100 Mile Dieters

While many readers will be perusing this newspaper over a cup of steaming hot coffee or a mug of Earl Grey, a good number of folks in the region will today wake up, hit the kitchen in search of a hot bevvy, and then remember the new, decaffeinated normal.

When Waterloo's Healing Centre for Naturopathic Medicine held a meeting in late May to see if they could round up 100 people to eat food solely grown within 100 miles of their home for 100 days this summer, naturopaths Rachel Vandenberg and Michael Torreiter weren't sure they'd find enough enthusiasts.

Nevermind that. They had to turn people away from the info session and then schedule a second. In the end, a few hundred people have committed to three-plus months of local eating.

And while they won't be indulging in margaritas on the deck, popcorn at the movies or ice cream at the DQ this summer, I suspect these folks will instead discover the joys of homemade popsicles, minty herbal tea and potato chips made the old-fashioned way. Along with that, no doubt, will come a new appreciation for just how much effort -- and organization -- is required when you can't eat anything pre-packaged.

I thought it would be fun to follow a few people to see how they fare on the 100 mile diet. Today, you'll meet three sets of participants and find out how they've been readying themselves for Day 1. I'll check back in with them in late August, at Day 50, and again on Day 100, as they celebrate Thanksgiving.

Perhaps those of you indulging in all things from all places this summer will gain new perspective on what grows within 161 kilometres of your doorstep. As for those of you also taking part, maybe you'll find inspiration and ideas. No doubt, you'll also find a couple of friendly faces with whom you can commiserate.

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Elliot Fung and Amy Poth-Fung and sons, Spencer, 3-1/2 and Grayson, 15 months.

Elliot works at RIM and sits on Wilmot Township Council; Amy is a teacher in Ayr. Part of what made the challenge doable for this family is that much of the 100 days would fall while Amy was on summer holidays and able to dedicate some time and effort to sourcing and preparing food.

Where: New Dundee

Already craving: "Amy will miss olive oil," says Elliot. "We go through a lot of olive oil. And we eat a lot of bananas in this house so that'll be tough."

How they got ready: Doubling their backyard vegetable garden, clearing out the pantry and lots of research on the internet.

Happy discoveries: Lyndon Fish Hatcheries is just blocks away and Elliot drives past Herrle's Country Farm Market en route to work every day.

Potential snags: "I don't think the kids will notice a difference because they eat what we eat," says Elliot. "But if we're at the cottage and everyone goes for an ice cream, Amy and I won't but Spencer won't understand why he can't. We'll probably just let him have it. We're not too concerned about that."

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Maureen Whyte

A 44-year-old singleton with a very busy lifestyle, Maureen works full-time for the region, part-time for a transport company, takes a couple of courses and volunteers for two organizations. As such, she's been known to eat a 10 p.m. dinner or two of homemade nachos.

Where: Kitchener

Already craving: Martinis with olives, freshly ground pepper. Also: "I'm psyching myself up for no tea."

How she got ready: A veggie patch in the backyard, an herb bed -- including a curry plant -- and creating some room in the freezer.

Happy discoveries: Oakridge Acres Country Meat Store in Ayr, grapeseed oil from Joseph's Winery in Niagara and flour from Tavistock's Oak Manor Farms.

Potential snags: Family dinners. "My mom's not quite understanding why I'd want to do this. Instead of going there, she'll just have to come to my house."

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Anita and Brian Wagner and sons Michael, 16, and Nick, 14

Anita, an RN at an oral surgeon's office, is the only one in the family excited for the challenge. She's always been interested in local meat and dairy products and doesn't feel it will be a huge stretch. The men in the family are less enthusiastic. Husband Brian, who works as a manager for a company that supplies Toyota, will be fine as long as he's eating food prepared at home by Anita. Same goes for the teenagers. When asked why they're participating, the boys mumble, "'Cuz Mom's making us."

Where: Kitchener

Already craving: Twice-a-day coffee and smoothies that include pineapple juice and almond milk for Anita. The boys will miss Cookie Crisp cereal, chocolate bars, Pepsi ("But it says, 'Made in Mississauga!' ")and their morning glass of OJ.

How they got ready: Stocking up through Bailey's Local Foods, making room in the freezer and buying a pasta maker.

Happy discoveries: Local health food stores, Our Farmer's Choice on Courtland Avenue in Kitchener and the farmers' markets.

Potential snags: "I have no idea what he eats all day," says Anita of Brian, who's often dines out on the go. At the very least, he'll be eating locally in the morning and at dinner.