We hope you have been enjoying summer as much as we have! The market season has been great, and it's been a lot of fun seeing all of you out and about all summer long enjoying the weather and all the things the farmers' markets have to offer. This month we want to talk about how to think about eating healthy in a way that isn't intended to cause a lot of stress. We all like to make sure we are putting the right things in our bodies, but sometimes it can become very difficult to ensure everything we eat exactly what we want. Hopefully the philosophy we share will help you think about how to eat healthy without causing yourself too much stress in this crazy world of processed food, chemicals and synthetic colors and flavors.
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Eating Healthy in a World of Fake Food
Sometimes it can be hard to figure out exactly what is in all the different foods that you eat every day. Even some of the ingredients you find at the stores may have things you don't want. This reality leaves you with a couple different options when looking for what to eat; grow your own food and ingredients, or you can spend time looking through ingredient lists to ensure you're avoiding the things you don't want. Unfortunately, our lives sometimes get in the way, and we end up cutting corners or having cheat meals/days and eat things we know aren't great for us.
I like to incorporate two different things into my diet and my eating habits to ensure that I'm able to keep my body clean while still having cheat days and enjoying eating out with my family, hitting up that food truck with the kids or having that doughnut from time to time.
First off, I do my best to avoid any ultra processed food. This includes most chips, snacks, treats, candies, syrups, soda, and fast food, to name a few. I'll still grab the iced mocha from time to time, though. Otherwise, it's all whole foods, ingredient lists with names I know and can pronounce, and restaurants that source from high quality distributors.
The second thing I do is I either incorporate intermittent fasting all year round, or I do a full vegan fast for 5-6 weeks a couple times a year, usually in the late spring and fall. This allows my body to reset, cleanse itself and allows my gut biome to heal. My intermittent fast is usually a 6/18 fast, where I have a 6-hour window in the evening where I can eat, and I only allow myself water with some lemon and salt in the other 18 hours. On the other hand, the vegan fast usually last about 5-6 weeks where I avoid dairy, fish and meat as best I can.
The best advice I have is to find a method which allows you to feel mentally and physically healthy while also maintaining a positive relationship with food.
💡 Pro Tip: Use the 80/20 rule with how you eat - Where 80% of the food you put in your body is very close to being exactly what you want, and the other 20% is where you can let your guard down just a little bit.
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Come See Us!
Want to stock up on greens and say hello in person? You can find us at the following markets this summer!
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Skokie Farmers' Market
5127 Oakton Street, Skokie
⏰ 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
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Ravinia Farmers' Market
Jens Jensen Park, Highland Park
⏰ 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
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Lake Bluff Farmers' Market
Lake Bluff Village Green
⏰ 7 a.m. – 12 p.m.
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Winnetka Farmers' Market
Winnetka Metra Station Parking Lot
⏰ 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Stop by for fresh microgreens, dressings, freeze-dried toppers, and inspiration for your meals!
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Thank you for your continued support! We hope you are enjoying the summer weather and look forward to seeing you at the market all summer long!