It’s an early weekend morning, and you discover during your daily walk that the local farmer’s market is open. Crowds have flocked to these tents to pursue the local produce stacked on tables. Crisp bunches of kale, garlands of ruby-red tomatoes, squash of all sizes, and more have all become the talk of the town.
Everyone wants to be here. These fruits and vegetables aren’t just not avoided—they’re demanded. And the effect can be seen at the grocery store just as much as at the farmer’s market. So just what is it about fresh, in-season produce that makes the people cheer?
Why In-Season Food is SO Good
It’s about more than just the vibe at the farmer’s market. Fresh, local, and in-season produce can have a lot of benefits:
Tastes Great
You aren’t just imagining it—in-season fruit does taste better. There are a couple of reasons for this. In-season fruits and vegetables ripen naturally before they’re picked and sold, giving them better flavor and more nutrients.
Fresher Quality
Local and in-season foods likely don’t have to travel as long of a distance to get from farm to (your) table. Check the labels of some fruits and veggies you buy year-round—you may be surprised to see they come from different continents. Closer distances also mean less refrigeration for the produce, which can help improve the taste.
Price is Right
Staying local can also help make fruits and veggies more affordable since they don’t have to take a long-haul journey to their destination. In-season also means more of it, which can help drive down prices and make fresh fruits and vegetables more affordable. Your local farmer’s markets may offer bulk options so you can buy some of your favorites at a lower cost per item.
Knowing which foods are in season and where they come from can help make you a more informed consumer, and also help you become more mindful of the food you eat—an important stepping stone on your weight loss journey.
How Eating Seasonally Can Help Support Weight Loss
In addition to these benefits, prioritizing in-season foods can help shift your eating habits to help support your weight loss journey. Here’s how:
Fill Up on the Good Stuff
Fruits and veggies are naturally lower in calories and higher in fiber, especially compared to processed foods. This means having more fresh, in-season fruits and vegetables on your plate can not only help you meet your healthy eating goals but also may help you feel fuller for longer so you don’t mindlessly snack later.
Variety is the Spice of Life
When you eat in-season foods, what you eat will change throughout the year. This can help expose you to a wider variety of fruits and vegetables. Take advantage of this to try some new ingredients to broaden your healthy recipe toolkit. The more fruits and vegetables you try, the more you can like! (And trying them in-season, in our opinion, gives them the best shot at appealing to your palate.)
Fresher Foods = Better Snacks = Better Choices!!
When foods are perfectly ripe and in season, they can be the centerpiece of your diet and even make great snacks. Who needs a processed snack when you can bite into a shiny red apple or toss back fresh cherries instead of potato chips?
Healthy Ideas For Every Season
No matter what season it is, we have healthy ideas for you:
CON-2077-001 5/24