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Local food and just plain payng attention to intake

By
Real Estate Agent with Roy Wheeler Realty Co.

city market charlottesville vaWe'll be headed down to the City Market momentarily.  In the past few weeks, I've taken processed flour and sugar out of my diet, I've added 15 minutes of stretching and hand weights to my morning (probably 4 mornings each week), and I walk a minimum of 2 miles with my pooches every day it isn't raining.  Honestly, I was doing the exercise before, and nothing was happening.  It's the refined sugar and flour, and also eating as fresh as possible.  I've lost ten pounds.  Finally.  I need to drop another twenty, but after three years of post-quitting-smoking and age-related hormonal changes, I have struggled to get my metabolism jump started again. 

While at the Market last week, I met a woman who works with JABA, the Jefferson Area Board for Aging.  They have a program I'll be investigating and writing about further, but the bottom line is this...  This local group that focuses on the needs of Seniors is knee-deep in the movement to EAT LOCAL.  Why, because it's more healthful.  If our Seniors eat more Healthfully, perhaps there will be few trips to the hospital. 

Simple tips:

1. Buy fresh from local markets whenever available; we have markets on Saturdays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout the community;
2. Buying local honey helps you build an allergy immunity;
3. Whole grains... just do it. 
4. Take the time to research the availability of locally-grown food.  It does seem incredibly overwhelming, but it doesn't need to be.  We manage to find the time to do the things that we think are really important.  When you get there (to the place that you believe this is really important), find a couple of hours and really study this website, BUY FRESH BUY LOCAL.  Then, select a couple of places and visit them. 

5. Don't try to change your family's eating habits over night.  Start slowly, add one change when it works for you; but keep your eye on your goal, whatever that is.

Now we're off for Ezekiel bread, asparagus and strawberries!  (and some fun, because the Charlottesville Market is just plain fun!)

Comments(4)

David Burrows
Classic Realty - Fairfax, VA
No Pressure, Just Seriously Devoted to Real Estate

Virginia, three years and 5 months ago I did much of the same as what you are writing about. I made it a lifestyle change that I would use for the rest of my life. Today, 52 pounds lighter, I walk 45 minutes, 5 days a week. I use light weights three days a week and enjoy great, healthy food with increased fiber content. The biggest change is, I've gone from a size 44 waist to a 36. Needless to say, I gave 15 suits and sport jackets away and am enjoying my new lifestyle! Keep up the good work! - David

May 28, 2011 02:08 AM
Wallace S. Gibson, CPM
Gibson Management Group, Ltd. - Charlottesville, VA
LandlordWhisperer

60 years ago, while living in SC, we would "go to the country" each Sunday to have dinner with my mother's parents' families and we would ALWAYS stop on the side of the road and get vegetables and produce directly from the farmers!

I've had to explain to my SoCA husband what OKRA was.....

May 28, 2011 02:58 AM
Virginia Gardner
Roy Wheeler Realty Co. - Charlottesville, VA
Realtor, Charlottesville, Serving Central Virginia

David, you're an inspiration... thank you so much for sharing that!

You know, Wallace, I have always thought I did not like okra; I think it's time I give it another try!

May 28, 2011 05:39 AM
Shannon Milligan, Richmond VA Real Estate Agent/Associate Broker
RVA Home Team - Richmond, VA
RVA Home Team - Winning with Integrity.

Congrats on making such an amazing life change! I need to cut out the sugar as well...

We have some great local Farmers markets here in our area as well and I need to check them out!

Have a great weekend!

May 28, 2011 03:33 PM