By Taylor Sutton, MS, RD
United Supermarkets’ Lifestyle Desk
United Supermarkets is committed to supporting local communities and sustainability. We often hear about a push for supporting local, but what does that mean? Supporting local is purchasing goods from local businesses. We try to uphold our commitment to supporting local by carrying goods from Texas businesses in our Texas stores. For example, you can find the sign in the produce section that tells you how many produce items are from local farmers for that day. The number changes daily. Within the aisles, you can find a local tag on the product!
How does shopping local benefit the economy?
At times, shopping local can be more expensive depending on the individual item and seasonality, but ultimately, it’s beneficial because it supports the community and the local economy. Local businesses create job opportunities for the community, helping with economic growth and increasing property value. The money spent supporting local recirculates in the community at a higher percentage than shopping at chain stores or purchasing through big name retailers.
How does shopping local benefit the environment?
Supporting local also significantly impacts the environment positively and aids in sustainability. Carbon footprint and air pollution reduce due to less distance needed to deliver products between the supplier and our grocery stores. The reduced distance also results in fresher products whether that is produce, meat, or dairy, because products get to the shelves quicker. Local produce often contains fewer pesticides, which helps maintain biodiversity and prevents contamination of the air, soil, or water. Lastly, the environment benefits from the maintenance and protection of local land (the farms) and its wildlife.
After a hopeful 7-9 hours of sleep, fueling up your empty tank is key to a successful day. Research shows that breakfast improves memory and concentration, mood, lowers stress, maintain a healthy weight, and helps reduce risk of obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. With all of these great benefits it’s hard not to indulge in a delicious meal, right?!
When creating a balanced breakfast first look at what your goals are: weight loss, muscle gain, athletic performance, etc. In general, a good place to start is to choose foods that are rich in fiber and protein which will help keep you fuller longer. Next, look at fat and carbohydrates to round out the meal. By focusing in on these basic nutrient dense choices, you are creating not only a great breakfast but really a meal for any time of day.
Breakfast Tacos
Ingredients
2 Vital Farms scrambled eggs
3 Tbsp. Leal’s salsa
1/4 Avocado slices
2 Siete tortilla
Optional: 1 cup oak cliff coffee
Directions
1. Scramble eggs
2. Top on Siete tortilla
3. Add on salsa and avocado
