The Farmers Market in Battle Creek, Michigan

One of my favorite personal finds in my area is the Farmers Market in Battle Creek, Michigan.  The Farmers Market is held each Saturday and Wednesday morning in downtown Battle Creek out side the McCamly Plaza.  Local farmers from around the region come to sell their goods and produce, and it is a great healthy alternative to the produce you find in a regular grocery store.

  Additionally, the prices are very competitive and the produce in many cases is larger and healthier looking as well.

My wife and I make the visit to the Farmers Market at least once a week, as we have been on a diet that is low calorie and calls for all-natural or organic produce. 

Most people are not aware of the difference between the terms 'All Natural' and 'Organic'.  Organic is a certification from the USDA on growing methods that do not include pesticides or chemicals.  All Natural is a similar certification, but it is given by the farmers association, and it follows the same or similar guidelines. 

You will not find much 'Organic' food at many Michigan Farmers Markets, according to the members of the Farmers Market I have spoken with, as the not many in the State are certified.  On the other hand, you will find a lot of 'All Natural' growers at the Farmers Market in Battle Creek. 

However, you do have to ask, as not all the produce sellers grow the goods themselves that will sell at the Farmers Market.  It does not mean that these sellers should be avoided, it is just that you might have to ask further questions about the growers farming methods if you are looking for produce with few pesticides used.

There is also a great deal of All Natural poultry, pork, lamb and beef sold at the Farmers Market in Battle Creek, Michigan, which is another reason I frequently buy from there.  Some of the beef is strictly grass-fed meat, and free of hormones and chemicals.  The same with the poultry and eggs.  So this is another great way to buy good healthy food when you are looking to eat a healthier diet. 

I have been on a mostly All-Natural or Organic diet for about three months now, and I notice a huge difference in my energy levels and I have lost a great deal of weight.  It is amazing what one comes to learn about the difference between American food products and European food products when you look into this. 

America seems to be the primary country in the world placing so many chemicals in our foods, whereas a majority of countries around the world do not, although a lot of the South American Countries do use pesticides in farming.  It would seem that this introduction of added chemicals in our food supply is a contributing cause to obesity, when one considers that America has the the highest rate of obesity in the world. 

All the more reason to look for your own local Farmers Market, and help support independent American farmers and ranchers!  My experience with the Farmers Market in Battle Creek, Michigan is that all the sellers seem to be very friendly and are willing to answer any question about the products, as well as share growing tips and methods for your own garden.  All in all, they are all very nice hard working people.