The future looks bright for anyone who tries to think globally, but eat locally.

At least that's the forecast from diet and nutrition experts surveyed by WebMD on the top food trends in 2008.

The locavore movement -- opting for locally grown and produced foods -- tops their list as the hottest trend on the horizon.

In fact, experts predict that locavorism will go mainstream this year, making it easier to find locally sourced products at our grocery stores, as well as farmers' markets.

Not bad, considering that the term "locavore" was coined only two years ago.

It's easy to understand why many of us have adopted an "eat local" preference. It not only ensures that food tastes fresher, but it leaves a smaller ecological footprint than, say, importing strawberries from Peru.

While ultra-strict locavores eat foods grown or raised within a 100-mile radius, that's too extreme for the average person. At least it's too extreme for someone like me, who can't really imagine life without coffee or chocolate cupcakes.

Still, given a choice, I'd much rather buy tomatoes that come from a nearby farm instead of some agri-conglomerate.

Apparently, the locavore trend dovetails with other interests and priorities that are turning up on our collective radar. For instance:

• Most us are increasingly concerned about food safety in the wake of last year's scares. From E. coli-tainted California spinach to poisoned pet food in any number of national brands, it's easy to see how locally grown foods reduce the risk of mass-produced and mass-marketed foodstuffs.

• We want foods made with ingredients that are simple and recognizable. Personally, I'm more sensitive to what I read on food labels. And if I can't pronounce something, I'm definitely wary about eating it.

• Locavore challenges and dinner parties are increasingly popular. From week-long challenges to year-long adventures, people are experimenting with the concept. Check out the Eat Local Challenge website for more information.