The warm season is here and it’s time to get outside. When planning your weekend, make sure you include a trip to your local farmer’s market, such as the Farmers Market of the Ozarks. Farmers markets reconnect us with our food system. Most of the time, we have no idea where the carrots in our salad or the steak on our grill come from, but farmers markets change this. They invite us into the world of our food. We get to learn how the food was grown, where it was grown, and who grew it! This type of interaction is the best way to maintain your keto diet in Springfield Missouri. We get the opportunity to meet the men and woman who cared for our food for months before it was ready to harvest, and we get to ask what them favorite way to fix their food.
Farmers markets support healthy lifestyles and diets in all aspects. A 2012 study in Austin, Texas found that farm stands operating in low-income neighborhoods just one day a week increased the consumption of fruits and vegetables for families within walking distance. Another study conducted in North Carolina concluded that proximity to farmers markets was associated with lower body mass index (BMI) for local youth. By their presence alone, farmers markets are proven to positively impact the health and diet of their community, especially in areas that otherwise lack sufficient access to fresh, healthy food. Give one of these hidden gems a try and you’ll see how much more enjoyable it is compared to wandering the aisles at a grocery store.
When you have fresh, healthy ingredients at home that you handpicked, it’s easy to make the right choice for dinner. Engage with your community, support local farmers, educate yourself on where your food comes from. This weekend, pick up some kale at the local market and try this dairy-free, keto diet friendly recipe:
Avocado Kale Caesar Salad
1 avocado, divided
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 small cloves garlic
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 bunch kale
Cut the avocado in half. Reserve on half for the salad. Blend the other half with the water, mayo, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon, and salt. Taste and adjust this dressing as desired. Toss the chopped kale with the dressing and enjoy.
Eating healthy does not have to be expensive or complicated. Go to the market, meet some people, gain some recipes, and try new foods. Surround yourself with people who are doing what you want to do. Surround yourself with people who have a healthy lifestyle, and the market is the best place to find them.
If you are interested in starting a healthy lifestyle and want to learn more about medical weight loss plans or supplements, contact us at Kare Health & Wellness.