Lessons learned during first week

Overall, the first week went fairly smoothly, although I have to say I am spending about twice as much time in the kitchen as usual, and that doesn't include the time I am spending trying to preserve food for the winter. Since we are trying to make this a lifestyle change, I am not just concentrating on each day of local food but trying to prepare for the less bountiful days ahead.

One of the most important things I have learned about eating mostly local food is that one must plan ahead and be prepared! The second morning of our first week, I went hungry because we all got up late and I was rushing to get one child to camp and the other two and myself to another commitment. Needless to say, I fed the children (non-local frozen whole wheat waffles to go in the car), but I went hungry until lunch. I don't do well without my food, so I haven't made that mistake again. Convenience foods have become almost synonymous with pre-packaged and fast food, but homemade muffins(made the night before or in your freezer) or homemade bread (smeared with jam) are just as convenient and much better.

Another thing I have noticed in particular is how much I relied on food for my social life. I have always loved having lunch out with my children and friends, but unless we are dining at 4 star restaurants (like Ratcliffe, Barrington's or Table) everyday for lunch, which we aren't, there isn't any way to eat out locally. One way I have gotten around this is either packing my own lunch and meeting my friends or just having tea (yes I realize this isn't local, but I can't do without) while they have lunch and eating later at home. I have also talked with my friends about having picnics or having them over to my house for lunch. I have saved a lot of money not eating out so much though!