Category Archives: Farmers Markets
Paleo Eats and Farmers Markets in Raleigh, NC
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| When looking for eggs it is important to ask if they are fed organic feed that is free of soy. It is also good to ask if they are free to roam, eat insects/worms and get sunshine. This will enhance the vitamins and minerals in the eggs. Chickens are not meant to be vegetarian!! |
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| Goodies at the Farmers Market |
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| Not rain or snow will keep us from local and organic food! |
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| Outdoor seating at the Weaver Street Market Later we visited the Weaver Street Market and Coop where they have lots of local meats and prepared foods. Me and Ellen had a great time drinking organic decaf with coconut milk under their porch. For a great coffee try bulletproof coffee which is low in toxic mold on other coffees. |
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| Ellen checking out the non-toxic Essential Oils |
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| The meat selection at the Weaver St. Market |
Always try to get 100% grass fed beef such this one which is not fed soy, corn or gmo contaminated clover. Feeding corn and soy to cows in the last stages can change the omega 3/6 ratio which can cause excess inflammation in our bodies. A good place to get beef is US Wellness Meats which is 100% grass fed.
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| Some grass fed burgers with guacamole at The Spotted Dog On Yelp they said the Spotted Dog was a vegetarian restaurant but it’s a good thing I checked it out further. They had some great grass fed burgers here! It was awesome to get some warm food on this rainy day. This burger with no bun really hit the spot. |
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| Took another local chocolate break |
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| Black Mountain Chocolate on the road |
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| Grass Fed Girl’s keepin’ it paleo at the bridal shower |
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| My Flank steak with wine sauce at the Rehearsal Dinner at 411 West |
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| Legit veggie/meat tray before the wedding at The Carolina Inn |
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| Ellen and me with the beautiful bride, the newest member of our family. |
Remember when you are out of town is that with a few Yelp.com searches and using your smart phone you can find some great organic sustainable places just like you have back at home. There is no reason to give in to the bread temptations!
Caitlin Weeks
Caitlin Weeks, BA, Certified Nutrition Consultant, C.H.E.K. Holistic Lifestyle Coach, and NASM Certified Personal Trainer is a San Francisco based Holistic Nutritionist serving clients locally and beyond (US & international) via phone and Skype consultations. Since 2001 Caitlin has had success conquering obesity after a lifelong struggle with her weight. Since 2009 she has been winning the battle over Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis by managing stress and using a paleo diet. She is committed to educating others about the benefits of traditional foods and efficient exercise. She writes weekly articles about health and nutrition on her blog: www.grassfedgirl.com
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My Favorite Farmers Markets in the Bay
Are you concerned about reducing green house gasses and your carbon footprint? What you purchase from farmers markets usually comes from farms less than 100 miles away–not flown in from Chile or New Zealand.
Another reason to shop at farmers markets is there is less packaging than big grocery stores, and you can use your own bags, meaning less waste overall. Most importantly, farmers markets offer organic produce at a discount when compared to large grocery stores.
Organic is oft-used but commonly misunderstood term. Truly organic means that farmers use renewable resources, including the conservation of soil and water, to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Also, crops that are organic are free from conventional pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, bio-engineering/genetic modification, and irradiation. In reference to livestock, truly organic also certifies that meat and poultry are free from antibiotics and growth hormones.
Organic produce and meats really matter and it will make a difference in your health and the health of your loved ones. Not all farmers have a national certification such as the California Certified Organic Farmer (CCOF). CCOF is the premier organic certification organization since 1973, with higher standards than the USDA. Keep in mind, however, that just because a farmer is not certified (which can be an expensive proposition) does not necessarily mean that they do not use organic methods. If you are in doubt, ask.
Finally, If you are hesitant to believe that farmers markets are a great bargain, try it once and compare to other places where you buy meat and/or produce. You may be pleasantly surprised.
With so many local options there is no reason that one of these open air delights is not convenient to your routine and schedule. You can make a difference to help the earth and your health every time you open you wallet!
Here are a few for you to check out:
This is one of my favorite markets because it is super cheap!! It is in operation all year round and I find the best deals here on organic produce. My advice is to get to know some of the farmers because they may hook you up with free stuff if you become a regular. Also you can find out more about how they grow their food by asking about their farms. As mentioned about, some of the farmers here are not certified organic because to obtain a license is a very expensive proposition but they use organic farming practices on their farms. Sometimes it just takes a few questions to check on the methods. One of my favorite places is Phan Farm (which is certified by CCOF) has amazing ginger, herbs lettuce, pastured eggs, and the best Brussels sprouts anywhere. Another CCOF farmer who is only here in the spring and summer is Two Dog Farm. They have amazing dry farmed tomatoes, collards (as we say in Nashville) and chard–all for a song. I buy much of my produce from a great lady named Leora (on the left side coming from Hyde St.) who sells veggies for Miramonte Farms in San Juan Batista, that is organic but again, not certified. Leora will tell you some of her fruit has been raised with fertilizer, but the greens are all 100% organic. I also love the walnuts in the hulls from here, and the rosemary, fresh bay leaves, and sage, which are all a steal. Parking is free in the library parking lot on Sundays with help from lots of shabbily dressed valets.
Saturdays 9 am to 1pm
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| My friend Diane and Yours Truly at the Marin Farmers Market |
Jack London Square Farmers Market
Water Street between Harrison and Franklin
Every Sunday 9 am to 2 pm all year
This market has artisan crafts and gourmet food vendors galore. My favorite is the raw sauerkraut lady (gotta get those probiotics). Come with a good appetite and your shopping list because everything looks and tastes wonderful. The parking is free and easy here if you are willing to walk 2 or 3 blocks. Located on the water with lots of sailboats and sunshine. There is some good seafood for purchase and a yummy smoked salmon vendor. There is something to please every taste here.Don’t be afraid to cross the bridge–get out and explore!
Source:about organic
