Enjoying a Local Diet - My Personal Guidelines

Diet consists almost exclusively of local foods (local is defined as within the state of Texas, but just about everything is within 100 miles). This includes all fruits, veggies, jams and jellies, honey, eggs, meat, dairy, nuts and seeds, and herbs. 

Exceptions:

1. I purchase a small amount of supplies from our local natural food store, but they have to be "whole" foods (single ingredient products).  So I can make bread, but I have to make it from scratch (i.e. purchase ingredients like flour, sugar, yeast, salt, etc). But no cheating using this exception to buy bananas or mangos, since fruits in general are available locally.
2. I still enjoy meals at a restaurant (dates with my hubby, dinner with friends, etc), but I'm mindful of restaurant choices (support local restaurants often, chose locations where I can walk or bike instead of drive, etc). Exceptions to the local diet can obviously be made for family gatherings, dinner at someone's house, vacations, etc, although during those times, I will eat as locally as is possible.

The point is not to withdraw from society, but become more mindful about my choices, how I relate to the environment, and to focus on the things that bring true happiness. Here's a little more about why I chose to start eating locally.