Healthy eating is important to good health.  Our diet affects our physical and mental state.  You are what they eat as they say.  Although indulging in unhealthful foods may be enjoyable while we are consuming them, we often feel sluggish and unpleasant after.  We force our bodies to process the unhealthful ingredients which lead to strain on cleansing organs such as the colon, liver, and kidneys.  We want to assist our bodies when eating, not put stress on.  Our bodies thank us with an increased feeling of well being, energy, and spirit.

Eating healthy is not about focusing about one food or practice in particular.  Healthy eating is developing a taste for good foods, and a dislike for foods that are hard on our bodies (fast food and other heavily processed food).  Processed food lacks nutrients.  The societies that are known for long life spans eat fresh home grown food rich in antioxidants and fiber.  And they limit their calories.  Healthy eating is about quality over quantity. Incorporate a superfood into your diet everyday and take advantage of the numerous sources of fresh produce at Ventura Farmers' Markets.  Eating healthy is not a chore, but a great joy.

Organic gardening is a wonderful way to improve your health.  Firstly, your body benefits from the physical exercise in the fresh air and sunshine.  Your mind benefits from the therapeutic effects - watching beautiful delicious plants grow from your own love and care.  And of course, you reap what you sow!  Vegetables and herbs grown organically are high in nutrients.  You decide the nutrients that go into your soil, and you decide the nutrients that go into your harvest.  You have control of the entire process.  We've heard many say once you go organic, you never go back.  A fresh garden picked tomato is miles apart from a commercially produced tomato.  Organic - it's just the way food was meant to be.

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There is alot of mystery surrounding gardening.  Some feel you just gotta have that "green thumb."  Gardening, fortunately, is not rocket science.  It's just a matter of time and patience, and seeing what works in your own backyard.  Ventura is a fantastic climate for gardening, and all Ventura residents with a yard should take advantage of it.  Gardening is much easier than most people think, as this section's articles will reveal. 

Organic gardening is not only good for the mind and body; it is good for the earth.  Pesticides, fertilizers, and other commercial farming methods have had a terrible effect on our environment, from toxic lakes to decline of the Great Barrier Reef.  Plus, growth hormones and early harvest have led to bland, high in water low in taste, fruits and vegetables.  We throw away tons of organic waste every day.  Why use fertilizers when your kitchen waste is rich in materials for compost?  Organic food is a trend that has great value to us and our future generations.  Besides, organic gardening is inexpensive, and in the long run, saves money and improves health.  Why not organic garden?  You have everything to gain and nothing to loose.

The Central Coast of California offers some of the highest quality food in the nation. Surrounded by farms, Ventura County residents can enjoy fresh produce year round. There is a farmer's market almost every day of the week somewhere in Ventura County. And some local farms are even open to the public. Ventura County prides itself on its strong agricultural roots.

For those Ventura foodies out there who love to cook, below is a five day healthy meal plan.  The meal plan adheres to good diet principles and incorporates superfoods.  For breakfast and lunch, you could eat one selection for the week, and then try a new one the following week.  Many people don't have alot of time during the mornings and afternoons. Sticking to the same breakfast and lunch selection saves time and money.