The 100-Mile Diet

The 100-Mile Diet

The 100-Mile Diet is a lifestyle and dietary choice that encourages individuals to source their food from within a 100-mile radius of their home. This concept was popularized by Canadian authors Alisa Smith and J.B. MacKinnon in their book, "The 100-Mile Diet: A Year of Local Eating". The diet aims to promote local food consumption, reduce carbon footprint, and support local economies.

Origins

The 100-Mile Diet originated from a one-year experiment by Smith and MacKinnon in 2005. They decided to only consume food that was grown, raised, or produced within 100 miles of their residence in Vancouver, British Columbia. Their experiences were documented in a series of articles, which later formed the basis of their book.

Principles

The main principle of the 100-Mile Diet is to consume food that is locally sourced. This includes fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products, meat, and beverages. The diet encourages individuals to become more aware of their food sources, and to support local farmers and producers.

Benefits

There are several benefits associated with the 100-Mile Diet. These include:

• Environmental Sustainability: Local food consumption reduces the need for long-distance transportation, thereby reducing carbon emissions.
• Economic Support: Buying local supports local farmers and producers, contributing to the local economy.
• Health and Nutrition: Locally sourced food is often fresher and more nutritious as it does not need to be stored and transported for long periods.

Challenges

Despite its benefits, the 100-Mile Diet also presents several challenges. These include:

• Limited Variety: Depending on the geographical location, the variety of food available within a 100-mile radius can be limited.
• Seasonal Availability: Some foods may only be available during certain seasons.
• Cost: Locally sourced food can sometimes be more expensive than food sourced from further away.

Conclusion

The 100-Mile Diet is a sustainable and health-conscious lifestyle choice that promotes local food consumption. While it presents certain challenges, its benefits to the environment, local economy, and individual health make it a worthwhile consideration.

See Also

• Local Food
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Food Miles
• Locavore

References

• Smith, Alisa, and J.B. MacKinnon. "The 100-Mile Diet: A Year of Local Eating". Vintage Canada, 2007.

External Links

• Official Website of The 100-Mile Diet