tomato – and love it.

4) Helping the environment

Just as out gut needs diversity to thrive, so do the farms. Going to the market supports the farmers’ diverse harvests which is essential in maintaining healthy ecosystems, including improving soil quality. (Soil quality has been on the decline for the last several decades – meaning our food is less nutritious than it used to be – so this is important!) I’ve also noticed considerably less waste in my life, and around me at the market: hardly any plastic packaging, zero printed receipts, and people walking instead of driving. Who doesn’t love a good reusable tote?!

5) Supporting local

A perhaps more obvious pro, markets are a great opportunity to support local farmers and businesses. In doing so, you will typically find produce for better deals. And, if you go near market-close, you might just walk away with some free items.