Juliana Reflections and the Future

I am really glad we did this challenge! I feel like even in a week, my eating habits have improved, I feel healthier, I have more motivation at the gym, I have more energy, I got to meet people in the community who make my food. My food had a face this week and that feels nice. My food was environmentally sustainable this week and that also feels nice! I was forced to try new things like parsnips, and also I have beets still to cook that I never got around to. I don't feel that a week of doing this has made us experts but it has opened my eyes to the possibility of this diet as a permanent lifestyle. I feel like we're just getting started and already the week is over. I still have tons of local veggies to finish up. I was surprised to be wrong about the cost of eating locally. I know it would be different if I had a whole family to feed but the vegetables and fruit I bought were often at par and even cheaper than buying them from Superstore. Milk, eggs and other proteins especially cheese were more expensive but they last a single person quite  while. My suggestions for anyone who wanted to give this a try would be...

1. Try to recruit some friends....It was amazing to have Meghan and Amy to do this with because we could give each other tips on where to find certain things, recipe ideas, moral support and encouragement. Together we could also reach more people and spread the ideas of the 100 mile diet further.

2. Start in Spring or Summer....Start when the markets are open and thriving so that you don't get discouraged by a lack of variety! If you start in the spring or summer then you'll be way more prepared to successfully make it through the winter with canned goods, jams, dehydrated foods etc.

3. Try new things!....Don't stick to your usual shopping list, try new vegetables, you'll learn a new skill and might even find something you really enjoy eating! Like beet leaves, edible flowers, dandilion leaves, parsnips etc.

4. Plan & Prepare....Make sure you set enough time aside to meal plan and prepare foods so that you have a few things to take on the go such as Meghan's pumpkin seeds or nuts. Try making homemade granola bars or easy things to grab when running out the door. Have your veggies pre-washed and chopped so that meals wont take too long and make you feel like you're always in the kitchen.

5. Meet the people who make your food... Don't just buy your local produce from the supermarket, go to the farmer's markets and orchards, farms etc and meet the people who make, grow and produce your food. They often have neat stories and your food becomes more personal. This enforces your reasons for doing the 100 mile diet and promotes success! It is also community building and easier to recommend a face to your friends than an item in a grocery store.

6. Read "The 100 Mile Diet"....This was a great source of comfort and knowledge for me as we went through a week of many adjustments and hard choices. It feels good knowing that sugar cravings and frustrations are part of the process and Alisa and J.B are vocal about their struggles but they succeeded and you can too. They also have amazing recipes and food ideas. Their stories will make you laugh and encourage you to keep going. It is also a resource you can recommend to your friends who are interested in what you are doing.

7. Support Restaurants who serve local...Many restaurants in Kelowna serve local foods, support these as a way to treat yourself to not having to cook. Raudz downtown is known for using foods that are in season and from farms in Kelowna. The Train Station pub on Clement uses almost exclusively local foods including beef, cheese, ice cream and beer.

8. Eat by the Canada Food Guide...Make sure a Amy did, that you are eating enough of the different food groups so that you don't become lacking in nutrients. It is important to eat a variety and not just what is easiest or cheapest.

9. Don't sweat the extra bucks....Spending a little extra on certain items is a reality of this lifestyle but there are things to think about, for example you'll probably not be eating out as much which saves you money such as forgoing the daily Starbucks or Timmy's run or grabbing a treat at the mall, you will be losing weight which can also save you money depending on your lifestyle, and you're giving to your community which gives back to you.

10. Finally, tell people about what you are doing....this is a movement and it doesn't help the environment or the community if only one person is doing it, it's a group effort. Having said that, it doesn't take everybody doing it to make a difference. People responded really well when I told them what we were doing and expressed interest in making changes that would be better for the environment and the community. Maybe you'll inspire someone to eat not within 100 miles but within BC at least, or maybe within Canada, every little bit helps.