Athens Farmers' Market

Farmers' Markets are amazing. Period. It is a dietitian's Chuck-E-Cheese. That might be a poor reference... those things are creepy. Athens has a really great farmers' market on Saturdays that I haven't been able to go to, but I go on Wednesdays instead. It is smaller but still fantastic.

Farmers' Markets are great because you are supporting local farmers, therefore, your city or town. At most Farmers' Markets, you can find vendors who are Certified Organic or Certified Naturally Grown, which means you know how they are treating your foods and they are not genetically modified. Another great thing to note is that you get more nutrients from foods that spend less time from when they are picked until you cook them. At grocery stores, most of the food has traveled a long way to make it onto your shelves, so their nutrient content has decreased. This is not usually the case at farmers' markets; they pick their food that day or maybe the day before. So, seriously, go check out your local farmers' market. Odds are that there is one near you or maybe you grow your own, which is even more awesome.

And here is what I came home with the first time I went to the market. Lacinato Kale, shiitake mushrooms, mint, and gomacio (a Japanese seasoning made of sesame seeds, garlic, dried seaweed, dried kale, and black pepper).

The second time I went, I came home with onions, radishes, lacinato kale, and the most delicious strawberries I've ever had. 

It's so exciting to know that your food is nutrient rich, where it came from, and that it's healthy for you. You feel good about what you are eating, which should honestly happen every time we eat. 

Another thing to note is that Farmers' Markets usually have some type of ethically and pasture-raised, hormone-free meats there too! They are always a great price and taste incredible. I picked up some grass-fed ground beef and pasture-raised groud pork when I was there too.

Enjoy the experience!

xoxo Britney