In these challenging times, a strong economy and a strong body are important goals. Did you know that you can support your own metabolic health by eating locally produced food, helping create better health and a more sustainable local food supply?
Research shows that eating a whole, minimally processed foods with little or no added sugar can help with weight management, reduction in chronic disease, and even enhance mental well-being. For individuals with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, adopting this approach may even put their condition into remission.
And here's the good news: this type of food is often found from local farmers and small producers, rather than big food companies making ultra-processed food in distant factories. It's win-win!
The Impact of Type 2 Diabetes on BC residents and Provincial Economy
Type 2 diabetes is a growing problem across Canada and around the globe. Since this website is in British Columbia, we will focus our examples on BC food and on the BC type 2 diabetes epidemic. But similar trends, and solutions, apply to all locations. Seek out local, minimally processed foods in your region. In BC, nearly one in three people in the province have diabetes or prediabetes. The economic burden of diabetes in Canada exceeds $30 billion annually, with BC shouldering a significant portion of these costs in increasing healthcare expenses and lost productivity.
Evidence now shows that reducing sugar intake and avoiding foods that rapidly convert to sugar can help individuals achieve remission from type 2 diabetes. A whole foods diet, emphasizing local foods, is a simple and effective strategy for achieving better health.
Take Action for Your Health and Community
By choosing locally produced foods, you can support local farmers, strengthen the economy, improve your health, reduce the need for medications, and potentially achieve remission of type 2 diabetes or reverse prediabetes.
A Simple Approach to Healthy Eating
Eating for better health and to lower blood sugar can be as easy as 1-2-3:
Pick a Protein – Prioritize protein at every meal. Choose from high-quality local sources like eggs, dairy, beef, pork, poultry, fish, seafood, or tofu.
Add Vegetables – Load your plate with nutrient-dense, above-ground vegetables, including local leafy greens, peppers, cucumbers, broccoli, cauliflower, and tomatoes. In winter, look for hot-house option or check out the freezer aisle.
Enjoy Healthy Fats and Delicious Berries – Use butter or olive oil to enhance flavor and include local berries (fresh or frozen) for added nutrition, flavor and satisfaction.
Here are some BC Foods to eat for a strong body and a strong economy!
(If you are not in BC, what foods are grown or produced near you?)
Berries
Berries are a nutritious, low-sugar fruit. BC is a leading producer of berries, especially blueberries, supplying both national and international markets. Out of season, look for frozen BC berries. In growing season, fresh berries will be widely available in grocery stores and farmers’ markets.
Vegetables
You can’t go wrong with high-fibre veggies! BC’s greenhouse industry provides fresh, local tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and salad greens year-round. Kale, another nutrient powerhouse, also grows throughout the year. With over 145 farmers’ markets across the province, fresh, local vegetables are always within reach.
Nuts
Nuts provide fibre, vitamins and minerals and heart-healthy fats. BC’s climate supports hazelnuts and walnuts, offering delicious nutritious local options.
Dairy
Dairy is rich in nutrients and protein. Home to approximately 470 dairy farms, BC produces high-quality, dairy products such as milk, cream, cheese, and cottage cheese—all excellent choices for a low-sugar diet.
Eggs
With over 150 egg farms, BC’s supply-managed system ensures a steady source of fresh, nutritious eggs, an excellent protein option for blood sugar control.
Fish and Seafood
BC boasts some of the world’s best seafood. Fresh and frozen salmon, halibut, herring, tuna, and shellfish like oysters, mussels, prawns, and crab are excellent choices for improved metabolic health. Don’t forget high-quality BC canned seafood from local canneries like St. Jean’s Cannery in Nanaimo.
Tofu
Tofu production thrives in BC. Sunrise, Canada’s first tofu producer, was founded in Vancouver in 1958, making tofu a locally rooted and versatile protein source.
Beef, Pork, and Chicken
BC farmers produce high-quality beef, pork, and poultry, ideal for a low-carbohydrate diet. To ensure you’re buying locally sourced meats, check labels in grocery stores or visit your local butcher.
Bottom line: Diabetes Remission is Possible Using Locally Produced Foods
Therapeutic nutrition is a term used to describe how food can be used to treat, manage or reverse chronic disease. BC has great food choices to help achieve that goal. For more information on how to put type 2 diabetes into remission or reverse prediabetes using a food-based approach, explore all the resources at:
Or contact the BC-based charity, Institute for Personalized Therapeutic Nutrition (IPTN):
Website: www.therapeuticnutrition.org
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