Tips and tricks on eating healthy in Searcy

Eating healthy food while in college can be a challenge, and sometimes the problem stems (no pun intended) from not knowing where to get fresh produce or healthy snacks. From Searcy to Bradford, White County is full of places to find healthy options.
Senior nutrition and dietetics major Adeline Johnson tried to make a concentrated effort to make healthy choices while in college.
“Eating natural foods is so important because it really does make you feel more energetic and better overall,” Johnson said. “I have found random ways to eat healthy whether that is choosing wheat over white bread, eating a salad, drinking water instead of soda, or including vegetables as a side.”
Healthier eating may start with getting fresh ingredients to cook, or it may just mean making healthier choices in the cafeteria and restaurants. Either way, White County has many options for those seeking a healthy lifestyle.
When looking to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, the Searcy Certified Farmers’ Market is the perfect place to go.
Bright peppers bursting with color and flavor, fresh fruits and vegetables piled high looking more like art than food ­— the farmers’ market has a wide variety of produce from vendors all across White County.
The market is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon and Tuesday from 3 to 6 p.m. and is located on the east side of the White County Courthouse in downtown Searcy.
Another one of White County’s best resources for fresh produce is Five Acre Farms, which was started in Bradford, Ark., in 2010 by Brandon and Cat Gordon. They work hard to provide quality, locally grown produce for many Searcy businesses, like Burrito Day, Good Measure Market and the Natural Food Store.
Kari Fox, one of Burrito Day’s owners, said they love working with Five Acre Farms to bring fresh, healthy food to the community.
“We buy local because we want to support our community and it is essentially investing in your own town,” Fox said. “The products are organic, full of flavor and harvested right before being delivered to our doorstep.”
Five Acre Farms also delivers fresh produce to Good Measure Market, a specialty grocery store that came to Searcy in 2013. For people with dietary restrictions or a desire to eat better, Good Measure is the motherland of all things health food.
Senior Makensie Cobb followed a paleo diet for 16 months, and she said she found many accommodating options at Good Measure, which sells minimally processed pre-made meals and side dishes, perfect for the on-the-go college student.
“Their premade meals are an easy way to get quick, healthy food,” Cobb said. “They typically contain a protein and a starch, and have many different options for dietary needs such as Paleo and gluten free.”
The farmers market, Five Acre Farms and Good Measure all sell products that promote healthful diets. Buying fresh produce from local farms and stores is a special way to invest in your community while also investing in your health.