Posted on 10/7/2016
One of the healthiest trends in recent years is purchasing organic food. Simply stated, organic food is defined as produce or other ingredients that do not include, use of deadly pesticides, synthetic fertilizers made from chemicals, genetically altered organisms or have received ionizing radiation treatments. To most this healthy eating trend sounds like a "no brainer". Organic food also does not include meat, poultry, eggs or other dairy products that have received growth hormones or dangerous antibiotics. Trend setting Destin has embraced organic food for healthier eating for many years and here at Ocean Reef Resorts we are happy to share some of our go-to place for our visiting guests searching for organic options.
In Destin one of the most established stores is appropriately called the Feelin' Good Health Food Store. They first opened back in 1986 so they are now celebrating their thirtieth year anniversary. Feelin' Good has an impressive selection of organic food and gluten free items for the promotion of good culinary health. A Florida licensed, knowledgeable Nutritionist Professional is on staff to answer any questions about healthy eating. This nutritionist is also available for individual consultations and more in depth analysis of your physical needs. Feelin'Good also has beauty aids, body building supplements, energy products, special herbs, natural remedies, weight loss products and vitamins. They sell "Juicer Machines" with recipes for popular healthy fruit or vegetable drinks. Their favorite combination, which is available for sale, includes kale, beets, carrots and red apples.
Fresh Market has long been established as an alternative grocery that provides outstanding usually locally grown produce with organic vegetables, luscious fruit, fresh meats that are not frozen, seafood, an awesome deli and bountiful bakery. Their produce is featured in an intimate beautiful casual setting that is dazzling to behold due to size and quality. They are also known for bunches of roses at affordable prices, complimentary fresh brewed coffee and friendly service. The Fresh Market in Destin is located one block north of the Emerald Coast Parkway.
Whole Foods Market has recently had a grand opening at their new store beside Destin Commons. This officially brings their passion for food and commitment to high quality standards to the Emerald Coast. Whole Foods has been recognized nationally for their high standards regarding produce, meats, seafood and customer service. They define quality by evaluating all ingredients to insure freshness, safety, taste, nutritive value and appearance of all their products. These standards represent the highest quality of natural and organic produce available, going to extraordinary lengths to satisfy, delight and nourish their customers. Besides the high quality of their products along with excellent friendly service in an inviting atmosphere their competitive pricing provides a good value. Whole Foods rewards farmer "partners" who work hard to protect the environment, provide healthily grown produce, and eliminate harmful chemicals. Specific pesticides on many crops have been identified by scientists as being a high health risk but are still commonly used in conventional agriculture today. However such crops are not purchased by Whole Foods who commonly work with farmers who are producing locally grown organic methods of growth and production. They also do not offer food that has received radiation or have used municipal bio-solids within three years of growth.
Along South Walton's Scenic 30A you will find Blue Mountain Beach, which is more of a residential community than a real town and is somewhat Bohemian in makeup. It also is home to the area's oldest Health Food Store that is aptly named For the Health of It. This friendly place could be right at home in northern California but sits right here on Scenic 30A. They specialize in the finest certified organic produce available and represent mostly locally grown food items. They also offer a huge variety of alternative food choices for allergy sufferers, nutritional substances, vitamins, herbs, protein powders, natural supplements and homeopathic remedies. For the Health of It has a Tropical Juice Bar featuring refreshing smoothies that are custom made to order with nutritional ingredients that create a delicious delight. They also feature organic products from locals such as Honey Hutch Tupelo Honey, Veronica's Health Crunch, Raw and Juicy's Raw Food Treats, Nature's Grass Fed Beef, La Loba's Fine Baked Goods and Soap Peddlers Organic Body Soaps. Besides fulfilling your organic needs they have the area's oldest Massage Therapy Clinic with six licensed Massage Therapists available on site in four serene lovely treatment rooms.
The original Seaside Farmer's Market is located right in this iconic town's center in the heart of Scenic 30A and has been around for many years. This year round open air exposition is held on Saturdays, rain or shine from 9AM till 1:00 PM. Locals display their wares that include fresh farm raised free range eggs, USDA Certified Organic chicken, grass fed beef, homegrown vegetables, a variety of fruit, local honey, milk, dairy products including cheese, baked breads, raw and gluten free items, organic scented soaps as well as handcrafted jewelry.
Not to be outdone, a new weekly Farmers Market is now held in Rosemary Beach every Sunday from 9AM till 2PM as well as on Thursdays from 9AM till 2PM. This event is located at Barrett Square in the center of this charming nouveau Dutch Colonial Tropics inspired village at the far eastern end of Scenic 30A. They represent the best of locally grown farm fresh eggs, fruits, vegetables, beef, chicken local gulf caught seafood, freshly baked artisan breads, homemade pastas, and beautiful fresh cut flowers.
Here at Ocean Reef Resorts we wish you all the best for healthy culinary choices. Remember our fine vacation rentals on the beach, luxury condos and cozy beach homes feature full kitchens to create your own wonderful fresh family feast. They are located beside the sugary shores of Destin, in Miramar Beach and all along Scenic 30A in South Walton. Bon Appétit and good eating!
