If you’ve never had an organic, in-season, local tomato fresh off the vine, then there’s a good chance you’ve never had a real tomato. The tomatoes you can find in a grocery store may look clean and pretty, with a uniform color and unblemished skin. But they tend to taste a lot like cardboard with a texture that is mushy and unpleasant. This is not how nature designed tomatoes!
Fresh, organic, heirloom tomatoes, on the other hand, are delicious with amazing sweetness and a rich flavor. If you’ve noticed this discrepancy between the luscious flavors in a locally grown, in-season, organic tomato and those you find in grocery stores, science now backs you up.
A recent study showed that genetic manipulation and breeding of tomatoes to produce a more uniform color and appearance had some unintended negative consequences: the tomatoes are devoid of flavor. It turns out that the genetic manipulation of tomatoes leads to significantly lower amounts of natural sugars and chloroplasts (structures that turn sunlight into energy).
You may think, “Big deal. So tomatoes don’t taste as good as they used to. Who cares?”
In fact, it is a big deal. Food without flavor is unsatisfactory food, and it can cause people to display a number of unhealthy behaviors such as:
- Skipping eating healthy foods
- Eating processed foods in place of healthy, fresh plant foods
- Adding “flavor enhancers” to the food in order to make it more satisfying
- Overeating
Tomatoes are a very healthy food. They contain:
- Antioxidants such as lycopene
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
- Potassium
Other fresh fruits and vegetables you find at the grocery store also suffer from a lack of flavor and inferior texture. Many of the “fresh” vegetables you purchase in grocery stores have been bred for uniformity and mass production. As a result, you wind up with sub-par flavors that just don’t satisfy, have less nutrients and overall nutritional value, and usually a nasty, non-crisp texture to boot.
I know many people who tell me they hate vegetables. I just started work on a new film in Atlanta this week, and last night we all sat down to dinner. My client’s assistant looked at the kale and sprout salad that I put before him like it was dripping alien slime. I assured him, “Don’t worry, there’s other food coming as well. But why don’t you try the kale?” To which he did, and actually liked it. He admitted he grew up avoiding greens at all costs. But when reintroduced to something fresh and prepared well, he actually liked it.
So you see, when you finally eat local, fresh, seasonal produce picked at the peak of ripeness, you may suddenly realize that it isn’t vegetables you don’t enjoy – it’s what we often pass off as vegetables at the supermarket. Never is this more apparent than with a tomato.
If you think you dislike tomatoes, try stopping by your local farmers market and visit a stand that sells fresh, organic heirloom tomatoes when they are in season (like now!). Buy one, and try a slice. I’m betting it will be as much of a revelation for you as it is for many other people who believed they disliked tomatoes until they tried a fresh, organic, heirloom variety. These tomatoes are sweet, juicy, and packed with a rich, unbelievable flavor.
This is why I am such a fan of eating locally grown, organic produce that is in season. Not only do these foods lack the pesticides and chemicals that can make your body toxic, but they also tend to be fresher, taste much better, be more satisfying, and pack a powerful nutritional punch.
I get that eating local and seasonal can be difficult, particularly if you live in an area that has a relatively short growing season. Still, even in extreme climates you can take advantage of seasonal fruits and vegetables while they are available.
One of the best ways I know to eat locally and seasonally is to participate in local farming efforts. Whether you do this by regularly visiting your local farmers markets and produce stands or joining a community supported agriculture program, you’ll be able to enjoy the freshest seasonal produce for several months out of the year.
I particularly like community supported agriculture (CSA) programs. When you join a CSA, you purchase a “share” in a local organic farm. In turn for paying a monthly fee (usually ranging anywhere from $50 to $250), you’ll receive a box of freshly picked produce every week. With each box of produce, you can plan seasonal menus that require minimal preparation for flavorful, nutritious meals. You can find local CSAs, farmers markets, and produce stands by visiting LocalHarvest.org.
Of course, you can also grow your own produce at home in gardens, raised beds, planter boxes, and even on your counter top. When growing tomatoes, pick heirloom varieties for the best flavor. With the upside down tomato planters, you only need minimal space to grow wonderfully flavored tomatoes.
Eating fresh, local, in season produce is a boon not only to your health, but also to your taste buds. If you often find yourself feeling dissatisfied after a meal, try eating seasonal, local produce. Chances are you’ll love it so much you’ll start eating more veggies at meals than you ever imagined you would!
When I think of tomatoes, I think south of the border; try out one of my latest recipes, the raw taco salad recipe!
My takeaway from all this? All the good stuff is being shot in Atlanta these days… ;)
Hi Kimberly! First of all I want to tell you what an eye opener your book has been for me. I am only four days into the Blossoming Beauty phase and already feel like I have 10x more energy! And my acne has gotten a little better, AMAZING!
I know this is off topic, but I was wondering what your thoughts were on Coconut Palm Sugar and Coconut Crystals as sugar substitutes? I did not see them listed under options for alternative sweeteners in your book.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
-Alexandra
When I was a kid we used to pluck the tomatoes in our yards for a quick snack or lunch. I stopped eating them for years because they didn’t taste the way I knew they should. Glad I found locally grown organic.
Hi Kimberly,
This is an excellent post! I recently had an organic banana for the first time, and it was amazing!
I recently went to whole foods and was introduced to vegetable supplements “My Vega”, and their line of powder supplements, such as Vega One, Vega for smoothies, vega bars for protein.
Of course, your Beauty Detox book advocated for eating for fresh greens, but when i’m out of town, or ran out of greens midweek, these powders are extremely handy. I was wondering if you would recommend such veggie supplements, or if you have particular brands that you found sufficient.
I do think these should be taken when you can’t make the GGS on a daily basis. my assumption is that i don’t need both GGS and a veggie powder supplement.
oh, by the way, any new book recommendations?
thanks!
Michelle
hi kim! i have a question and i’m really hoping you’ll be able to answer this for me. i’m starting lyme disease treatment in about a month or so, which requires heavy doses of antibiotics. i know this puts me at high risk for yeast infection. i was wondering what your opinion is on how that should affect my diet? how long can you stay on your blossoming beauty health plan (which is yeast-free, i’m assuming)? the doctors are much less than helpful regarding my diet, so it seems i’m kind of on my own here, and i really have no idea what to do. your advice would be much appreciated!
Thanks Kim! I recently tried tomatoes and now can’t get enough! As far as food combining goes since they are fruit what rules apply? Can cherry tomatoes be eaten at the end of a meal?
Also any tips for when you’re sick or neaseaous?
Kimberly,
I don’t know where else to post this but I just have to put out a cry for help. I’ve been incorporating principles of the Beauty Detox Solution into my diet lately, such as drinking the glowing green smoothie for breakfast by itself, and beauty food pairings. They have been working wonderfully for me – I am a very competitive runner and I haven’t had any gassiness when I run, which was a problem I used to have often. But I was on vacation yesterday and today, during which I misstepped and ate some wrong foods. Running today some of my gassiness came back as a result. Unfortunately my dad tagged it as “eating weird” and now is trying to make me eat animal protein at every meal because I “need it to slow down digestion and its good for me.” No matter how much I try to explain to him that this was not working for me before, and that the reason I’ve been feeling off is because I’ve eaten off for the past few days, he will not listen. Him, being a believer of meat and potatoes and athletes must live off of enormous amounts of carbs and animal protein, and I, have been fighting this battle for over 2 years now. I can’t seem to explain my side without losing. Sorry this is so long and has nothing to do with the post above, but this is just a cry for help and I just don’t know how to handle this anymore. How would you handle this? Remember no matter how much I try to explain what works he dissmisses it.
Hi,
I have the same battle with my Dad. At the end of the day the only person you can control is you. It is your health. It is your body. It is your temple. Tell your Dad he can eat however he may choose, but that you will no longer be eating the way he was raised, nor the way you were, because simply put it makes you feel bad. It is entirely your choice what you will and will NOT put into your temple. I have read the Beauty Detox Solution and I share the information with so many people, some never truly hear me, and it’s their loss! Perhaps one day he will seek your knowledge, perhaps not. Whatever you do, be positive and live this day to better yourself. If you really want to get through to him, try new recipes, and tell him post-eating why is was a healthy option! Nothing like healthy, great tasting food to get a point across! The great thing about Kimberly is she teaches proper nutrition based on our human physiology. It is as simple as alkaline and acidity. Stay strong and keep running!
Thanks!
I my goodness, there’s someone who actually doesn’t like tomatoes?! I eat them the way you eat apples – wash and take a bite.
Hi! I am new to the gang, and have to say I am SUPER excited about this new change. I have dealt with stomach issues for 3 years now, I believe, due to unhealthy eating. I am ready to feel healthy and have energy. Just downloaded the book to my Nook, and have enjoyed it. I have been reading over the blog, and feel a little overwhelmed by the foods, what and what not to buy. Jotting things down and starting out slow so maybe I won’t feel like I have to restock my kitchen in one grocery trip. Thank you Kim for your inspiration, and living your life in a way that helps others!!!
Jessica
Lyme disease can affect multiple body systems and produce a range of symptoms. Not all patients with Lyme disease will have all symptoms, and many of the symptoms are not specific to Lyme disease, but can occur with other diseases as well. The incubation period from infection to the onset of symptoms is usually one to two weeks, but can be much shorter (days), or much longer (months to years).“`^
Seriously, if you’re not using potassium supplement yet, you’re missing out on the incredible results!