Eat Dirt + Other Farmers Market Tips
Like most people who grew up without the internet, I played outside. Kick the can, bike rides alone into the woods (at 7 years old), jumping into leaf piles, and rolling down hills.
There's a common theory now that one reason we face so many health issues (think diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer's, ADD) is that we are too clean. One doctor I follow, Dr. Josh Axe, even wrote a book about dirt and its healing properties called, "Eat Dirt." Mud pies aside, here are three healthy ways to get dirt back into your body.
Walk barefoot in the grass. This movement called "earthing" encourages us to walk barefoot to expose us to micro-organisms and the earth's electrical energy.
Garden and weed. Our skin is porous and the mere act of digging in the dirt helps us absorb essential nutrients.
Head to the farmers market. You'll find some dirt - and maybe a bug - on any good produce bought direct from a farm. Give it a rinse and enjoy. Don't peel your carrots or other veggies with skins. Think, rinse, rub - but don't scrub!
This summer, I've been on a mission to visit as many local markets as possible. If you live in the Chicago area, the Logan Square Market on Sundays from 10am - 3pm is my all-time favorite. It's like Boulder's Farmers Market without the dumpling lady or the bike blenders. But it does have a cool vibe and organic veggies, pasture-raised meats, fresh seafood and plenty of food vendors. I had a kale burger with beetsup, of course.
If farmers markets overwhelm you, here are five quick tips I learned the hard way...
Bring your own bag.
Walk the entire farmers market to check out everything first. Literally scan the tables. Then go back to the stalls that spoke to you.
Talk to the vendors. Ask them about their processes. Especially drill the gluten-free, vegan baked goods people. You might be better off just eating the real thing!
Ask to see the entire box of berries - or else you could be the sucker that buys the carton with the big berries on top and small berries smushed on the bottom.
Ask the flower vendor to hold your big hanging flower basket until you're ready go.
To learn more about how you can be your best healthy self, connect to the space around you, and find your bliss, join me for my summer 30-Day Tough Love Intensive, starting on July 25th. I chose to do it in the summer to take advantage of the freshest produce, the best weather and the busiest time! The busier you are the better. Real change takes real work in the real world!
As always for fun, I'll leave you with...
My favorite way to store recipes I find online. Thank you, Jessica!
My favorite dirt cup recipe. Just crumble up chocolate wafers or sprinkle ground vanilla bean on top for the full effect.
Lastly, be sure to check out my grilled fruit recipe. Another BBQ crowd pleaser!
