From Chips to Cherry Tomatoes: Finding Blance at Every Stage of Life
My mother has always eaten chips with her sandwiches—never with a salad. She calls them “chippies” with such affection you might think they’re health food. Apparently, it runs in the family, because my son and daughter do the exact same thing.
I try not to cringe as they crunch away. Outwardly, I’m calm; inwardly, I’m screaming, “Don’t you see how bad this is? It’s processed junk!” I “subtly” place a plate of freshly cut carrots, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes nearby, hoping they’ll reach for the rainbow instead of the ruffles. Sometimes it works. Sometimes… not so much. And I remind myself—a little junk won’t ruin them. Balance is the goal, not perfection.
Over time, I’ve learned my best “food persuasion” moments aren’t about lecturing but modeling. One of the ways I model a healthier, healing approach to eating is by shopping at local farmers markets.
There’s something magical about walking through one. Summer offers heirloom tomatoes in every shade of red and yellow, cucumbers that smell like the field, baskets of berries so sweet they barely make it home, and golden ears of corn. Fall brings crisp apples, hearty squash, and broccoli still on the stalk.
When my kids were younger, if they helped choose the food, they naturally ate more of it—no coaxing needed. Now that they’re older, they automatically cook with the fresh fruits and vegetables they’ve picked out themselves (I like to think my long game here made a difference!).
Beyond flavor, farmers market produce supports the body through every stage of life:
Young adulthood: Still building bone density and muscle mass, the body thrives on the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants fresh produce provides for strong immunity and steady energy.
Midlife: Hormonal shifts can affect metabolism, digestion, and mood. Seasonal produce offers fiber for gut health, phytonutrients for cell repair, and flavors that help you reconnect with food in a joyful way.
Menopause and beyond: Nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables can support heart health, reduce inflammation, preserve muscle, and help stabilize mood.
Farmers markets also encourage intuitive eating—making food choices from curiosity and pleasure rather than rules. Instead of thinking, “I should eat more vegetables because they’re good for me,” you might think, “I want that peach because it smells like sunshine.” That’s when healthy habits stick—when they’re rooted in enjoyment, not obligation.
If you’re inspired to explore, you can find local markets almost anywhere both in the US and abroad. Just google local farmers markets near me.
So yes, chips still make appearances at our table. But now they often sit alongside a bowl of fresh local produce. And that feels like a balance I can live with . As a licensed Clinical Behavioral Therapist and Intuitive Eating Counselor, I’m here to support you. If you’d like to explore working together, feel free to reach out at rachel@livehealthynyc.com.