I’ve been thinking a lot about what I eat lately. Maybe it’s because of the couponing and shopping with much more purpose and intention than ever before. Or maybe it’s just because it’s Spring here in Charleston and there are signs for U Pick strawberries on the roadsides near my house. Those signs are the perfect reminder of all the amazing foods the South Carolina Lowcountry offers. And it’s not just fruit and vegetables: there are farms that sell local chicken, pork, and beef; the oceans are full of local fish and shrimp; coffee roasters make coffee more local friendly; tea abounds on entire plantations; and there’s even muscadine wine and liquor.
So for these 30 Days I will Eat Local. I’ve already (and excitedly) joined a CSA, but I plan to shop the farmers markets, try lots of new recipes, find the best places for the freshest seafood, and try new restaurants that utilize the local ingredients. And if it was a sign from the 30 Days Gods, Lowcountry Local First has declared April Eat Local Month to celebrate the start of the harvest season. And they’ve initiated the Eat Local Challenge, so I signed up. Specifically this month I will “aim to buy 10% more local food than [I] usually do, learn to can or put up seasonal produce, or dine out at restaurants that source locally produced food,” and even try to grow my own veggies.
Want to register with me? Or maybe you’ve given yourself your own 30 Day challenge. If so, please share.
My 30 day challenge is to exercise every day for at least an hour. And make one new recipe a week.
So far so good.
I almost signed up for a 5k, but I'm recovering from a torn ligament in my ankle (month 3 of rehab. Fun.) So far Bikram Yoga and biking is working for me. We'll see how long I last.
An hour a day is an amazing challenge, but one I know you can do. And think how great you're going to feel on the flipside. Not to mention how ready you'll be for bathing suit season.
How'd you hurt your ankle? Yeiks. That sounds really painful! But I'm glad you've found a routine that works for you. I think that's the real battle.