Natural Year Challenge: Food - Month One
Explore Your Sources
Welcome to your first step in transitioning to a natural, healthy, and flavorful diet! It is our hope that these steps will help you ease into the changes, making your journey pleasant and rewarding. Your first assignment is to explore your sources. No need to do anything but research for the entire month!
Local:
- Look for local food co-ops, organic buying clubs, and farmers markets. Search online using the name of your community/city and some of these key phrases to find out if any like-minded groups are nearby. Ask someone you know who has an interest in the subject where they buy their food. Consider this a treasure hunt of sorts!
- Check out your local health food store. Speak with the manager and inquire about their source for meats and dairy products. Look for chicken that is pastured and not exclusively vegetarian. (Bugs are important for a chicken's diet!)
- See the Local Connections section of our Food Resources page to find local sources of fresh, organic food.
- Check your local grocer for organic produce. Stores are increasing their supplies and will continue to do so as the demand grows.
Online:
- There is a vast community of individuals committed to organic, farm-fresh food. The Internet offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with these people. For specific websites, see the Online Sources section of our Food Resources page.
What about the cost? Try to put your questions about cost aside as you do this research. This step does not involve buying; it simply involves "shopping." As you learn more about cuts of meat, organ meats, bone broths, fermenting, etc. you will be surprised by how affordable healthy eating can be.
If you find yourself "ahead" and are eager to jump in, feel free to try one new thing. It might be an organic chicken, a dozen free-range eggs, or a naturally fermented food such as sauerkraut (Bubbies is an excellent brand often found in health food stores).
Continue your research by reading a book on the subject. See the Books section of our Food Resources page for suggestions.
The video below offers some encouragement from Andrea as you take this first step.
We wish you all the best as you begin your move toward healthier living!