From NYT: A farming story, in numbers

If you've ever pondered a more simple existence, moving to the country and growing your own food, you're not alone. Just don't quit your day job.

On Sunday, the NY Times ran a story "Farm Living (Subsidized by a Job Elsewhere)," publishing figures that support this trend. From 2002 to 2007, the total number of farms increased (4 percent), as did the number of farmers reporting an additional income (65 percent). There were also loads of other interesting stories in the numbers, some good some sad.

Encouraging signs:

• The number of organic farms increased by 50 percent from 2002 to 2007
• American farmers are becoming more diverse - female farmers increased 30 percent and Hispanic farmers increased 10 percent from 2002 to 2007

Yet, it's clear there is also another story in this article - farming is a tough business:

• Of our nation's 2.2 million farms, 900,000 reported income of less than $2,500
• 5 percent of our total farms produce 75 percent of our agricultural output
• The average farmer is 57 years old!

I think it is essential that we support our small farmers. For anyone who's shopped at a farmers market, it is clear that they bring more than better tasting fruits and vegetables to the table. They also foster a sense of community. I literally think New Yorkers who take up arms if the city ever threatened to close down the Union Square Greenmarket.

Small farmers are also stewards of our agricultural traditions and heirloom varieties. As someone who use to work for a large food company, I am certain the possibility of 'one tomato to feed them all' is highly possibly if we let the suits takeover. Let's not forget the potato famine in Ireland was caused by growing only one strain of potato.

I support my local farmer by buying from local Greenmarkets, the Park Slope Food Co-op, and my CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). Anyone else feel strongly about the need to support our local farmers? What else can we do to support them?

Nuts: nature's perfect food

Are you nuts about nuts? I am.

And fortunately, as a health counselor, I can disclose my consumption of these guilt-free. [You should see the messages from my advisers after yesterday's ice cream disclosure.]

Nuts are nature's perfect food: a healthy balance of fat, carbohydrate and protein. Which makes sense if you consider that a nut is basically a seed and contains everything necessary for a plant to create life.

Nuts are extremely compact and durable, which make them very convenient for modern life. It is no wonder they are so prevalent in trail mixes and energy bars.

Fellow nut lovers can rejoice when they visit the Tierra Farm booth at the Park Slope Farmers Market (Sunday @ 5th Avenue and 4th Street). Tierra Farm is a small, privately-owned producer of organic nuts based in the Finger Lakes region of New York State. My current favorite is the Organic Dry Roasted Sea Salt & Onion Cashews. Very addictive! Other favorites include Garam Masala Cashews, Roasted Pistachios, and Tamari Roasted Almonds.

Nuts are one of the few sources of healthy, plant-based fats. They are high in desired monounsaturated fats and essential fatty acids. All of which are important for healthy skin, hair and nails. As well as memory and cognitive function.

However, like all foods, nuts should be eaten in moderation. The foods are rather calorie dense. I recommend just a few at a time. You'll find yourself satiated surprisingly faster than most snack foods.