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Do you live in an area where you have access to the best healthy foods?



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My aunt refers to some places in the US (or any country for that matter), as food deserts. These are places that have primarily older Walmarts, fast food, gas stations, diners with lots of fried foods, etc.

I grew up in California where healthy (but expensive) grocery stores are abundant. Whole Foods, Trader Joes, Gelsons, and other markets that supply fresh, "clean" foods. I live in El Paso now, and not nearly the amount of high quality healthy grocers. However, they did just open up a Whole Foods here and I'm thrilled. I can get fresher fish, and better produce there. My bank account, however, isn't so thrilled.

If you live in a food desert (rural or just not near any specialty grocers), how do you find the best foods? I have a friend in central Wyoming who says sometimes it's not easy to find quality and variety.

Edited by The New Kel

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I live in SC right near the NC border. We have a great selection of high end and average stores. In the summer and fall we also have great farmers markets:)

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

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I live in a rural area but have the best sources of healthy food....I have my own garden full of veggies, I milk my own cows, we get our meat from our neighbors (chicken and beef), hunting/fishing (turkey, trout, walleye, bass and venison) and 4H auctions (pork/ham/bacon). We pick berries when they are in season and my parents have numerous apple trees on their property. The only things I'm really lacking are citrus/tropical fruits and good seafood.

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Farmers markets are the best! Nothing better than farm fresh veggies and fruit! I love that there are more and more farmers markets nation wide. Healthier and benefits the locals who sell and shop.

@@Dairymary ,

I am in awe of you! I have always respected those who rely on their own labor and those in their community and neighbors. I bet your meats, dairy and veggies are sooo good! I can imagine there is a lot of hard work put in!

I miss good seafood, too. In the southwest it is not nearly as prevalent as it was in California.

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    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

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        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
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