Real Food Fall
Welcome to Almost Fit. Almost Fit focuses on improving your health by doing one thing: Eating Real Food in Moderation. No low carb hacks or low fat substitutions – just savoring real, whole foods.
I am not alone in saying that fall is my favorite season. I enjoy the summer heat, winter chill, and spring rains, but when I can see my breath when I step outside in the evening, or when the crown of our maple trees starts to show signs of preparing to fall and form swirl patterns on the sidewalk, or when the distant sounds of migratory geese break the silence of falling dew, I know that I am in my element.
This year is unusual; for me, it is my first fall season that I am consciously focusing on a new way of eating. Although I’ve been improving my habits over the last few years, this year in particular I’m focused on eating well, and eating moderately. Real Food in Moderation is not just the slogan of this site; as my friends and family know, it is something I’ve put solidly into practice, and presents some interesting challenges.
One of the big unknowns is what we are going to do for fresh produce as a matter of course. Northwest farmer’s markets typically stop around the end of October (with a few rare exceptions), so finding locally grown produce gets a little more challenging. And perhaps the most difficult change will be that our CSA has also drawn to a close, which has been our greatest supplement to our own garden. The grocery store is the obvious alternative, but it definitely takes more work to make good choices.
I also know that we are approaching the holiday season, and regardless of which holidays (if any) are part of your family culture, there is a reason that the Food Network’s slogan at this time of year is, “Season’s Eatings”. Lots of good stuff springs up at the grocery store, in the office break room, and just about everywhere you turn. It is a cultural fact that this time of year is marked by the association of eating lots of comfort foods with the feeling of “home”. While I do hold to the idea that moderation is key, it is all too easy to overindulge in truly “seasonal” foods. Egg nog is a weakness, I have to tell ya – and it’s only available this time of year.
Somehow, I don’t think the “holiday season” is what “eat seasonal” is intended to mean.
So what are my strategies? We have definitely stocked up on some of the seasonal staples that will help to get us through the winter. We were able to get a freezer for a great price, and we have since purchased 25 whole pastured frozen chickens, straight from the farm. We have also frozen many of the berries we picked over the summer, have started drying the apples we picked, and are getting ready to do some canning of our tomatoes. I’ve also found that buying locally milled organic flour in bulk (the 50 lb. bag) works for us; we just used the last of the flour this weekend, and will pick up more tomorrow. For produce, I’ll start shopping our local markets again, and try to buy organic when possible.
Part of my plan is to review some of the topics I’ve already written, and to get back to reading the blogs that I find useful and inspiring. I’ll be posting a link roundup this week, so watch for that – there are a lot of writers out there who really are blowing the doors off of the traditional diet approach, and focusing instead on a bigger life picture.
Another benefit of moving into the fall season is, oddly enough, less temptation to get distracted by outdoor activities at times when I need to be writing. I find it easier to write consistently when fall and winter are here, rather than when the sun is shining outside my window. I’m hoping that sense takes hold soon. Of course, I’ve got to get a better plan together for exercise, but I’m working on that. As far as writing is concerned, I’ve been consumed with some real-life challenges over the last few weeks, but sufficed to say I am not happy with posting only once a week. Look for that to change as well.
So what does fall mean for Real Food in Moderation? What does it mean to eat seasonally in the non-growing seasons? I’ll let you know as I get there. Thanks for reading.
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As usual, a thoughtful and well written post. Fall is my fave time of year, too. I love going out for a chilly fall run and then rushing home before dark for warm chili and maybe some hot cocoa. But, I hear ya on the produce. Farmer’s market is the No. 1 reason I love summer. I always try to buy what’s in season because it’s usually on sale, so this week it was apples, cans of pumpkin puree and butternut squash. For the other fruits and veggies, I usually buy the frozen stuff. It’s cheaper and is perfect for stir-fry and smoothies.
Fit Bottomed Girlss last blog post..Wii Hotel, Calorie Campaign, and Green Gyms
You gave a very amazing image of the fall season in the mind and I am just looking forward to it here…SO MUCH MORE NOW!!!
Usmans last blog post..Q&A – Vegetarian diet to build muscle quickly
i had to link your site cause its well put together…you might get some good traffic i hope lol read my last article almond crusted chicken thx
mvs last blog post..Eat right and Plan to WIN!
Thanks for the post. I love the fall weather, and the frosts mean less pollen.
I look forward to reading how you get through the season.
Hello. I came across your site after reading a comment you had posted off another site. I have enjoyed your approach to weight loss, which is something most of us struggle with. I am looking forward to reading reading through your archives.
I have a favor to ask if possible. I have lost the url to the site that I discovered your comment on. It was about a fellow who traveled the world on a budget and had released a new book on how to work for your self. I was surfing and had come across it. If you cost post the url here or email me that would be great.
again I look forward to continuing to read the unique insight you provide for weight loss. Good Lucl
@FBG: I agree on running/hot cocoa in the fall – it reminds me of playing football with my Dad in the fall. And great reminder on frozen vegetables. I typically try to eat fresh when possible, but good frozen vegetables really can make up some of the difference through the winter.
@Usman: Hi Usman – I’m glad you enjoyed the post. It is easy to write a post when it comes from the heart!
@MV: Thanks for the kind words – I will definitely check your post out.
@Dr. Hubbard: Thank you for the visit – and I agree on the benefits of reduced pollen. Pollen in the Pacific NW is a pretty big source of discomfort for many of us, including me.
@Bob: Hi Bob – I appreciate that you left a comment, and that you are enjoying the site. I think the site you are looking for is Chris Guillebeau’s The Art of Nonconformity (http://chrisguillebeau.com/3×5/). His goal is to visit every country in the world, and he is halfway there. He also released a new book last week that is excellent – I’ll be writing about it shortly.
Thank you to everyone who left a comment – I’ve been a little absent over the previous weeks due to some personal challenges, but things are looking up. In the mean time, I really do find great inspiration in the comments that people leave here, so please accept my thanks.
I’m so glad I found your blog! I’m just beginning the task of losing 40 lbs and trying to live a greener, healthier life! I’m choosing organic fruits and veggies, have a small garden, and try to get wild caught fish or free range meats whenever I can. I’ve also switched to spelt flour for baked goods. I’m just learning but it makes me feel so good!
Ritas last blog post..It’s a BEAUTIFUL Saturday!
My farmer’s market just closed until next May sometime. Well, after the recent freeze, to be honest, there was not a lot of produce selection left. I’m not looking forward to winter… we get fog and don’t see sun for sometimes 2-3 months in this valley.
But, winter isn’t here yet and it is a great time to do yardwork! I hate the daylight hours growing shorter though. Less time to be out enjoying the cool weather. OTOH… when the leaves start to fall, it sure makes a lot of work around here!
Cynthias last blog post..30 Day Challenge – Day 1
I only have a few fresh tomatoes from my garden left, just enough to make one last fantastic salad. The grocery store tomatoes just can not come close to the flavor of garden tomatoes! The rest John made into salsa. The farmer markets around here mostly have potatoes and carrots. So depressing….Bwa Haa…sob…
Christines last blog post..November 19
@Rita: Hi Rita – thanks for stopping by, and thank you for the kind words. Good luck on your journey – it’s well worth the effort!
@Cynthia: Hi there Cynthia! I’ve been wondering how you’ve been – seems like you and I have faced similar challenges writing-wise lately. Good to hear from you. I’ll swing by GarbageThatGoo as well.
@Christine: Hi Christine! We have a ton of green tomatoes in the garden right now – I think we’re going to have to pick them soon with freezes getting closer to our altitude. I am not sure what to do with unripe tomatoes – but I’m sure my wife knows.
I went to the Farmer’s Market yesterday and we are still getting some good produce, but definitely slimmer pickings.
I’m sure you can Google up something for green tomatoes! They are quite good! Don’t waste them! I didn’t get a garden in this year, but I kind of look forward to having a big bunch of green tomatoes at the end of the season to eat.
Cynthias last blog post..30 Day Challenge – Day 1
Wash the tomatoes and dry them. Put them in a box and then put them into a cupboard or closet with some clean newspaper covering them. They will ripen. Check regularly and enjoy. If you get too many make some salsa! Fried green tomatoes are good as well.
Christines last blog post..Lazy day…Lazy Lady