Morgan DiSanto is a 27-year-old, first generation farmer who grows chemical-free, nutrient-dense produce for our local community here in Durango. DiSanto comments about the importance of eating locally.

“There are a lot of things about eating local that are important. It’s typically a lot healthier than the produce that you can find in the grocery store. It has more nutrients. It hasn't been shipped so it also has a smaller footprint. It wasn't harvested before it needed to be harvested. A lot of times stuff in the grocery store has been harvested many, many weeks prior to when you go buy it. It's a way to get to know your farmer, so that creates a personal connection with your food. And the last reason is that supporting the local economy is also extremely important.”
When asked what the best way to start eating locally, DiSanto replied, “Going to the farmers market every Saturday. It's not just a shopping experience. It's also a community-building experience. It's fun. People are there to mingle and see their friends. So I think that that is a social way in which you can kind of dip your toes into supporting local ag. And then you can talk to your farmers at the farmers market.”

We encourage everyone to recognize the local farmers for their contributions to our community health. Visit longtabledurango.com to sign up for a CSA or learn more.

As people get older nutrition needs change due to a variety of possibilities such as: a change in metabolism, physical activity, medications, and more.  Caloric needs decrease while nutrition needs increase. As we get older, lean muscle mass is lost much easier, therefore it is important to eat more protein such as chicken and fish. Keeping up with fluid intake is also important, the sensation of thirst decreases as we age and the want to drink water decreases. To change it up, try drinking sparkling water, or low fat milk alternatives are a good way to get fluid intake as well as other important nutrients. 

Some people run into the roadblock of textures and foods that are difficult to chew; however, there are so many ways to prepare different foods. This will help keep an important variety in food that you consume. It is important to meet with your physician regularly and blood tests could be helpful at learning what you personally are missing in your diet. Then make a plan of how to increase nutrients through foods, supplements, or even more sun!