Having begun the new year with the firm resolve to lose weight and get into better shape, I am always looking for new sources of nutritious food. For the past month I have strictly followed Elizabeth Arnott’s Detox Lifestyle Eating Program. I have lost 6 kilos and I feel wonderful. Has it been hard?
Most of the time, no it hasn’t. Although many foods are on the “restricted” list, there are still a lot of delicious ones on the “recommended” list. And with Elizabeth’s cookbook, it is easy to fix flavorful meals and still stay within the guidelines.
However, I have decided to moderate the diet for the next month. I will have the odd cup
Linda and Joanna
of coffee, alcoholic drink, piece of chicken, plate of eggs and serving of cheese I will continue to stay away from all wheat products, refined sugar and red meat. If the pounds don’t keep coming off, I will be back at it hardcore in March.
I started out this post by saying that I am ever on the lookout for new places to buy healthy food. I shop at my neighborhood outdoor market for most items, and I must admit that I kind pooh-poohed the idea that fresher produce could be found. But, not for the first time, I was wrong.
The Merida Slow Food Market is a weekly event where organic food growers and local 
food artisans have an opportunity to shop their wares. I have managed to stay away from the specialty French and Italian breads, but Jorge is an avid aficionado. Everyone says that the focaccia, croissants, baguette, tarts and so on are to die for… Our little friend Pricilla told Jorge that she loves them!
But there is also just-picked produce and fresh cheeses; there are organic eggs and meat – lots of items that my local market has never stocked and doubtfully ever will.
Another thing I must fess up to is that I believed the Slow Food Market was an initiative 
started by and patronized by only foreigners. That is simply not true. I saw lots of local people, both buying and selling.
Although the concept may have come from international sources, it has been embraced and I expect to see more and more of my neighbors buying there on Saturday mornings.
Maggie and Andy
My husband, daughter and son-in-law (and their little
The Little Girl Tree
dog Andy) enjoyed the market as did other families. As I sat with my friend Linda drinking a delicious cup of coffee, we saw a young father walking by with his two daughters riding on his shoulders.
“Look… a little girl tree!” someone else said, and yes… that is what it looked like!
I think that any community is enriched by new people. They bring fresh ideas and 
enthusiasm. The Slow Food Market is such a project. It is in full swing every Saturday from 9 am – 1 pm… but come early because the good stuff goes fast!
The location is: Avenida Reforma (calle 72) por Avenida Colon, Centro Comercial Colon García Ginerés
I love the offerings at The Slow Food Market. It’s important for people to know it is on the residential street running parallel north of Colon and west of 72 Reforma called 33D. This is where the Platos Rotos restaurant is located. Parking is easy in the huge lot where many go to pay for their CFE or Japay bills. There is a new Italian Restaurant on the corner of Reforma and 33D. People can get a bit confused trying to find it the first time.
You’re right Nancy… it can confusing for people coming to the market for the first time because of the one way streets. Take a trial run. You want to get on to Avenida Cupules, heading west. At Reforma,turn left. Go a short distance and you’ll be at Calle 33D. Turn right and park wherever you can. There’s also the parking lot for that
I’m so glad you wrote this! I missed it on my last trip and was curious to see how it’s evolved.
We’ll go for coffee and one of those lovely pastries next time you’re here
Oh yeah…those chocolate croissants are the best I’ve ever had outside of France!
Ah la belle France! I love it there too. I haven’t tried the croissants at the Slow Food market but Jorge agrees they are delicious!