Transforming Health with Microgreens: A Journey of Nutritional Empowerment

Gail's move from a corporate career to running a full-time microgreens business has underscored the crucial role that health plays—especially on a personal level, because she doesn't show up for work, there's no one else to fill in!  This blog post explores how microgreens are more than just a crop to grow; they're a powerful tool for health improvement, a key player in the world of functional foods, and an ally for those seeking sustainable health changes.

Gail's first real boss told her something that still sticks with her today, "With a lever you can move the world."  As a girl in a guys industry, physical strength was important, and where she wasn't strong, a lever was very often just the tool she needed!  In similar fashion, microgreens can be a lever for health improvement—a theme that resonates with the culinary industry's shift toward functional foods. These nutrient-dense greens offer targeted nutritional benefits that go beyond traditional calorie-counting that come with unique, intense, and enjoyable flavors as well! With every sprinkle of cilantro or radish microgreens on a dish, consumers are enhancing flavors and adding a powerful tool that will help them along on their own health journey.

The move from corporate life to self-employment brought Luke and Gail face-to-face with the stark reality of personal health responsibility. As self-employed farmers, staying healthy is mission-critical, impacting both their professional success and personal well-being. This perspective aligns with a broader industry trend: empowering people to take charge of their own health—often using microgreens as a helpful tool!

The health care sharing ministry experience that Luke and Gail opted for, rather than purchasing traditional health insurance, further emphasized the financial connection between health and productivity. This realization isn't unique to them; it's a story shared by countless small business owners who understand the direct impact of health on their livelihood. 

As microgreens gain popularity, the role of education becomes increasingly important. Two of the most common questions we hear are, "What are microgreens," and "What do we do with microgreens?" Farmers and producers are tasked with building their communities which often means educating folks on these two questions.  What seems like common knowledge to us now, because we're in the microgreens industry, may not be so obvious to a lot of people who encounter our products in a retail or restaurant setting—so it's our job to make sure when they see microgreens on a dish at their favorite restaurant, or on the shelf at Hillside Farms or Hilltop Farms Marketplace... they immediately recognize them, know what they are, and have at least a basic understanding of why they're so awesome!  

Health goals can often feel overwhelming, especially at the start of a new year. However, taking small, manageable steps can lead to significant improvements. Microgreens’ versatility makes them ideal for these incremental changes, like creating a low-or-no-sugar dinner plan. This practical approach aligns with consumer needs, offering hassle-free ways to incorporate health-enhancing foods into busy lifestyles.  It works because we're not removing flavor, we're just swapping out an unhealthy source or flavor, like sugar, with a healthy source that offers a variety of different options, like savory, tangy, spicy, etc. 

• Explore Accountability Resources Gail is a total data geek and LOVES data.  After all, you can't change what you don't track, right?  You'd think all the apps available out there would be helpful in monitoring whether or not you're keeping your commitments, however, Gail found it much more helpful to print out a check list each month and use good old fashioned red and black markers to note whether she did the work each day.  There's nothing like an in-your-face visual to hold yourself accountable!  So, get your greens, do some meal prep, and start checking off those boxes!
• Emphasize Nutritional Empowerment As you plan for the New Year, integrate microgreens into your resolutions as a simple, nutrient-packed resource for health improvement.  Instead of missing out on flavors that don't serve you... i.e.... things packed with sugar, try out a microgreens mix to see what sort of flavors are available to dress up your dishes.  You'd be surprised at just how much of a punch is packed into these tiny by mighty microgreens!

By embracing the flexibility, practicality, and nutritional power of microgreens, we can all take steps toward a healthier, more balanced lifestyle and we invite you to join us in making microgreens a cornerstone of your health journey.