Seasonal eating. It’s a part of fall, winter, spring and summer many look forward to. All things apple, pumpkin, squash, berry, tomatoes. The list goes on and on! Summer in particular offers a vast array of options that tantalize the taste buds and satisfy any grumbling stomach. From sun drenched days to ocean waves, summer is definitely a season we feel and look our best. Another reasons summer is a fan fav is because of its positive impact on our total well-being. During summer often times stress decreases, we get to spend more time with family and we’re more active. But one benefit in particular makes the summer season a little bit sweeter- fresh produce!
Yes, fresh and clean! Picking out fresh produce makes meal planning, and eating healthy a lot easier! High quality ingredients are right at your fingertips. As a matter of fact, we count the days until those farm fresh fruits and veggies are ripe for the pickin’. Got a picky eater? No worries there. Buying seasonal fruits and vegetables is a sure fire way to please even the pickiest of eaters and expand their tastebuds while you’re at it. Selecting produce that’s at its peak, also provides a variety of vitamins and nutrients that aren’t always available. A new season means new opportunities to sink your teeth into nutrient rich fruits and vegetables that’ll keep you energized all day long.
Eating seaonally also contributes to your overall wellness. Plus plucking those “just picked” items off the shelf gives you variety. Another awesome benefit of eating what’s in-season. Eating the same thing over and over, never delivers results. You become bored with your eating habits and more likely to give in to temptation.
That’s why it’s important to understand how seasonal eating fosters healthy habits that keep giving back, month after month. Focusing on what’s ripe, fresh and ready also delivers the gives you the biggest nutritional bang for your buck! Variety in nutrition ensures your body is getting everything it needs to function at its best.
Now the question is, where to begin? Take a look around. If you’re lucky enough to live near a fruit, vegetable or farmers’ stand then look no further! Your meal solution is simple and so smart. Seasonal eating helps you focus on creating meals and consuming fruits and vegetables that’ll ignite your senses and get you excited to shop. Ruby red tomatoes, sweet watermelon and dark greens. All at their prime and chock ful of vitamins, minerals and high quality taste.
Let’s check out a few more reasons you should have “farmer’s market” on your to-do list this week.
1. Food at Its Freshest
If you’ve ever gone to the grocery store expecting to pick out the freshest fruits and vegetables only to find them mushy, bland or spoil quickly once you bring them home you know how frustrating it is. Not to mention that produce can be a bit pricey. It’s so frustrating and can derail your entire weekly menu.
it’s not your fault or the grocer for that matter, it’s simply because fruits and vegetables are better during certain seasons. It’s way too hard to find a ripe, delicious cantaloupe in the middle of winter. Even the ones imported from warmer climates just aren’t the same as the melons you pick off a local fruit stand. It’s a fact. And also why understanding the ins and outs of what’s stocked throughout the year is important.
That’s where seasonal eating comes into play. Eating foods at their harvest ensures high quality nutrition and taste. Just think about it. Summer is here and vegetables are at their peak. It’s time to grab a basket and head to the garden or farmer’s stand. A few vegetables we absolutely love right now are tomatoes and peppers- both so versatile. You can use them in homemade sauces, slice them for a juicy lean burger, dice them for a quick and healthy lunch salad or simply toss them in your favorite pot of jambalaya. The list goes on and on.
Fresh wins every time. It’s not just about making great meals, it’s about developing an appreciation for what’s clean, healthy and delicious! Other benefits of eating food at its freshest include higher quality nutrients, improved digestion, and mouth-watering flavor. Close your eyes and envision a ripe, juicy watermelon. Isn’t it delicious! Or what about a fresh tomato and mozzarella salad. Yum! Can’t ask for much more can you?
2. A Healthier You
One of the main reasons seasonal eating rocks is because of the nutrients and health benefits it provides. Stocking your kitchen with fresh fruits and vegetables means you’re providing your family with a variety of quick and healthy snack and meal options that’ll support their energy and reinforce that sustainable, healthy lifestyle.
Guaranteed you’ll feel awesome when you see your kids reaching for those “just picked” peaches, strawberries, and veggies for a mid-afternoon snack! Keeping fresh produce on hand is also an easy and fantastic way to create meals. Grilling chicken? Yum! Round out that meal with grilled zucchini skewers you just snagged from the local farmers market. The possibilities are endless when shopping fresh and clean.
More specific benefits of seasonal fruits and vegetables include-
- Dark fruits- berries, plums, and strawberries to name a few are proven to help reduce the risk of inflammation, stroke and heart disease
- Summer vegetables- zucchini, kale, cucumber and spinach are fabulous choices that provide immunity and support bone health
Other benefits? When your plate is full of color there’s no doubt you’re consuming high quality nutrition! Hooray for you! Don’t forget, fresh fruits and vegetables have the most antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients when grown in the right conditions. Therefore, picking summer produce at its prime ensures the biggest bang for your nutritional buck!
You’ll feel better, look amazing and will have stamina to make it through your hectic day.
3. Eating for Your Neighbor
Eating seasonally also means supporting your neighbor and making better choices for our economy. Sustainable farming is huge and popping up everywhere. And to ensure this great source sticks around it’s up to us to support hem. Eat locally. Pretty easy right? What’s best is the food you buy from your local farmers cut out the middle man. They’re less processed, use fewer pesticides and keep costs low. All of which make prepping, shopping and cooking a whole lot better.
Have a question about your what you’re eating? No problem there. When shopping locally, farmers and producers are able to tell you exactly where your food is coming from, and how it’s grown. Forget questionable transport and lists of ingredients. Choosing to buy seasonally and locally always leads you down a path to better health.
Some of Coopersburg’s local farmer markets and stands-
Fostering Healthy Habits
As parents and individuals we’re constantly trying to create the best life for ourselves and of course, our families.That’s hard work! But tapping into local resources and healthier food choices year-round helps create a sustainable lifestyle.True, this article focuses on summer produce but keeping these tips in mind year round, not only develops healthy habits, but also creates an appreciation for our community.
If you’re trying to guess what’s in season when, stop right there. You can pinpoint the best time to pick your fruits and vegetables on tables, and charts like this one from US foods. That way you’re always on top of what’ll taste best and give you the most nutrients all year long.
Health and nutrition always go hand-in-hand. It’s important to choose variety, clean and fresh ingredients now and always. The bottom line is if you want the best for your family, a chance to foster a lifestyle of healthy habits, and reap the benefits of a wholesome diet, then eating seasonally is the way to go.Your body, mind and community will thank you!
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