If you’re looking to change your eating habits by integrating a variety of fresh, local ingredients into your diet, you’re making the right step towards positive health! Local farmers markets are the perfect place to buy fresh vegetables and fruit! Here are some tips on what to buy at market.
Local berries are unrivaled. The berry season is usually very short, but it is very sweet. You’ll see blueberries, marionberries, strawberries, and blackberries at local farmers markets during the summer months. If you’re looking to lose weight, berries can be a great dessert idea and are the perfect alternative to fatty dessert ideas. They also make great snacks for the middle of the day and can even be topped on your cereal or yogurt before you head out the door in the morning.
Standard carrots are everywhere at your local grocery store chain, but when you go to a local farmers market, you’ll see fresh carrots everywhere – not just orange, but other colors as well, including white and purple! Carrots are full of antioxidants and vitamins and make great snacks.
There’s nothing better than a fresh-picked tomato! They’re full of flavor and won’t ever compare to the boring grocery store tomatoes that have been sitting there for a long time.
Local asparagus is always a treat! Oftentimes the asparagus you see in the store has been sprayed with pesticide, which can impact the taste and even shorten the shelf life of the vegetables. Asparagus season is short-lived, so get it fast.
Peaches are at their peak of ripeness during the midsummer. These are another food that is commonly sprayed with pesticides, so getting it from a local source that you can ask about their pesticide practice is great. Local peaches are incredibly sweet and juicy and also make a great dessert option.
Not all farmers markets will have beef available for sale, but if your market does, this is a great place to buy it. Ask if the animal was grass-fed and find out information about how the animal was raised. Happy cows usually make happier, tastier meat.
Farmers markets are full of amazing organic products and foods. Take time to walk through and check out the booths that feature organic items and ask the farmers about their thoughts on pesticides and their growing practices.
Eating whole, natural foods is an important part of making a positive difference in your health. Try to avoid processed foods or other things that have high sugar or fat content. These will just weigh you down and zap your energy level. Changing your eating habits will help you take charge of your health in a better way!
Looking to change the way you nourish your body? Our naturopaths are ready to help you reimagine your diet with nutritional counseling to get you moving in the right direction. Contact us today!
