Nutrition Shopping when you live in Mississippi

[isuretri]

So, everyone know that Mississippi ranks last in the nutrition state. How do you go about getting some of the products that are suggested in the clean eating magazines and books? I live in a small rural town and we only have Wal-Mart as a grocery store...that's it, Wal-Mart. I do try to get over to New Orleans about once a month but if you buy anything fresh you have to use it in a week or so before it goes bad.
Are there any other rural people out there who have the same problems as me? I was just curious.

 

[kathryn]

I think the best thing you can do is grow a garden (or even have indoor plants, like sprouts or fresh herbs or a cherry tomato bush). If you have the space, a greenhouse could give you access to fresh produce year-round.

Pressure your grocery store to carry fresh organic produce.

For some non-perishables, you can order online.

 

[chedie boo]

Hi, I have the same problem! I live in a small town in Mississippi also. It is very frustrating to find good clean eats here. I buy Quaker slow cooking oatmeal and natural peanut butter and eggs and also salmon but it all comes from wal-mart. I do have a health food store about 5 minutes from my house but it is very pricey!
Did you know that Mississippi has the highest obesity rate in the U.S! Mississippi is also a very poor state. this is very sad. Have you tried a local health food store? I know that i probably didn't help much. I like seeing other people from Mississippi, on cathe's forum.

cheryl

 

[kathryn]

Here are some mail-order options for staples like whole grains, nuts and nut butters, dried fruit, sprouting seeds:
www.sunorganicfarm.com
http://www.healthy-eating.com/
http://www.livingtreecommunity.com/store2/default.asp

Foods like whole grains and nuts can be kept longer if frozen, so it may be more economical to order in bulk and buy a small freezer just for this purpose.

If you get a garden started, you can preserve surplus summer food (by canning or dehydrating) to use over the winter.

 

[RapidBreath]

You can buy healthy meats/vegies and make chilis, soups, or stews and freeze them. Also, even though canned food is less healthy than fresh, it can help in a pinch. Do you bake? Even if Wal Mart doesn't have what you want many vendors sell Bob's Red Mill products online. I buy through vita cost a lot because I'm gluten free now.