Finally, the weather across the country is starting to turn a bit cooler and fall vegetables are beginning to sprout. I love the many different foods that each season has to offer! I believe that seasonal food is fresher, tastier and more nutritious than food consumed out of season.
There are so many reasons why eating seasonal food is important. Here are a few:
1) Purchasing locally grown foods helps support local farms and maintains farmland and open space in your community.
2) Local food supports the local economy.
3) Local growers can tell you how the food was grown.
Eating “seasonal” also provides our bodies with nutrients it needs. For example, ever wonder why during the summer you crave watermelon and salads? Well, as we are outside in warmer temps, we are most likely being more active and thirsty as a result from running around. So, it makes sense that foods like watermelon, berries and cucumbers are hydrating. And then when the weather cools down, we probably crave fewer melons and salads. And our bodies gravitate toward warming foods such as vegetable soup, stews, grains, nuts, and avocado (well my body always loves avocado regardless of the season!). When we eat seasonally, consuming fruits and vegetables at the time nature gives them to us, our bodies benefit by becoming stronger, healthier, and happier.
Here are some great fall fruits and veggies and recipes to add to your table as the calendar moves us forward. Click here for a kale and apple smoothie that won’t disappoint you. Want to warm up your home and heart during the cooler days, click here for hearty roasted root vegetables. Looking for a healthy sweet. Try clicking here for a healthy apple crisp.
Want to learn more ways to eat healthy as the seasons get underway, contact me at rachel@livehealthynyc.com I am always happy to hear from you!