Hi Everyone!
My name is Claire, and I have been enjoying natural lifestyle living for many years.
In 1969, in my mid teens, I sensed that I didn’t feel as good as I could or should. Fortunately, my hands found some natural health magazines and I began making much needed changes to my diet. Eating organic/natural foods and adopting a healthier way of living just made sense. So, my journey began.
As an experiment at first, I gave up all those sugar and chemical laden sweets and goodies I so loved…,the candy, cookies, sodas and other processed foods. That sure was a tough decision! The surprising result was that it really was not as difficult as I thought. It didn’t take long to lose my cravings, and taste, for junk food. I began to feel better too.
In the beginning, my parents thought the healthier way of eating was “just a phase.” As time went on, they realized that the phase would last a lifetime. I gradually fine-tuned my diet to where it consisted only of natural and especially organic products.
Today, I find that my diet changes a little with the seasons, but organic foods are always the mainstay. The garden, in the summer, fills my plate. In the longer winter months (the downside of living “up north”), I manage to find some organic produce and goods in local stores but for the majority of my supplies, I find the best selection and deals online.
When I started eating organically grown foods, it was difficult to find products. I remember Walnut Acres, one of the first organic farms in the country, founded by Paul and Betty Keene. They had a wonderful mail-order catalog. If anyone ever asked me where I bought my food, it was simply, “Walnut Acres.” Grocery stores did not carry organic items back then and health few stores were few and far between…at least around our “neck of the woods.” Walnut Acres was the only supplier I knew. One day, in the early 80s, I had the pleasure of visiting their farm in Pennsylvania with some dear friends. My respect for them grew even more. What a homey, healthy, friendly atmosphere! Their products were great and they had one big, beautiful farm. Unfortunately, their family business was bought out, and the store, as we knew it, was closed in 2000. Still miss them today but their legacy sure lives on!
Today, most grocery stores have “organic” selections. Organic farms and suppliers are much more plentiful. Not all have a mail order catalog, but most have websites. With all that availability, it’s hard to find excuses not to eat organic! I keep on the lookout for the best online suppliers out there. You can bet that I will share my findings with you too.
Happy, Healthy Eating to All!
Claire
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