A Dietitian's Guide to Eating Locally (and Seasonally)
There are many reasons as to why buying locally can be great. Are you concerned about the environment? Looking to support small businesses? Want to eat fresh and responsibly?
When it comes to food, eating locally can have many benefits for your health, the planet and even your wallet.
Here’s how to eat locally like a pro!
1. Choose seasonal produce
By opting for fresh produce at the very least, eating locally is basically the equivalent to eating seasonally.
Need some inspiration? Get yourself a fruit & vegetable calendar, or find an online resource such as Equiterre to always know which produce are in season in order to help better plan your grocery lists.
While it may seem daunting to eat seasonally during the wintertime, you may be surprised by just how much Quebec producers make during the colder months. For instance, Quebec farmers produce lettuce, tomatoes, herbs, canned goods, fermented foods, baked goods, meats, eggs and cheese year round. Other local produce, such as fresh apples and root vegetables, are also available for purchase all year long!
Need an extra hand? At the grocery store, opt for items you are buying that are produced in Quebec by looking for the Produit d’ici or Aliments du Québec logos.
2. Find your local market
Farmers’ markets are the ideal place to grab tons of local foods. Not only will you be able to find a variety of fruits and vegetables, but you’ll also likely find local fish, meats, cheeses, honey, baked goods and other specialties ─ What’s more is that you can compare prices between products and find great deals!
Find markets near you and figure out their business hours. Some markets are only open once a week in the summer months, while others are open daily year-round!
3. Consider a farmers’ basket
Farmers’ baskets can be a great way to eat fresh, seasonal local and quality products. Some even offer weekly deliveries! Concepts can vary between different companies, but the general idea is to create a mutual benefit between family farmers and local customers. This can also be a great way to include more whole foods into your diet.
Think big, shop small!
Supporting local can make the world of a difference by not only reducing your environmental impact, but also encouraging local prosperity. A few things to always remember:
Seek and you shall find — Eating locally isn’t always easy, but it's almost always possible!
Find a healthy balance — Prioritize eating local rather than forcing a strictly local diet.
Try something new — There are many local foods that you can’t find at the grocery store. Keep the menu interesting! Try making a habit out of colouring your palate!
How do you like to support local?
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