With Mayo Clinic nutritionists Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.

OK. I came of age in the late '60s and early '70s. Memories include learning words like "ecosystem" and "recycle." I even remember giving a book report in high school biology class on Francis Moore Lappe's "Diet for a Small Planet."

Fast forward to today — terms like "green," "sustainable," "carbon footprint" and "local" are parts of our daily conversations and are making inroads into our lifestyles. Barbara Kingsolver's book "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle'' describing her family's year of eating locally won a 2008 James Beard Award.

Several weeks ago the Slow Food Organization held its convention in San Francisco. It was founded to "counteract fast food and fast life, the disappearance of local food traditions and people's dwindling interest in the food they eat, where it comes from, how it tastes and how our food choices affect the rest of the world."

I don't know what sort of vacuum happened in the 30 to 40 years between then and now, but it's sort of comforting to know that people are once again concerned about the environment and the impact that food selections make on it — as well as on their bodies. I'm beginning to re-think my attitudes about how my food choices impact at a more global level.

Maybe I'm feeling nostalgic, but I'm feeling the passions I haven't felt since those late '60s and early '70s. I'm going to take part in my own "eat local" challenge:  Buy bread from my local baker; meat, dairy and poultry from local farms, and produce from our town's Saturday market. I'll even drink tap water — give up the bottled stuff. I'm curious and excited to see if I can become more of a "locavore."

Sure, bananas are not grown in Minnesota, but we are home of the "honey crisp" apple. Our state is also known for its wild rice. I also know that from a nutrition standpoint food is food — local food may not have more nutrients or be any safer than those from far away. But my goal is to make at least 70 percent of my food selections local. And, in my own way I hope that by becoming more of a locavore the world's resources can be preserved a bit longer.

Are you re-thinking your food choices? You know they impact on your health. But how do your choices impact others — including Mother Nature?

- Jennifer

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