Day 5: I am thankful to have a market in my neighborhood so that I can buy delicious fruits and veggies at great prices. This might seem like a small detail but for me it’s huge! Most Americans will agree that buying fresh produce is expensive. It’s unfortunate that it’s actually cheaper to go out to eat or choose unhealthy options because it’s what you can afford on a budget. Luckily, it’s the opposite for us. While you can get a slice of pizza at the bakery for less the 2euros, a McDonald’s meal can easily cost you up to 8 or 10euros… depending on what you’re getting.

My parents are constantly trying to get us to go out to eat when they come visit so that I don’t have to cook but the problem is that not only do I love to cook, it’s one of the main reasons why I lose weight so easily here and why my kids LOVE food so much. Eating fresh everyday is so much better for you. You have much more energy, your skin and hair look better and it’s good habit that you don’t want to give up.

I generally shop at the mercato about 3 times a week. I buy meats and cheeses there as well because I know that I am supporting the local growers, farmers and dairy producers. It’s a part of my new life here that I will not compromise… especially when I benefit from it! I’ll be at 25 weeks on Thursday and I have NOT GAINED A SINGLE POUND! How? Because this is what we eat…

Day 5: Thankful for the farmer’s market Today’s purchase