Today we are looking to simplify our lives and enjoy more than ever before. “On the go products” are becoming more popular! Healthy, organic, local, and natural becoming very important to the average consumer when buying any type food of today.

Food labeling on products has improved significantly over the past 10 years. Unfortunately we still do not have the privilege of knowing if we are eating GMOs in restaurants, out of a box, or from can. We need to find trusted sources of naturally produced, non-modified foods for our kids. Growing organic food is necessary to sustain a healthy lifestyle and will make purchasing any food product all that much easier.

With so many fabulous brands available, how do you know where to start? I would say … take the common sense approach when buying food for your family.

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1. We must be able to afford to eat properly. Creating food trends will increase the cost of our food. Stick with my simple approach – eat local, in-season, simple dishes. Bigger demands on any food, results in higher prices, puts pressure on farmers and food factories to grow faster and bigger. Corners get cut this way. We need to keep speaking out for the future of our food.  Farm to Fork

2. Know who is behind the brand; their name reflects on what is inside the package. Every great food has a great story behind how the business was built. It is usually because someone genuinely cares about the food they eat, and want to produce better food for themselves, their family and everyone else. Peter and Chris Neal are all bringing organic food to our tables. Have a peek at Neal Brothers and their story. Snacking can be healthy!

3. Think about packaging. Are you buying products that are still the same after 50 years, but they are sporting a new look?  Search for fresh new brands that are healthy, organic, and have a short shelf life.
Does the way the food is packaged affect your health?

4. We have an abundance of  grocery stores, maybe too many it seems. Try the smaller grocery stores if you can. They often have more unique food products that you cannot find in large grocery stores and you will spend less time walking the isles and buy what you need not what you do not need.  Often their fresh section is super fresh, well-kept, and reasonably priced. Why not buy off the farm from a young farmer like Carter?

5. Eat a balanced diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, poultry, eggs and meats. Find simple seasonal recipes, soups, stews, and roasted dishes like you will find in  freshalicious®.  Get your copy that is beautifully priced for  your personal devices!

If your thinking of buying the book there is a Limited number available for Christmas with the possibility of only offering digital in 2013! freshalicious® will help you buy better, more nutritious fresh food and get you started living local. This is the secret to a healthy lifestyle.

It seems that the organic food industry has caught the attention of even Oprah Winfrey. She has an organic farm on Maui that will grow and distribute to local residents of Maui and throughout the Hawaiian Islands. I believe this is an awesome move from a passionate woman who will put her heart and soul into a new line of organic food and beauty products. Organic seems to be at the root of her new ventures. Good Luck Oprah!

What I think makes the most sense in your community is to protect your farmer, your local food sources, and get to know where your food comes from. Fresh is always best however “On the go products” can be a healthy alternative to eating fast food.

Why not start eating foods that are seasonal and that make sense for you and your family, farmers and the environment. Sustainability is the way of the future.  Source  fresh and local as often as possible from trusted food sources and treat yourself to some awesome healthy and organic snacks!

think fresh*live local*eat healthy

Stacey Fokas

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