In early 2005, Alisa Smith and James MacKinnon launched the first 100-mile diet. To support local farmers, the hundred mile diet dictates that followers must consume food from within a hundred-mile radius of their home.

According to their site, the average American eats food that contains ingredients that have traveled at least 1,500 miles to reach their tables. Not only do participants help support local growers directly, but through the trials and tribulations of finding food from within the restricted radius, you learn where your food originates and gain an appreciation for seasonal meat and produce. Also, the website features great ideas for local eating this Thanksgiving, including how to make a hundred-mile pumpkin pie.

I am going to attempt the 100 mile diet for a few weeks this coming winter quarter and will keep you all updated…it sounds like a great idea to me!