About Me

My photo
Brenda R. Coleman is a health coach, nutrition educator and the creator of Sow. Harvest. Share. The mission of Sow. Harvest. Share is to provide nutrition & garden education classes to those that want to learn how to live a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, a portion of locally grown fresh produce will be donated to food pantries/banks located in the City of Alexandria. Ms. Coleman volunteers as a nutrition educator for the Capital Area Food Bank. She is a graduate of Syracuse University and attended the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

A New Journey

Two months ago I decided to create a garden (again). The first time I attempted to grow anything on my patio, I planted several herb plants. Lavender, chamomile, oregano, rosemary, basil and thyme. I then received notice that I had to go to Minneapolis for two weeks. For some reason, I did not think to ask my neighbor to water my herbs. I came back home to dead herbs. This was four years ago, while I ate well (relatively speaking), I never thought about being part of a "movement". I purchased my fruits and vegetables from the local supermarket. My "herbs" were going to be dehydrated for tea. I drink a lot of herbal tea. Good tea isn't cheap.

Well, now its 2011 and my view on eating and food have completely evolved. I prefer to get my vegetables from the local farmer's market & spend very little (as little as I can) at local supermarkets. I make as many of my own meals as my schedule allows. My meals may contain meat, but they are "veggie based". Eating at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables are a must for me. Should be a "must" for everyone. That said, I remember when I first started cooking with fresh vegetables on a regular basis (i.e., every night) . . . it wasn't easy. In fact, it was the Winter 2007-2008 season. I roasted everything. I ate butternut squash and Brussels sprouts almost every night.

I believe everyone should eat fresh fruits and vegetables. I believe everyone should "own" their food. Experience the joy & pain of growing a seed into a plant that provides the body with the nutrients it needs. I believe people should have their own thoughts when it comes to food. Not the thoughts of a food manufacturer. Experience the pleasure of tasting a dish made at home from fresh vegetables. This blog will document my journey with growing food and sharing my food, experiences & knowledge with my community.