3 Things Southerners Need To Know To Eat Healthy from Chef Nina G

1.  Shop Local.  There’s no doubt that the best produce comes from the earth surrounding you.  Farmers Markets and small local grocers usually house what is made in your local area. From breads to cheese, jams and juices – vendors usually come from all over your city or state to house their wares in these local grocers.  The shelf life on the products are usually shorter, which means that it is more natural. Stores such as Whole Foods, Traders Joe’s and Grassroots will have the freshest, most readily available items for you. Shopping local is often pesticide free, preservative free and offers improved nutrition.

2.  Stock Up On Kombucha!  Yes, kombucha.  With our busy lives, we don’t have time to make sure we are getting the proper caloric intake and/or workout to insure our dietary needs are truly getting met.   Kombucha is fermented black teas that are then flavored. Because it is fermented over some time, it has an effervescence to it. Usually containing over 14 grams of probiotics – you might want to have this on stock in the fridge.  I have coined it “Mommy Champagne.” It is a healthy “cocktail” that I can get away with everyday and can drink in broad daylight. If I notice that my younglings aren’t “regular,” I pour them a little as well. A house that drinks together, stays together.

3.  Plan Ahead.  My Nana didn’t cook everyday. It was just the two of us and Sunday dinners were massive.  Her friend Ms. Ester sold Tupperware and we had every shape and size. She would make me label and date each of them.  Around Wednesday this process would happen again.  Come up with a schedule and plan out your meals. You already know your likes and dislikes.  Now that I’m a Mom of my own and every child is different, I have invested in Bento Boxes.  I can make 3 for each ahead of time and they can choice which one they want to eat that day.  Meal Prep doesn’t have to take all of your life, however it will take you less time when you have a plan.