Savor Summer's Harvest—Safely
I love summer time for the fresh fruits and vegetables. People have stopped me and asked what they should eat given new reports of a widespread Cyclospora outbreak, a parasite that has been linked to contaminated fresh produce in several states. Diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and fatigue are all what has been reported. This is definitely not something I want to get! But, if you listen to our health officials, while they continue investigating the source, they are not recommending that people avoid fruits and vegetables altogether. Instead, they encourage us to practice good food safety while continuing to enjoy these incredibly nourishing foods. One of the greatest gifts of intuitive eating is learning to trust our bodies while also respecting them. That means nourishing ourselves with the abundance that summer offers without letting fear take over.
For me, summer eating has never been about following a "beach body" diet. It's about taking advantage of foods that are at their seasonal best. I love the perfectly ripe tomatoes and the juicy flavorful peaches. I love making a colorful salad filled with local vegetables. These foods nourish not only our bodies but also our senses.
That said, this is also a good reminder that healthy eating isn't just about what we eat, it's also about how we care for our food.
A few simple habits can go a long way:
Wash your hands before preparing meals.
Rinse all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under cool running water, even those with peels you don't eat, like melons.
Use a clean produce brush for firm vegetables such as cucumbers or potatoes.
Keep washed produce separate from raw meat, poultry, and seafood to avoid cross-contamination.
Refrigerate cut fruits and vegetables promptly.
These aren't restrictive rules. They're simple acts of self-care.
I also encourage clients not to let scary headlines push them back toward food fear. Diet culture has spent years teaching us to distrust food. Intuitive eating teaches us something very different: gather information, make thoughtful choices, and move forward without anxiety.
No food carries a guarantee. There are occasional recalls involving lettuce, berries, eggs, peanut butter, and even frozen foods. The goal isn't to eliminate risk completely, that's impossible. The goal is to stay informed, practice reasonable precautions, and continue eating a varied, nourishing diet.
Summer is far too beautiful to spend worrying about every bite. So, continue to visit the farmers' market. Fill your plate with colorful produce. Enjoy watermelon on the beach, berries with breakfast, grilled vegetables at dinner, and peaches for dessert. Let food remain a source of pleasure, nourishment, and connection.
Healthy eating has always been about balance, not perfection. This summer, let both guide your choices. Enjoy the season, respect your food, and trust that small, mindful habits can help keep both your body and your peace of mind healthy.