Go Organic and Locally Grown

Today’s Re-Powering Information: I don’t’ think I stressed enough in this past nutrition seminar the importance of going organic. There truly is a difference in the quality and despite popular thoughts, it’s NOT more expensive to eat organic. There is a comparison at www.NaturallySavvy.com that shows the costs of eating the typical American diet compared to organic. Organic can be less. One thing I encourage is to support local farmers. There are farmers markets all around and it’s likely you drive right by them. Read the article below to find out why local is a great choice.
From the site of Dr. Mercola. . .
Locally Grown Option Best

There are several reasons why opting for locally grown produce is one of the best choices you can make. These include:
• Freshness and taste
• Wanting to keep farmland and open spaces in the community
• A desire to be close to the food source and know where it comes from
• Support of local farmers and keeping money in the community
• Increased food safety

And according to one grocery chain poll, a full 82 percent of customers said locally grown produce simply tastes better.

Not only is locally grown food tastier and healthier, but there is something about shopping for fresh foods in an open-air, social environment that just feels right. The mere act of shopping for your food in this kind of environment even tends to inspire more healthful living, as research by the Economic and Social Research Council has confirmed.

They found that people who participated in alternative food networks (which supply primarily locally grown foods), typically:
• Increased their consumption of fruits and vegetables
• Improved their cooking skills
• Improved their knowledge about food
• Changed their behaviors in relation to other goods, such as household products and clothes

If you want to experience some of these benefits first-hand, check out this list of some great resources to obtain locally grown, wholesome food that supports not only you but also the environment.
END – I have bought produce in Bartonville town square on a Saturday and they have delicious tomatoes and green beans.

I love pumpkin and this is a great time of the year to get it. I had pumpkin soup in Chicago on Tuesday night and it’s filled with nutrients and anti-oxidants –and tastes great. This may or may not be appealing to you, but I think it’s delicious and it’s healthy!

Recipe of the Day
Pumpkin Bean Burger





Ingredients
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cooking oil
1 cup BUSH'S® Great Northern Beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
1/3 cup quick cooking oats
1/4 teaspoon dried sage
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
salt and pepper to taste
Sauce:
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
4 hamburger buns



Directions
In a large skillet, saute onion and garlic in oil until tender; set aside. Mash the beans in a large bowl. Stir in the pumpkin, oats, sage, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Mix in the cooked onion and garlic. Chill for at least 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Shape the bean mixture into four patties. Place on a greased baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown, turning once. Or cook in a nonstick skillet for 4 to 6 minutes on each side or until golden brown. For sauce, combine mayonnaise and ginger. Spread sauce on the buns and fill each one with a bean burger patty.

End
Have an outrageous adventurous day!

Kelli Calabrese
www.KelliCalabrese.com
www.ArgyleBootCamp.com